NSW’s cutest dog 2022 competition

Our hunt for NSW’s cutest dog is still underway, but entries are now closed and voting is underway! Sniff out the competition here.

The hunt for NSW’s cutest dog is heating up with voting now underway to name the state’s best pooch.

For the Azzopardi family, ten-week-old cattle dog puppy Jesse is the clear winner.

Father and cattle dog breeder Mark Azzopardi said Jesse instantly became part of the family.

“Our dogs have been really popular, all selling out quickly. The kids get attached to them all, so they’re pretty glad they get to keep Jesse,” he said.

“She’s just got the cutest little face. She’s got a good temperament, she doesn’t bite, she’s great with the kids.

“Normally when you go up to the dogs they get quite excited and they jump up on you, but when our five-year-old walks out there, Jesse just walks beside him.

“She knows not to jump on him, she doesn’t want to knock him over. She’s a very good natured puppy.”

With a squishy nose, big pointy ears and plenty of puppy mischief, is 9-week-old Jesse NSW’s cutest dog? Picture: Justin Lloyd

If you look past the squishy nose and big pointy ears, though, you might be able to see a bit of puppy mischief.

“My wife has bought her a few toys so far and she’s trashed them,” Mr Azzopardi said.

“You can’t leave anything out in the backyard, she’ll shred it. The first few weeks we had her, people would leave their thongs outside and she would tear them to pieces.”

When you’ve got a face that cute though, you can just about get away with anything.

Submissions have now closed. Check back to see if your pooch made the cut.

WHAT PET PARENTS NEED TO KNOW FOR NATIONAL PUPPY DAY

The cheeky grins on this pair of 14-week-old Pembroke Welsh corgi sibling pups, Evie and Nicholas, are simply paw-fect to celebrate National Puppy Day today and acknowledge all the beloved canines across the country for their unconditional love.

But most importantly, it is a gentle reminder to prospective pet parents to buy ethically-bred dogs and do the right research before deciding their pooch for life.

Dr Rob Zammit with a 14-week-old Pembroke Welsh Corgie. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Dogs Australia ambassador and vet Dr Rob Zammit said doing so would help people find the right dog to suit them and their lifestyle.

“We want people to get the right animal for them. Pedigree dogs have defined characteristics. I love all dogs … but if you get a crossbreed, make sure you know what the dog is actually like,” he said.

“See what breed suits you and then find an ethical breeder for that dog.”

For National Puppy Day, Dr Zammit says pampering your pooch with an outside adventure to a nearby park would benefit them more than spoiling them with food.

And benefits go both ways for pet owners who can lower their blood pressure simply from patting their dog.

National Puppy Day is Wednesday, March 23. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“The best way to go is take your puppy out to a park and enjoy it,” he said.

“People who own dogs in retirement homes need less medical attention. Aged people get big benefits (and) children who grow up with a dog are more empathetic.”

Ethical corgi breeder Michelle Pratley said she enjoys maintaining contact with pet owners for support as the pups grow up.

To her, corgis are highly intelligent, easily trainable and great for families.

“They’re loyal, loving and active … food-orientated and very quick to learn. They go walking (and) they’re also good for the lounge,” she said.

“They give you unconditional love and they melt your heart.