Westminster Dog of the Year

Mark Beazley, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club continued: “Whilst the competition itself is no doubt a light-hearted and fun event, it's also an excellent opportunity to showcase the happiness that dogs can bring to our lives and to raise awareness of the actions that need to be taken – both in Parliament and beyond – to promote responsible dog ownership.”

The media are invited to watch the politicians show their dogs and raise awareness of key issues which affect canine welfare. Past issues raised include the effects of fireworks on dogs, the importance of dog training and socialisation and the need to protect access for dog walkers across the UK.

In a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote, MPs call for their supporters to vote for their four-legged friends. In conjunction with the public vote, judges also assess the pooches based on their heroic deeds and winning personalities in order to crown the overall winner.

MP Name: Peter Gibson MP
Constituency: Darlington
Dog’s name: Clemmie / Clementine
Breed: Jack Russell
Sex: Bitch
Age: 11
Colour: White with Tan Spots

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?

• Her expressive ears
• Her bossiness

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?

• Her enthusiastic greeting
• Her curling up on the sofa at the end of a long day

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?

• Puppy farming
• Dog training – prevention of dog attacks
• Dog diet – prevention of excessive excrement caused by poor diet and overfeeding

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility, raising and nurturing, housing and feeding, training and walking are all required in order for an animal to become an integral much loved part of every family.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Clemmie is loyal, trustworthy and her face tells the truth.

MP Name: Suzanne Webb MP
Constituency: Stourbridge
Dog’s name: Sidney Pickles
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Sex: Male
Age: 3
Colour: Tricolour

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Sid’s cheeky personality certainly keeps me on my toes! He is very loving and caring and he always wants cuddles. He does however have a mischievous side that keeps things interesting – such as getting into the kitchen bin and eating its entire contents, nicking toilet rolls and rolling in fox poo. Sid loves meeting new people and new furry friends so come rain or shine he is always by my side at constituency events, and he is well known in the community. I often have people come up to me on the street asking to meet Sid or asking how he is doing. He gets more likes than me on social media!

How does your dog enhance your day-to-day life?
Sid is always making me, and my team laugh and smile when he comes into the office and joins us on constituency visits. He is always on hand to give out cuddles and make sure everyone is in a good mood, even when he is howling when I leave the room. On weekends he also keeps me active as he loves going on long walks in the nearby fields.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
We certainly need to continue to improve the laws we have in place on dog breeding to stop the unscrupulous and ensure breeders have valid licenses.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
I believe that a responsible dog owner educates themself on how to properly take care of a dog before getting one, and research what their specific breed of dog needs. They also ensure their dog gets regular veterinary care along with a healthy diet, fresh water, and exercise. In addition, a responsible dog owner also gives their dog lots of love and attention as they need that too.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Even though he is a little bit naughty and prone to a bit of howling at times I think he’s Westminster Dog of the Year material because of his big personality and being the ultimate cuddle monster. Everyone that meets Sid is showered with love and affection and always leaves with a big smile on their face.

Constituency: Rushcliffe
Dog’s name: Clemmie 
Breed: Labrador
Sex: Bitch
Age: I’ll be one at the end of July
Colour: Black

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
I have big dark eyes that I use to try and bully my humans into handing over their dinner, lunch, breakfast, cups of tea - anything really, sometimes I’m quite successful. I have a little tuft of white hair on my belly, when my humans come home, I like to roll over so they can rub it and make a fuss of me. I am curious about everything and very bouncy. When we go out for a walk I love to run and jump through fields of long grass. Not wheat though, unlike that naughty Mrs May.

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
I like to keep my mum’s armchair warm for her. Or at least, that's what she thinks. Really, it’s my chair. I get my revenge by jumping onto her lap for a cuddle, looking lovingly into her eyes and then silently breaking noxious wind. I like to help my humans with the gardening, I’m very good at digging up newly planted plants. I also like to make sure all the shoes and slippers are tidied away in the special places I have for them. I wag my tail so vigorously that in hot weather it can be used as a fan. I am friends with all the other animals at our house and often play with the alpacas. If it looks like any of them are going to leave any food, I help them eat it

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
I don’t ever want to be stolen from my humans, even if they did just refuse to give me any of their pizza. I want pet thieves to have longer prison sentences to scare them off from stealing us. I also feel very sad for puppies who're smuggled into the UK. It must be a very scary and cramped journey and I’m glad this will be made illegal soon.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
My humans would say, someone who trains their dog well and introduces them to lots of dogs and people when they are young, so they aren’t scared when they're older. I agree, good manners are important, but, even more so, I would like my humans to give me all their food, all the time and to remember that it’s MY chair.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
I often go out campaigning and help at street stalls, although last time I had to be sent home because I was too busy sniffing other dogs’ bottoms. I have also assisted on visits, I went to visit a new doggy day care centre in Nottingham which a constituent has just started, it was great fun. Finally, I am much cuter than my humans, so I look better on leaflets, Facebook and Instagram.

MP Name: Fay Jones MP
Constituency: Brecon and Radnorshire
Dog’s name: Truffle
Breed: Labrador
Sex: Female
Age: 9 Months
Colour: Black

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?

• Little white spot on paw
• Very cute
• Jumps high

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
She is a massive ball of love and energy. All she wants is to be near you. Walking her every day – even when I don’t feel like it – gives me energy and fresh air.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?

• Dog theft issues
• Dog control during lambing seasons (keep dogs safe from livestock)

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Someone who understands the need to be responsible in the countryside, particularly around livestock. Someone who also understands the need to put a dog before yourself.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Truffle is friendly and loving and always a great comfort to all those around her. She is selfless and will put a smile on anyone’s face.

MP Name: Marion Fellows MP
Constituency: Motherwell and Wishaw

Why have you chosen to enter with a Dogs Trust rescue dog?
Dogs Trust does such great work in rehoming dogs who've been abandoned.

What are your favourite characteristics in a dog?
Their ability to listen without criticism.

Why are dogs the best companion animals?
They can sense moods and are made for petting therapy.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Puppy farming and abandonment.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Training of both owner and dog.

Why should you and your Dogs Trust rescue dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Because we are both awesome and very cute.

MP Name: Jane Stevenson MP
Constituency: Wolverhampton, North East

Why have you chosen to enter with a Dogs Trust rescue dog?
My own two spaniels are now too old to travel to Westminster. My family have rescued more than a dozen dogs from shelters and I want to promote “adopt don’t shop”

What are your favourite characteristics in a dog?
Loyalty and a sense of adventure

Why are dogs the best companion animals?
Always happy to see you, when you’re happy they’re wagging alongside you, and when you’re unwell or sad they offer endless sympathy and support

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
I am campaigning for a specific “pet theft” offence to take into account the emotional impact of having a beloved dog or cat stolen

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Putting the dog’s needs first. Making sure they have enough exercise and activities, and are socialising and happy

Why should you and your Dogs Trust rescue dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
I am a long-term rescue dog champion, and Dogs Trust supporter (before my election as an MP). I want to promote adoption above buying from a breeder. All dogs deserve a loving home.

MP Name: Selaine Saxby MP
Constituency: North Devon
Dog’s name: Henry
Breed: Labrador
Sex: Male
Age: 3
Colour: Fox Red

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Henry is enthusiastically friendly and always makes a beeline for other dogs to play with on the beach. His fun, silly nature puts a smile on the face of whoever he meets, and Henry will play with anyone who is willing to give him the time. He is implicitly trusting of others, and I am so proud of his nature.

Henry has adapted so well to the double life we share, spending half the week in North Devon and the other half in London. Since his first entry to the Westminster Dog of the Year Show in 2021, he has continued to master the 5 floors in the lift before going for a pee in London, and so long as he has had a walk and a good play with one of his many plushie friends, Henry is content.

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
Henry, whilst incredibly energetic and lively for 98% of the time, is also empathetic and knows exactly when I need an evening snuggle on the sofa. He also knows when I need a good laugh, and never fails to amuse me, be that by ‘helping’ with the laundry (eating socks) or bolting off around the house with the toilet roll.

Photos of Henry on my social media remain some of the only photos I can post without a hostile response, and when meeting with constituents he is always a firm favourite. Henry provides me with such comfort, and our daily walks together get me out of the house and out into the fresh air.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Legislation needs to be urgently brought in to tackle puppy smuggling, every dog owner wants to know that their puppy has come from a happy and healthy start in life and puppy smuggling puts puppies and pregnant dogs through cruel levels of physical and mental stress. Criminal gangs make far too much money praying on families that just want a dog to join their home.

I would also like to see recognition that the theft of a dog is more than the theft of property, dogs are family members, and their theft is traumatic to both them and their family. The Government should continue to work ensure that their theft is not seen as just the lost of property but recognises the emotional trauma these criminals inflict.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
My dog gives me so much joy and comfort, and I think a responsible dog owner should give that back and more. Giving a dog a good life is more than a bowl of food and a walk a day, you need to give your dog opportunities for exploration and adventures! Henry and I love nothing more than a walk along the coast, he is always particularly happy when something exciting washes up on our local beach!

It is also important for owners to ensure their dogs can be out in the world safely, teaching them to interact with a range of environments, and other dogs and people so they aren’t a risk to themselves or others. This extends to the home, a dog should not have to feel threatened when others enter its home, unfortunately attacks on postal workers have increased in recent years. I hope all owners can give their dogs the confidence to welcome people into their space without feeling at risk.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Having been placed third in the last competition, Henry has spent the past two years making me laugh, providing comfort and support always, and keeping up with the ever changing, fast paced life of an MP!

He has also become an old hand at campaigning, he enjoys meeting constituents across North Devon and knocking on doors further afield! The change in scenery and many outings every few days never phases him, he brings joyfulness wherever he is and is a fine example of a happy and healthy working Labrador.

MP Name: Anna Firth MP
Constituency: Southend West
Dog’s name: Lottie Firth
Breed: Cavapooshon
Sex: Female
Age: 5/6
Colour: White

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
The wonderful warm welcome she gives us whenever we arrive home.

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
She squeaks in a very appealing fashion when she wants something.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Fatal and near-fatal dog on dog attacks. Too many dogs are being killed or seriously injured by other dogs possibly allowed off the lead.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
One that considers other people may not be as keen on dogs as you are.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Because Lottie is protecting Sir David’s legacy in Southend West.

MP Name: Patricia Gibson MP
Constituency: North Ayrshire and Arran

Why have you chosen to enter with a Dogs Trust rescue dog?
I do not have a dog of my own, unfortunately, but work closely with Dogs Trust as part of my work as a constituency MP and DEFRA spokesperson.

What are your favourite characteristics in a dog?

• Cuteness
• Friendly

Why are dogs the best companion animals?
Because they are devoted and loyal, intelligent and sensitive to owners’ moods.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Puppy smuggling, ear cropping, VAT on pet food, a ban on unregulated use of fireworks, Korean dog meat festival, crack down on cruel puppy farming.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
An owner who ensures their dog has the correct amount of exercise and eats well is socialised with its vaccinations up to date, microchipped and trained, doesn’t leave a dog in a vehicle on a hot day, see your dog with its mum before you agree to purchase it, do not buy a dog over the internet unseen.

Why should you and your Dogs Trust rescue dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Because we could use our victory to further publicise the importance of animal welfare in general and dog welfare in particular. We need to ensure the importance of tackling puppy smuggling does not slip down the political agenda but I'm also mindful of cruel practices such as ear cropping and the need to scrap VAT on pet food. During the cost of living crisis it is heart breaking to see folk have to consider giving up their pets as they struggle to make ends meet.

I'd want to use winning the crown with my wee dog as an additional platform to highlight the challenges but joys of dog ownership which will hopefully help my rescue dog find a happy and loving home forever.

MP Name: Rebecca Harris MP
Constituency: Castle Point
Dog’s name: Lola
Breed: Saluki
Sex: Female
Age: Around 9 (she's a rescue)
Colour: Cream and grey

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
I love Lola’s playfulness and how gentle she is with other dogs and people. She loves the most foul-smelling treats, but she cannot be trusted with a roast chicken left on the kitchen worktop!

How does your dog enhance your day-to-day life?
Lola enhances my everyday life with her paw-sitivity! She’s always happy to see me, and she never fails to put a smile on my face.

She is incredibly loyal and very intelligent. Always keen to snuggle on the sofa and keep me company when I am on Zoom calls - although she likes to show off! Always an entertaining meeting when she's with me.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Over recent years there’s been a lot of Government legislation put in place to improve animal welfare to make sure we continue to be a world leader in this area because we really are a nation of animal lovers, especially dogs.

I would personally love a law that gives every retired person a free greyhound- they have a lovely temperament and don’t need as much exercise as people think.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Being a responsible dog owner means keeping your dog happy, healthy and safe by taking care of their dietary, medical, physical and psychological needs with whatever means you have available.

It also involves being loyal to your pet and acting on their best interest, for example through socialising them with new people, other dogs and other environments.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
You will know when you meet her!

She is truly a kind, caring and playful dog who makes the lives of all who meet her so much better.

MP Name: Anna McMorrin MP
Constituency: Cardiff North
Dog’s name: Cadi
Breed: Working Cocker Spaniel
Sex: Female
Age: 4
Colour: Golden

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Her joy knows no bounds; she shakes her body and tail with excitement, flashing a gorgeous smile that warms hearts.

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
Her constant companionship brightens every walk; she's a bundle of joy, making each outing an adventure filled with laughter!

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Overbreeding, animal cruelty, lack of adoption awareness, and responsible ownership education are key dog welfare issues to tackle

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
A responsible dog owner provides proper care, regular exercise, and veterinary attention. They train and socialise their dog, clean up after them, and follow local regulations. They prioritise the well-being of their pet, having respect for others and the environment is also key.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Cadi is terrified of fireworks and loud bangs all year round because of the trauma of fireworks. She hides under the duvet for safety or in the bath tub. Cadi would be a champion advocate for silent fireworks!

MP Name: Mims Davies MP
Constituency: Mid Sussex
Dog’s name: TJ
Breed: Cockapoo
Sex: Male
Age: 10
Colour: Apricot and cream

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Incredibly friendly, gentle, patient, cuddly, curious, loyal, well behaved, clever, devoted, little bundle of energy, playful and entertaining.

How does your dog enhance your day-to-day life?
TJ never leaves your side. He brightens your day with his charming ways and shows his beautiful kind heart with all the cuddles and kisses he has for you. His calming nature resonates whatever environment he’s in and he always adapts to any situation thrown at him with ease. He is so placid and loving; he reminds you how to relax after a day’s work.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
I’ve been contacted by a number of constituents who have reported dog on dog attacks, and I fully appreciate people's concerns about this issue and can only imagine the devastation fatal dog attacks must cause their owners. My own dog TJ is just as much a member of my family as anyone else, and we need to make sure our community is supported and feeling safe and that all dogs and owners are part of making sure walking safely or meeting in the park is a pleasurable and positive experience rather than something that causes stress and upset.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Kindness, consistency and discipline.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
It’s his moment as in the Martine McCutcheon song!

MP Name: William Wragg MP
Constituency: Hazel Grove
Dog’s name: Dolly
Breed: Sprocker Spaniel
Sex: Female
Age: 11 months
Colour: Brown

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
She is loving, cheeky, intelligent and energetic.

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
She is my 6 am alarm clock, meaning I have no excuses but to get up and take her on her favourite walk up the hill and along the lanes. She energises me so that the rest of the day flies by afterwards.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
General neglect, puppy smuggling, illegal puppy farming.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Someone or a family who can put the time into caring for their dog so that they have a happy life. Dogs give so much love, they deserve it back.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Characteristic shyness and modesty mean Dolly won’t boast about it too much, but she’ll be secretly thrilled by the love and attention. She’ll bring a smile to peoples’ faces.

MP Name: Richard Bacon MP
Constituency: South Norfolk
Dog’s name: Beaufort
Breed: F1b Cockapoo
Sex: Male
Age: 2 years 8 months
Colour: Roan

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Beaufort is an exceptionally friendly dog who makes everyone smile. He often runs with a spring in his step which is so “springy” that he literally appears to be jumping for joy. He believes the world would be a better place if more people had a positive attitude in the way that he already does.

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
Beaufort enhances my day-to-day life by encouraging daily exercise through walking and by spreading a positive mental attitude to me and to everyone else around him.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
The most important current dog welfare issue is abolishing the use of electric shock collars which punish dogs by causing them pain. As well as being cruel to dogs, these ‘training’ methods are much less effective than positive reinforcement with rewards-based methods. There is also a broader issue i.e. the need for wider understanding by all dog owners of the benefits of a more positive approach to dog-rearing and training, rather than mistakenly seeking to ‘punish’ dogs.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
A responsible dog owner knows that a dog needs a good and safe environment with a suitable diet, plenty of exercise and the opportunity to engage in normal behaviour patterns including play and socialising with other dogs – and that this is how one ensures a dog becomes a happy and loving member of the family.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Beaufort should be crowned as Westminster Dog of the Year 2023 because by winning he would bring even further distinction to this already illustrious and coveted award and make a very large number of people very happy.

MP Name: Jeremy Hunt MP
Constituency: South West Surrey
Dog’s name: Poppy
Breed: Labrador
Sex: Female
Age: Two and a half
Colour: Golden

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Her inquisitive, lively nature – always wanting to be in the thick of it!

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
She has brought so much joy to mine and my family’s lives, especially since moving into No. 11!

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Cruelty to animals in any form is unforgivable.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Definitely, to act responsibly and look after your dog, they are a commitment – treat them with love and respect.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Poppy has changed our family dynamic in a fantastic way – she is a huge character and a beloved member of the Hunt family.

MP Name: Rosie Duffield MP
Constituency: Canterbury
Dog’s name: Paco
Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sex: Male
Age: 8.5 years
Colour: Blenheim

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Paco is the loveliest dog in the World! He is friendly and so affectionate, he can be very daft and playful but also sleeps a lot – he can sleep anywhere but much prefers human beds, chairs and sofas to his actual bed if he can get away with it! He has a weird love of shoes, especially if we have to go out without him, he will usually find one of my shoes and one of my partner’s and we’ll find them in his bed.

Paco loves being stroked and cuddled; he makes a kind of ‘purring’ rumble sound when he’s happiest!

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
Paco is such a loving dog; he is very attached to his favourite humans. He really misses me or my partner when we are away or at work. He often gets walked to parliament to pick me up after votes and I can hear him getting excited from the other side of Parliament Square when he spots me – his greeting whines are so loud that it makes passers-by or the police at Carriage Gates laugh. His eyesight isn’t brilliant, so he sometimes mistakes other women with similar hair for me and starts to follow them!

I love coming home to him after a stressful busy day, he's great company whether snuggling up on the sofa while I work or bringing me one of his squeaky toys to throw, it’s impossible not to smile around him.

His attempts to chase squirrels are quite amusing – he relies on his very strong sense of smell as he usually can’t see them when they are right in front of him, so no squirrels are in any serious danger!

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Puppy smuggling has been a serious concern since I entered parliament. The sentencing for animal abuse and serious neglect. Cropped ears and tails. The trend towards brachycephalic breeds, and currently the issue of e-collars are all campaigns I have been involved in.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
So many people in the UK love dogs, education about providing dogs with a safe environment, understanding their needs and their background and breed-specific health issues are all so important. But I think love, respect and empathy are the key traits needed – many homeless people are capable of being loving and responsible dog companions if they have access to veterinary services and support to feed their dog, etc.

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Paco is the perfect antidote to some of the more challenging aspects of the stressful Westminster environment! He is loving, loyal, playful and fun. His tail never stops wagging and he is completely non-judgemental and non-partisan! He has helped me strive to work hard on campaigns and legislation relating to all aspects of animal welfare.

MP Name: Darren Henry MP
Constituency: Broxtowe
Dog’s name: Poppy
Breed: Cairn Terrier
Sex: Female
Age: 9
Colour: Grey

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Poppy is fun, loyal and perfect company in the constituency, she’s an absolute pleasure! She’s always happy when around people and brings joy to all members of my family and the MP team. She’s well known and greeted warmly by my constituents around Broxtowe.

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
My favourite time spent with Poppy is when we go on runs around Broxtowe. She brings joy to those that see her and I always feel more calm when she is about. After a busy day in Broxtowe it always makes me smile seeing her wagging her tail at the door.

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
The Government have committed to banning the sale of electric shock collars. I am very glad this often cruel practice is being banned. I would like to see further legislation around puppy farms as well as tougher sentencing for those who are cruel towards animals.

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Being a responsible dog owner means putting the welfare of your pet at the forefront of your mind. You must ensure to look after the health and well being of your dog, as they are a part of your family, as Poppy is mine!

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Poppy has the sweetest nature and brings joy to everyone she meets. That is why I believe she should be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year!

MP Name: Mark Fletcher MP
Constituency: Bolsover
Dog’s name: Delta
Breed: Miniature Poodle
Sex: Female
Age: 5
Colour: Apricot

What are your favourite characteristics of your dog?
Relentless enthusiasm for life and loyalty that results in me having an extra shadow!

How does your dog enhance your day to day life?
Constant affection, a very cuddly companion who enjoys turning every activity into a game

What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling?
Non-permitted fireworks, pet friendly renting and puppy smuggling

What do you think makes a responsible dog owner?
Patience, curiosity, playfulness and time

Why should your dog be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2023?
Because Delta makes everybody who meets her happier. She is a tremendous source of joy.