Dogs of Oz competition: Do you have Australia’s top dog?

Does your dog have the X-Factor? Is your pooch the pick of the pound? We are on the search for Australia’s Top Dog. Enter here.

Five-year-old miniature schnauzer Ruby is the best friend and pride of the pack in her Howrah family. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

WE all love our dogs — they’re loyal, funny, cuddly and comforting — but is yours extra special?

Next week, the Mercury launches Dogs of Oz, a week-long celebration of the bond between us and our four-legged friends.

We are on the search for Australia’s Top Dog with the winner getting a morning makeover on Channel 7 from a Pooch Perfect groomer, a $5000 voucher from our friends at Petbarn plus return flights to Sydney and one nights’ accommodation at Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour for you and your dog.

ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE

Dogs of Oz contender miniature schnauzer Ruby means the world to her Howrah family.

Owner Victoria Hill said the now five-year-old came into their lives as a puppy about two weeks before their 18-year-old west highland white terrier Holly died.

She said her son Finlay and daughter Freya, aged 18 and 14 respectively, absolutely adore Ruby.

“She talks to them and all the tension from their day goes away,” Ms Hill said.

“She’s bubbly, giving and always makes eye contact — If you’re not looking back at her she will tap you with her foot.

“Without her I’m not sure any of us would function at the level we do.

“She is a very valued member of the family. She gives us a lot more than we give her.”

Ruby isn’t just a supportive canine companion, she can also sit, drop, weave, shake a paw and stand on her back legs.

Can your pooch perform special tricks? Have they done something out of the ordinary? Do they have a compelling backstory? Or are they simply special for being themselves? Send us a photo and tell us in a few words what gives them the canine X-factor to win.

Whether it’s just your K9, you and your furry pal, or the whole family and Fido, let’s celebrate our beloved bounders. Snap, share and enter at dogsofoz.com.au

ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE