Nominations have opened for the Crufts Hero Dog Awards 2027, after a Welsh teenager and his Staffordshire Bull Terrier won the most recent title.
At the latest Crufts, the Hero Dog title was presented to Logan and his dog Asha. Logan, who lives with cerebral palsy and mitochondrial disease, uses a wheelchair full time and receives ongoing medical care. Asha provides him with emotional support and daily companionship.
The pair received their award in the bp pulse LIVE arena from Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE, along with money for their chosen charity, West Wales Poundies. The following day, Logan took Asha into school, where the whole unit lined the corridors to clap and cheer them.
Logan’s mum, Donna, said: “The love that Logan and Asha received from the community when they won their award was completely overwhelming and something we will treasure forever.
“Through all of this, Asha hasn’t changed one bit. She’s still the incredible girl she’s always been, quietly by Logan’s side, looking after him, keeping him company and being there whenever he needs her.”
For 2027 the awards have a new format, with entries no longer split into separate categories. Eligible dogs include those working in the armed forces, police, RAF, search and rescue or airport security, dogs who have supported their owners through challenging life events, support and assistance dogs, and companions who have changed a family’s life.
Five finalists will each receive a £1,000 donation for their chosen charity and a medal presented at Crufts 2027. The overall winner, voted by the public as ‘The People’s Champion’, will be revealed at the NEC Birmingham and receive an additional £2,000 for their chosen cause. Five other entrants will receive an Honourable Mention and a £100 charity donation.
Jannine Edgar, CEO of The Royal Kennel Club, said: “Every dog has a unique story, and by removing separate categories this year, we are opening the floor so every single canine hero has an equal chance to shine.”
Nominations are open until 31 October 2026 via the Crufts website. Finalists will be revealed in early 2027, ahead of Crufts at the NEC Birmingham from 4–7 March 2027.
