This week sees the launch of Ruffs 2015 – the RSPCA’s alternative online dog show, following the success of last year’s event. The aim is to showcase dogs based on their welfare and happiness, rather than the typical pageant-style show that awards pups purely for their looks.

For 2015, Ruffs is extending its categories to include a Golden Oldies prize for dogs aged eight and over and an RSPCA Rescue Dogs prize for dogs who have been rehomed from charity centres and branches.

‘Our finalists represent the true spirit of the contest, which celebrates dogs for health, welfare and happiness – which should always be put before how a dog looks,’ says the RSPCA’s Violet Owens.

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Winning the overall competition last year with the Best in Show award was Tiny the Rottie who made an incredible transformation that stole people’s hearts. Just two years ago Tiny was at death’s door, suffering from full body Demodicosis and so severely emaciated he looked like a different dog.

Ruffs 2015 categories are:

Happiest Hound – pictures of dogs at their happiest.
Perfectly Imperfect – ‘wonky’ dogs who will never be perfect according to a set of arbitrary standards, but are perfect anyway.
Best Transformation – ‘before and after’ pictures of rescued dogs.
Best Rescued Ex-Breeder – the many dogs discarded when they’re no longer ‘useful’.
Best In Show – the winner of each the above categories will go forward and, following a public vote, the overall winner will be crowned!

To enter your dog into Ruffs 2015, simply email a photo/s of your pet to campaigns@rspca.org.uk with a short (no more than 500 words) paragraph about your dog and what categories you’re entering them in (you can enter them into more than one).

The deadline for entries is Sunday 1 March 2015.

The competition this year is open to dogs in the UK only, but there will be a special International Ruffs for dogs living in other countries to celebrate World Animal Day later this year.

GH would also like you to Tweet us your pet pics to celebrate your love for them leading up to Valentine’s Day. We’ll feature the best photos on our website!

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