Meet the five remarkable Hero Dogs of Crufts 2026

2026 winner: Asha & Logan

For Logan, Asha isn't just his dog, she's his best friend.

Eight-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Asha is there from the moment Logan wakes up until he goes to sleep. She waits for him after school, stays close when he's feeling unwell and seems to know exactly when he needs a little extra reassurance.

Logan, who lives with cerebral palsy and mitochondrial disease and uses a wheelchair full-time, describes Asha as someone who “knows me better than anyone else”.

Their incredibly close bond saw Asha named Child's Champion finalist and the hearts of the nation - crowning them the overall Hero Dog winner for 2026.

Joey & Ciara- Best Friends

Joey came into Ciara's life when she needed a best friend most.

After losing her 14-year-old sister and later suffering a serious injury, Ciara found herself unable to walk properly, work or do many of the things she'd previously enjoyed.

Then there was Joey.

The three-year-old working cocker spaniel gave Ciara a reason to get outside again, and the pair discovered dog agility together. Little by little, Ciara rebuilt her strength and confidence, with Joey beside her every step (and jump!) of the way.

He's still her biggest cheerleader today as she trains for the London Marathon supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital in memory of her sister.

Tweed & PC Martin King - Extraordinary Life of a Working Dog

Phones, USBs, hard drives… if it's hidden, there's a good chance Tweed can find it.

The 11-year-old springer spaniel made history in 2017 as Europe's first digital detection dog, working alongside PC Martin King with Devon and Cornwall Police.

Since then, she's completed more than 1,000 searches and helped uncover vital evidence in investigations across the UK.

And Tweed's legacy doesn't stop there. Her pioneering work helped pave the way for more digital detection dogs to follow in her pawprints.

Not bad for one very clever nose!

Iggy & Jess - Hero Support Dog

Iggy had a difficult start in life, but his second chapter has been all about helping others.

After being abandoned in Turkey and spending years in rescue, Iggy finally found his home in the UK with Jess in 2024.

Now ten, he regularly visits care homes, women's refuges and community spaces as a therapy dog. His gentle, calming nature has a knack for helping people connect - including people living with dementia.

Despite having mobility challenges himself, Iggy spends his days bringing a little comfort and happiness wherever he goes.

Skittles & Maggie- Rescue Dog Hero

When Maggie first adopted Skittles, she was a nervous young rescue dog who wasn't quite sure what to make of the world.

Fast forward to today and she's barely recognisable.  Skittles now visits schools, nurseries, care homes and community spaces, helping children build confidence and supporting adults and people living with dementia.

And when she's back home, she's still on duty. Skittles can tell when Maggie is about to experience a migraine, sometimes giving her up to 20 minutes' warning to take her medication!