DOGUE COVERDOG 2026
Meet Our Judges
Who better to help us find our next DOGUE Coverdog than a panel packed with personality, experience and plenty of four-legged star power? Meet the judges helping us crown our 2026 winners.
How Will the Judging Work?
Once our Top 12 finalists have been decided, our judging panel will help select our overall DOGUE Coverdog winners. Specialist judges will also lend their expertise to selected categories including Rescue, Puppy and Senior.
Overall Judge
Last Year's Winner
Lola
DOGUE Coverdog 2025
From Coverdog winner to Coverdog judge! After taking home the title last year, Lola is back to help us find the pup who will follow in her pawsteps.
A pup with a bit of flair and style!
Overall Judge
Entertainment & Media
Justin Hill
Entertainment reporter, podcast host & dog dad to Arlo
Justin Hill is an entertainment reporter and podcast host, and no stranger to the DOGUE world. We've worked with Justin across multiple DOGUE dog show events at The Beresford, and we're excited to have him joining the Coverdog judging panel for 2026. He's also proud dog dad to the very cute Arlo, so we think he's more than qualified to help us spot some serious Coverdog star power!
Follow Justin on Instagram →
Overall Judge
2025 Runner-Up
Little Red Ted
Coverdog veteran & DOGUE event regular
Last year's runner-up Little Red Ted is no stranger to the DOGUE spotlight. Happy, confident, social and cheeky, Ted has been part of DOGUE events for years — including our very first Beresford dog show in 2017.
Personality, confidence and a pup who stands out!
Returning Overall Judge
Back for 2026
Miss Dior
Returning DOGUE Coverdog judge
Dior is 9 years young, sweet, sassy and always ready for her next adventure. In Dior's world every pathway is a runway, and she loves dressing up, café dates, posing for photos and spending time with her besties.
Personality, confidence, individuality and that special Coverdog sparkle. A little style and star quality never hurts!
Overall Judge + Rescue Specialist
Rescue Specialist
Baz
From racing greyhound to very loved family member
Baz was rescued through GAP (Greyhounds As Pets) in February 2025 after a racing career of more than 146 races, which left him with ongoing injuries. Since finding his new home, Baz has been learning how to simply be a dog — complete with plenty of soft places to sleep.
Once shy, withdrawn and unsure of his surroundings, Baz has continued to challenge his fears and come out of his shell. These days he's a big, brave, wonderfully lazy boy who loves affection, smooches, chicken and peanut butter — and has even decided he knows how to be a guard dog.
A cute pooch with a special story and quirky personality.
Giving a rescue animal a safe home can completely change their life and bring so much love into your home. The bond can be incredibly meaningful, and watching a nervous or withdrawn animal gradually become playful, confident and affectionate can be so rewarding.
Overall Judges + Puppy Specialists
Puppy Specialists
Bambi & Bentley
Two personalities. One very cute judging duo.
Bambi and Bentley may have completely different personalities, but that's exactly what makes them such a special duo. They love being together, whether they're playing, going on walks and adventures or simply relaxing at home.
Dogs that stand out and show lots of personality, with photos that really capture what makes them special. For the Puppy category, they'll be looking for that cute, playful puppy charm!
Overall Judge + Senior Specialist
Senior Specialist
Lady Lemmy
Bringing plenty of experience to the judging panel
At 10 and a half, Lady Lemmy knows a thing or two about character. She's sensitive, licky, super smart, loyal and affectionate, with a particular love for anything she can chase and retrieve.
Spunk, style, cheek, great eyes — and maybe a good trick or two!
Seniors are special because they wear their lives on their faces — full of character, resilience and the quiet confidence that comes with being deeply loved.
A senior whose spirit shines: happy, comfortable in themselves, full of personality and clearly cherished by their family.
Rescue Specialist
Rescue Specialist
Sydney Dogs & Cats Home
Helping us celebrate our incredible rescue entrants
Sydney Dogs & Cats Home has been caring for Sydney's lost, abandoned and neglected pets since 1946, providing shelter, veterinary care and support while helping animals reunite with their families or find new homes.
We're thrilled to have Sydney Dogs & Cats Home joining our judging panel as a Rescue specialist and helping us celebrate the incredible stories behind this year's rescue entrants.
Follow Sydney Dogs & Cats Home on Instagram →WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
What Our Judges Are Looking For
There isn't one perfect Coverdog. Our panel will be looking for dogs that capture their attention, show off their individual personality and bring something memorable to the competition.
Think Your Pup Could Impress the Panel?
Show our judges what makes your dog unforgettable and enter the search for DOGUE Coverdog 2026.