Meet the People’s Choice Pup Contenders

The People's Choice Pup is a popular social media element of the Farm Dog of the Year competition. Check out the profiles of our three nominees and vote here. 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. 27.

Baler

14-year-old Border Collie

Indiana

Named Baler because he was found abandoned near a hayfield, this Border Collie takes very seriously his job of protecting the Parker family, who rescued him 14 years ago. Baler is especially attentive to children, making sure they're out of harm's way when machinery is being backed out and keeping them on the property and away from the road. He's always on high alert for potential predators and unfamiliar (human) visitors on his farm, where the family raises beef cattle, hogs, poultry and other livestock, as well as row crops and hay. Once Baler knows you, you'll get an energetic greeting complete with a wagging tag, rear wiggles and a snuggle. Baler's day isn't done until everyone in the family is home safely.

Though Baler's slowing down a bit with age, he can jump in the air and catch any toy or food you throw to him. And he's quick as ever to hop in the truck or the gator to go camping or look at all the equipment at a tractor show.

Proving once again that not all heroes wear capes, Baler alerted the family to a fire in their barn housing 4-H piglets and goats - one of which knocked over a heat lamp that fell onto a straw bale, starting the fire. Baler's quick thinking and barking saved all the animals and the barn.

You can vote here for Baler.

Blue

7-year-old Blue Heeler

Florida

When Karen and Stuart Hamilton's Anatolian Pyrenees livestock guardian dog passed away, Blue, a rescue dog, quickly stepped into the role, rounding up every last chicken each evening. Ensuring no one comes and goes without his approval, Blue is a fierce protector of the home and the farm, where the family raises other livestock and grows vegetables and melons. Even when he's inside, he perches on a window ledge, constantly surveilling.

When the Hamiltons' grandchildren are in their pool, livestock guardian Blue becomes lifeguard Blue, jumping in when he thinks someone needs him.

Like many farmers, Blue also has an off-farm job, working as a first mate of sorts for Stuart as he captains his Sea Tow boat. Blue is well-known among the regular boaters in the area - and well-treated with hot dogs and other snacks. He swims with the kids and is a comfort to families who have to be rescued. Blue is quick to recognize someone in the water and a great judge of character, letting Stuart know if he thinks they should be extra cautious around someone.

Though Blue will always stay true to his farm responsibilities, it's clear he's most excited about being on the water.

You can vote here for Blue.

Honey

12-year-old Blue Heeler mix

New Mexico

On her farm in northern New Mexico, Honey's mere presence was often enough to keep the many predators in the region - coyotes, stray dogs and other wildlife - at bay. Still, Honey worked faithfully to protect the Martinez family's chickens, horses, sheep and pigs. Her dedication to keeping the animals and people on the farm safe was on full display one night in March 2026, when she worked for hours to keep a bear outside the fence around their chicken coops. When the bear breached the fence, Honey confronted it. While none of the approximately 60 chickens or other livestock were harmed, Honey suffered life-threating injuries, including a massive neck wound and a serious tendon injury.

Honey is moving more slowly now, but she's not ready to fully retire and still enjoys short walks around the property and visiting the chicken coops daily. She loves riding in the pickup truck or side-by-side and going fishing. Honey's recovery and her loyalty to her farm and family are inspirational to her humans, who consider it a privilege to take care of her and protect her the way she has protected them for the past 12 years.

You can vote here for Honey.