Farm Dog of the Year
The Farm Dog of the Year contest, now in its eighth year, celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.
The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, will recognize a grand prize winner—2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year—as well as a People’s Choice Pup winner.
A panel of judges selected by AFBF will select the Farm Dog of the Year. Members of the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition.
The owner of the Farm Dog of the Year receives a $5,000 cash prize, a year’s supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2026 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket. The owner of the People’s Choice Pup receives a $2,500 cash prize, a year's supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2026 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket.
People’s Choice Pup
The People’s Choice Pup contest is a popular social media element of the Farm Dog of the Year competition. Members of the public are invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition. The People’s Choice Pup wins barking, er, bragging rights along with a $2,500 cash prize and a year’s supply of dog food from contest supporter Nestlé Purina PetCare. Cast your vote for your top pup by Nov 28. Check out the profiles of our three nominees and vote here. May the best pup win!
Bubbles helped her owner, Elena, through her hardest days. After Elena’s husband passed, Bubbles filled the quiet with comfort, warmth and purpose. Bubbles is also a working dog. Every evening, on her Montana ranch, she brings the sheep in from the pasture and guides the poultry to their shelters. She and Elena are a team with unwavering focus.
Goose, a 12-year-old Red Heeler, took quickly to farm work as puppy. In 2021, Goose’s family made the difficult decision to remove both his eyes after he went blind from glaucoma. His family hoped for the best of course, but they were amazed at how his resilience carried him through his recovery. Though he can’t round up the cattle or fetch tools anymore, Goose is still a critical part of farm life, using instinct and memory to guide him.
As a certified service dog, red fox Lab Ruby Hope is Travis Burkhart’s constant companion. After Travis was seriously injured in a car accident, Ruby Hope was a gift – in more ways than one. Ruby Hope takes her job as Travis’ service dog very seriously, staying faithfully by his side, guiding him on the farm and helping with the daily tasks they share.
Meet the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year
Livestock guardian dog Sirius is a “hero behind the heroes” – a herd of miniature therapy horses that bring comfort to adults and children in hospitals, hospice programs and assisted living programs, in addition to families, veterans and first responders who have experienced traumatic events. Owners Jorge and Debbie Garcia-Bengochea know the horses are safe when Sirius is on alert.
Sponsor / Prizes
For the 2025 contest, the American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized a grand prize winner—Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year—as well as the People’s Choice Pup winner.
Prizes provided by Nestlé Purina PetCare include:
- A $5,000 cash prize, a year’s supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2026 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket for the Farm Dog of the Year winner.
- A $2,500 cash prize, a year's supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2026 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket for the People's Choice Pup winner.
Judging
A panel of judges selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation shall select the winners Farm Dog of the Year. Members of the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition.
Judging of the contest will be based on nomination materials submitted. Desired attributes in the Farm Dog of the Year are helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience.
Contestants agree that the sole and final judgment as to all matters concerning the contest and interpretation of contest rules are at the sole discretion of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and their officers and staff.
Contest Rules
Nominations will be accepted through July 25, 2025. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited. By entering, entrant agrees to be bound by these official rules.
Questions?
Send an email to AFBFComms@fb.org with questions about the contest.
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