There were celebrations in Westminster on 11 September 2025 as Poykee, a 13-year-old Keeshond owned by Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth, claimed the prestigious title of Westminster Dog of the Year.
The much-loved annual competition, hosted by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, was held in Victoria Tower Gardens, right in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament. Beyond the excitement of wagging tails and proud owners, the event also serves as a serious platform for raising awareness about dog welfare, responsible ownership, and the vital human-animal bond.
Celebrating Dogs and Their Place in Our Lives
This year’s competition shone a spotlight on the joys of dog ownership, as well as the responsibilities of caring for pets. Issues discussed included:
- Pet-friendly housing
- Responsible dog breeding and ownership
- Training and socialisation
- Ensuring dogs live happy, healthy lives
For Sarah Edwards MP, Poykee’s victory was a particularly proud moment.
“It’s really amazing. I was hoping we had a chance – we’ve been gearing Poykee up and making sure he dazzled the judges and let his personality shine through,” Edwards said. “We’ve been out in Tamworth talking to people about how fabulous dogs are—not only as pets but as unique individuals that bring so much joy to families.”
Judges Praise the Bond Between MPs and Their Dogs
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, praised the competition’s role in highlighting welfare issues:
“Well done to Poykee and Sarah Edwards MP on being crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2025. The competition was tough, with many heartwarming examples of the bond between dogs and their owners. Westminster Dog of the Year is about more than just fun—it’s about raising awareness of the issues that affect dog welfare across the UK.”
Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust, echoed this sentiment:
“Congratulations to Poykee and Sarah Edwards MP on their well-deserved win. It’s been a joy to see such a wide variety of dogs celebrated, each clearly cherished as part of the family. Events like this highlight the deep connection between people and their pets while promoting responsible ownership.”
Runners-Up and Special Awards
While Poykee took home the top prize, several other dogs made their mark:
- 2nd place: Mabel, a rescue dog owned by Becky Gittins, Labour MP for Clwyd East
- 3rd place: Lucy, a Labrador owned by Andrew Snowden, Conservative MP for Fylde
The judging panel included Jannine Edgar (The Kennel Club), Jayne Whitton (Dogs Trust), and Mims Davies MP, last year’s winner.
Additionally, the Sir David Amess Public Vote, chosen entirely by the public, was awarded to Jennie, a six-year-old guide dog owned by Steve Darling, Lib Dem MP for Torbay.
More Than Just a Competition
Now in its long-standing tradition, Westminster Dog of the Year has become one of the most beloved fixtures in the parliamentary calendar. It not only celebrates the dogs who provide companionship and joy to their MP owners but also raises awareness of critical issues such as welfare standards, responsible ownership, and animal protection policies.
As Sarah Edwards MP reflected on Poykee’s victory, her words summed up the day perfectly:
“Dogs are more than pets—they are part of our families. Poykee winning today shows just how special they are and why events like this matter.”