Adorable dogs compete for the prestigious title amidst discussions on dog welfare and the joys of pet ownership at this year’s competition.

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Published: Tuesday, 30 April 2024 at 12:42 PM


Here at Countryfile Headquarters, we love a dog show and among the team we have chalked-up one or two rosettes of our own (well, our furry friends have).

We’re therefore delighted to introduce you to Heidi, a Biewer terrier, who has claimed the esteemed title of Holyrood Dog of the Year 2024, in partnership with MSP Marie McNair of the Scottish National Party for Clydebank and Milngavie.

Held at the Scottish Parliament Member’s Garden, the sixth annual Holyrood Dog of the Year competition, hosted by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, witnessed Heidi’s triumph over eight other ‘paw-litical’ contenders.

The duo captivated judges with Heidi’s endearing personality and their evident bond. Credit: PA Wire

MSP Marie McNair expressed her astonishment at their victory. “I’m absolutely shocked to win today, it’s really really great! Heidi is owned by one of my staffers, so I’m really pleased for her owner as well!”

This year’s event spotlighted the unique companionship between humans and their canine friends, fostering discussions on dog welfare.

The judging panel included Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club; Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust Chief Executive; and David Torrance MSP, 2023 winner of Holyrood Dog of the Year, who commented, “it was a well-deserved win and the bond between the pair was clear to see today.”

Holyrood's dog of the year
Marie McNair and Judge Bill Lambert Credit Euan Cherry. Credit: PA wire

Owen Sharp added: “It’s always a pleasure to visit Edinburgh to witness the wonderful bonds MSPs have with their canine companions and the instant connections that are forged with MSPs who enter with one of our fantastic rescue dogs.”

Holyroods Dog of the Year
This year’s winners of Holyrood’s Dog of the Year. Credit: PA wire

Second place was secured by Alfie, a Hungarian Vizsla owned by Sue Webber, while third place went to Bramble, a Cockapoo owned by Alex Cole-Hamilton.

Prior to the competition, MSPs rallied for votes through online campaigns, with the ‘pawblic’ vote going to Oscar, a Cockapoo owned by Shirley-Anne Somerville, SNP MSP for Dunfermline, who expressed delight at the recognition of their beloved pet.

Find out more

Did you catch 2024’s Crufts winner? We’ve taken a look back over 133 years of the competition with a round up of beautiful pictures.

We also have lots of fascinating features about dogs, answering questions like why do dogs lick you, as well as our comprehensive dog breed guides, including the otterhound, Britain’s rarest dog breed.