South Australia’s cutest dog revealed: Meet your winner Bentley

Watch the exciting moment an Adelaide reception class finds out its mascot has been named the state’s cutest dog. Meet your 2025 winner.

The teacher’s pet has been crowned South Australia’s cutest dog much to the delight St Agnes Primary School’s reception class.

Holding the class mascot – a stuffed version of her beloved pup Bentley – teacher Hannah Davies told her excited students the important news before unveiling his trophy with the classroom erupting in cheers.

The chocolate border collie who beat out a pack of more than 100 finalists, is more than just a pretty face, he’s also a great companion for children and grandparents alike.

His owner, Ms Davies, 35, said the students were obsessed with hearing about the little pooch

MEET SA’S TOP WINERY DOGS

The Advertiser's Cutest Dog 2025 Bentley from Campbelltown with his winning trophy. Picture: Ben Clark

Ms Davies mother, Sharon, 65, is also one of his biggest fans, and treats him just like “he’s her own”.

But four years ago, the handsome boy, now the state’s top dog, was once the least desired pup of his litter.

Out of eight siblings, he was the last to find his forever home, which “baffled” his Ms Davies who said finding Bentley was a “fated moment”.

“Out of the whole litter, he was exactly the one I would’ve chosen,” she said.

“I’d never had a dog before.

“And it all happened so quickly, but the moment we met, it was like we were meant to be.”

Although not a planned purchase, Ms Davies said he was the “best spontaneous decision she made”.

South Australia’s top dog Bentley and his owner Hannah Davies. Picture: Ben Clark

Bentley’s winning glamour shot. Picture: Supplied

The little furball is also the self-appointed lifeguard of the family, patrolling the pool to ensure no one drowns.

“He can’t relax if someone’s in the pool,” Ms Davies said.

“He circles it like a hawk.”

Bentley had his own “really scary” brush with death on his first birthday after a bad case of pneumonia almost claimed his life.

“The vet said if I did not bring him in when I did, he probably wouldn’t be here today,” Ms Davies said.

Thankfully, Bentley came out of it healthy and strong — and ready to claim his rightful title as SA’s Cutest dog of 2025.

And he joins a special class with Bonnie the Mary MacKillop College’s wellbeing dog who won the 2024 title.

Meet more of your finalists.

Indy, a dolphin’s best friend

We all know that dogs are man’s best friend but what about dolphin’s best friend?

Meet Indy, the tricolour Australian Shepherd, who befriended Flipper while on holiday in Whyalla.

Indy and her dolphin best friend. Picture: Instagram @twobods_andadog

The pair hit it off and would greet each other with the dolphin popping out of the water to say hello.

“Whether she’s exploring the great outdoors, making new friends (on land or in the water), or keeping (us on our) toes, Indy’s energy and excitement for life (is) contagious,” her owner, Callum Beale said.

Mr Beale and his wife, Leanne adopted Indy in 2021 and said she is “the life of the party”.
The trio love exploring South Australia and share their adventures on their Instagram and social media.

“She’s got her own back seat,” Indy’s loving pawrent said.

“(She) is the heart of every adventure.”

Indy is a finalist in The Advertiser's SA's Cutest Dog 2025 competition. Picture: Instagram @indy_on_thego

Indy and horse friend. Picture: Instagram @indy_on_thego

A quick flick through their photos reveals Indy’s sociable nature and “big personality” with the pooch snapped with her doggie daycare pals and even a horse.

“At the dog park, she’s the official welcome committee, racing to the gate to greet every new arrival like they’re an old friend,” Mr Beale said.

A sweet sausage named Lottie

This summer has looked a little different for 23-year-old Charlie Hayes.

While past years have seen her sipping cocktails and socialising, things have changed since she became a full-time mother to her adorable dachshund named Lottie.

Having grown up with plenty of furry-friends, Miss Hayes has always been a dog-person but said taking on her own pup has been a whole new ballpark.

“I take her everywhere I go … but I go out a lot less now,” Miss Hayes said.

“You can’t just be thinking of yourself, you have to be think about her too.

“But, yeah, getting a puppy is a lot of work.”

Charlie Hayes and puppy, Lottie at Brighton Beach. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Lottie loves a walk with human Charlie Hayes at Brighton Beach. Picture: RoyVPhotography

While the tiny pooch has had her fair share of “accidents” and has developed a liking to chewing her mum’s Birkenstocks, Lottie is still the apple of Miss Hayes’ eye and is well and truly becoming accustomed to her “princess” lifestyle.

The Adelaide University law student has even passed on her own name to her new best friend, with ‘Lottie’ being a variation of Miss Hayes’ full name, Charlotte.

Charlie Hayes and Lottie are inseparable. Picture: RoyVPhotography

“I have sausage dog socks, I have a sausage dog T-shirt … definitely this is my child,” the first time mum said.

“I think when you get a dog, you have to research the dog and get a dog that suits your lifestyle.

“She suits mine because they are very dependent and love being around their owners.”