South Australia’s cutest dog competition: Voting closed, winner announced soon
Voting has now closed in the hunt for South Australia’s cutest dog and we will reveal the winner soon.
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Voting has now closed in the search for South Australia’s cutest canine and the winner will be crowned soon.
With their puppy dog eyes, mischievous antics and loyal companionship – there’s no denying dogs are a human’s best friend.
When we called on proud fur parents to nominate their adorable canines and you sure did deliver with more than 300 competing for the title.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHO WAS IN THE LEAD
Last year it was charming groodle Junior from Tennyson who was crowned the state’s cutest pup.
Voting in The Advertiser’s 2024 Cutest Dog Competition closed at 8am on Thursday, April 25.
The winner will be revealed at a later date. Read the full terms and conditions here.
MEET SA’S LEADING 22 DOGS
Albie from Walkerville
After being hit by a car shortly after his first birthday, Albie lost his eye. Despite this, his owner Indya Dodd says he has “taken it on like a trooper”.
“He is faster than most dogs at the dog park and definitely naughtier too,” Ms Dodd said.
Bear from 5037
“He is a new, fun-loving puppy who loves our shoes, kids and my alpaca throw rug,” Chloe Waldron said.
Beno from Peterhead
Four year old Beno is “50kg of pure love”, according to his pawrent, Kelli Lewis.
“He likes to sit at the table with us and love time on the lounge watching TV,” Ms Lewis said.
Blinky from Hallett Cove
“He is a chunky, polite, fluffy socialite and despite missing one eye he isn’t shy in making new four legged friends, even if his short legs can’t keep up,” Grace Kelliher said.
Scroll down to read more about this one-eyed pup who likes to hang out at the pub.
Bonnie from Kensington
Bonnie the cavoodle is the wellbeing dog at Mary MacKillop College.
“Bonnie loves coming to school, has her very own uniform and greets the students at the front gate with a wag of her tail,” Jessica Nelson said.
Bonnie’s school friends had a lot to say about their canine classmate, scroll down to read her story.
Cobba from Eudunda
Clever Cobba is ball obsessed and loves a butt scratch.
“He won the Eudunda show jumping title after clearing 2.2m in 2023 with no prior practice,” Lauren Freeman said.
“Daisy is a 17 month old dogye de bordeaux who comes to work with us, greets customers and loves attention and treats,” Corey Ogg said.
Daisy from Kadina
Social butterfly, Daisy is very popular at the North Adelaide small dog park.
“She loves other dogs,” June Gregg said.
Deuce from Evanston Park
“Deuce is the perfect addition to our little family, he loves to make his presence known by following whoever is up around the house and insisting on cuddles any chance he gets.” Kayla Johnstone said.
Elsie from Belair
Elsie arrived to her furever family on the ferry from Kangaroo Island with nothing but a tiny blanket.
“She is a very smart, brave and cuddly Western Highland Terrier,” Sophie McColl said.
Fergus Nugent from Gilberton
“He is playful, yet lazy, and loves and tummy scratch,” Patrick Nugent said.
Kevin from Prospect
Kevin’s family said he is known as the “local policeman” because he knows everything that happens in the neighbourhood and barks at everything.
Kobe James from Sturt
“Honestly the best dog I’ve ever owned,” Joshua Harris said.
Ladybird from Findon
Known as Birdie, Ladybird has a big heart and an even bigger personality.
“People will often call her an elephant because of her two giant ears, but she doesn’t mind because she loves the attention,” Matthew Holding said.
Milo from Hove
“Milo is mischievous as they come,” said Brittany Hill.
“Whether it’s stealing dishes out the dishwasher or pulling plants out of the garden, you name it, he’s done it!”
Mollydooker from St Marys
“Molly loves playing with tennis balls, providing defence for the basketball in the backyard, and playing mid-off in backyard cricket games,” Denise Cranwell said.
Monte from Two Wells
Monte is a therapy dog who visits schools, childcare centres, funerals and hospitals with his owner Donna Parry.
“Monte is one in a million,” Ms Parry said.
Rupert from Sheidow Park
“Rupert is the goodest boy and loves to follow people everywhere,” Rebecca Bell said.
Scout from Mount Barker
“Many people love Scout and Scout would love to win,” Willow Hatty said.
Tito from Hallett Cove
This super clever toy poodle is known for his fluffy mane which requires daily maintenance.
“He’s the first one to get asked about when we see our friends and family,” Haleh Ahmad said.
Walter from Fulham Gardens
“Walter is a 2 year old Norfolk Terrier who is very cheeky and obsessed with his ball,” Emily Bak said.
Winston from West Richmond
“He is the bestest boy,” Evie Fardon said.
“He is like a human baby, loves to be held and cuddled.”
In our search for SA’s cutest dog we’ve met super dog Patrick who saved his mum after a fall and among the more than 300 entrants is Blinky the one-eyed wonder dog.
After spending his life in and out of different families and the RSPCA, Blinky has finally found his furever home.
When his previous owner moved interstate, Grace Kelliher stepped in and saved her precious pooch from going into a shelter once again.
“I think I am his fourth home, which is very surprising considering the lovely nature that he is,” Ms Kelliher said.
Since coming into each other’s lives just under a year ago, the Hallett Cove duo are inseparable with the charismatic canine even becoming a regular at The Cremorne Hotel where Ms Kelliher is the venue manager.
“I take him in on my days off and we just chill out there and the staff like to come out for a pat and he loves it,” Ms Kelliher said.
“He follows me wherever I go.”
Despite being infamous for his one-eyed gaze, Ms Kelliher says the six year old Shetland sheepdog’s history remains a mystery.
“He did come with the name Blinky and I added Blinky Bill because when I first took him for a walk he started grunting like a koala because he was so excited.
“I just don’t know what happened to his eye.”
Ms Kelliher encourages other families looking to bring a furry friend into their home to consider adopting a rescue.
“Blinky gets along well with all other dogs and has never had any issues. It just goes to show that you can get a rescue or rehomed dog and that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve got issues,” Ms Kelliher said.
While life may not have always been easy for Blinky, with the help of Ms Kelliher, this sweet pup now enjoys days filled with pub visits, beach walks and plenty of treats.
“He’s my companion, and my best mate,” Ms Kelliher said.
Blinky is among over 300 good boys and girls nominated as South Australia’s cutest dog.
We also met Scout, the cheeky tricoloured corgi.
After losing their 18-year-old dog late last year, the Hatty family opened their home and hearts to a new furry friend.
The now 10-month-old bounded into the Hatty household to the delight of corgi-lover Willow.
“I have always loved corgis because of their short legs and big ears,” Willow, 12, said. “I even had a pair of corgi pyjamas.”
Willow’s mum Kristen Hatty said that Scout had “filled a hole” in their lives with his adorable personality.
But the Hatty family are dumbfounded at how he managed to survive puppy school.
“He was the worst dog at obedience training and would need lots of treats to stop barking,” Ms Hatty said.
Cavoodle, Bonnie MacKillop was another pawfect pooch we got to know.
Among the students at Mary MacKillop College, you will find one pupil who is not like the rest.
With a shiny coat and a tail that never stops wagging the college’s wellbeing dog has been a pawsitive addition to the school community according to deputy principal Jasmin Eckert.
“Wellbeing is a big focus here at the college and we thought a wellbeing dog would help with making students feel more at ease and relaxed,” Ms Eckert said.
“Dogs just bring so much joy to people.”
Ever since her first day of school during term three last year Bonnie has been a hit with students, staff and parents.
“Seeing her at the gate just starts your day off right. It brightens your mood from the start,” Year 11 student Sophie Healy said.
Bonnie only attends twice a week but students are delighted by her cute face and affectionate personality.
The popular pooch even has her own uniform.
“She has the sport rugby top with the emblem on it,” classmate Jessie Cantini said.
“She’s just like one of us.”
If you ask the her school friends Bonnie is a playful and energetic pup known for her lunchtime “zoomies”.
Despite stealing the occasional sausage from the schoolyard sausage sizzle, staff report Bonnie is good girl who has “brought their community together”.
“She’s very smart, she’s a true MacKillop girl,” Ms Eckert said.
While if you ask the Crosby family, Bear the three year old golden retriever is the best dog in the world.
Since he was adopted into the family in 2021, mum Paula Crosby and his four human siblings Raf, 11, Ari, 10, Ivy, 7, and Sia, 4, have been smitten with his cuddly and loveable personality.
“He just always wants to be around someone, even if that is our chickens or pet rabbit,” Ms Crosby said.
“He is so loyal and a great family dog.”
While Bear may be his snoozy, calm self at their Henley Beach South home, Ms Crosby said it is a completely different story when they hit the beach.
“Bear really comes to life at the beach and loves to swim. Sometimes it looks like he is heading to the Yorke Peninsula,” she said.
Despite stealing food off the Crosby kids and leaving puddles of drool wherever he goes, they can’t get enough of Bear and neither can his 1719 Instagram followers.
The pooch charms his fans with his funny faces, big puppy dog eyes and dog-walk ready poses.
“I started the Instagram to document Bear’s life but now it has become a creative outlet for the kids too,” Ms Crosby said.
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