Saluki Puck has proven talent comes in many forms, earning the beloved WA pet a 2026 Dog of Talent medal

A graceful Arabian greyhound has proven that canine talent comes in many forms and has claimed a national honor for his achievements in sport, health and community service.

Described by the award judges as “the definition of versatility in action”, six-year-old Puck is one of the first dogs in the country to achieve champion titles in four different disciplines of conformation, decoy tracking, tracking and pursuit and search.

This achievement places him among the nation’s most successful canine athletes; a testament to both his focus and the enduring partnership he shares with owner Danielle Simpson.

This week he added the Skilled Dog Medal at the Australian Dog of the Year awards to his kennel trophy cabinet.

“Puck is an outstanding ambassador for dogs bred and trained with a purpose,” said judge Robyn Adair, whose dog Elle won the award last year.

“His interdisciplinary versatility reflects not only talent but also a deep partnership based on trust, patience and understanding.”

Arabian greyhounds, also known as Salukis, are thought to be faster than greyhounds at distances over 800 metres.

Puck gained fame as a standout performer on Australia’s dog sports circuit; He was a three-time Chartered Course Dog of the Year, was awarded the Best in Breed award, and became a community favorite for his enthusiasm and adaptability.

His participation in sports such as bikejoring, in which dogs run in front of the bike and pull the rider into a bungee chord, and canicross, in which a dog in a harness pulls a cross-country runner, further showcases his versatility.

When he’s not racing or training, Puck swaps his high-speed pursuits for quiet companionship as a healthy dog ​​at Guildford Grammar School, offering quiet support to students during stressful times.

“Puck is my constant friend, my teammate, my teacher and my safe place,” Ms. Simpson said.

“What we share is defined not by titles or ribbons, but by a partnership built on trust, patience, and a shared love of living life together.”

The Dog of the Year jury, which included ABC TV’s Muster Dog star Frank Finger, also singled out Gus, the Labrador retriever who has provided comfort to families at Ronald McDonald House in Perth for almost a decade, for bringing Pawsitive Change at the annual Puppy Tales awards.

The competition, now in its sixth year, is the brainchild of writer and photographer Kerry Martin, who says dogs have become an “emotional anchor” for many people, offering them comfort, connection and quiet strength.

Since 2018, Puck has become a familiar figure in Perth’s dog sports and wellness communities, inspiring others to discover new ways to bond with their dogs.

Through her affiliation with Afghan Hound and Saluki Rescue, she also helps shed light on the importance of supporting misunderstood or overlooked breeds.

But Ms. Simpson said Puck’s most impressive achievements were not found on the podium.

Instead, they are in quiet moments; There is a common bond between a human and their dog based on empathy, balance and purpose.

“His talent is not about one discipline,” he said.

“It’s about his willingness to learn, to participate, and to pour his heart into everything we do together.”