We have a fine history of fabulous Critics who have joined our ranks – striking out and learning about dog-friendly destinations all over the UK so that we can pass on that valuable information to others.
Every one of these impressive doggos deserves to be recognised for the excellent job they did during their time in the role. So, to honour our roving Rovers, we've put together a Canine Critics wall of fame detailing every member so far of our ever-growing pack.
Discover our list of four-pawed professionals below and click the links to read about their UK travels.
Our Canine Critics pack
Jump to the winners for each year...
Canine Critics 2023
Our winner: Pip the Whipp
The judges have deliberated and our 2023 Canine Critic has been chosen. The coveted title has gone to the lovable, Yorkshire-based adventurer: Pip the whippet!
This elegant, sophisticated hound loves getting stuck into messy, muddy capers around the UK, and always in a stylish jacket too.
He can often be found scampering along sandy beaches or roaming the moorlands and forests of his North Yorkshire home. Follow our 2023 Canine Critic over on Instagram to keep up to date with all of his exploits @pip_the_whipp
Congratulations, Pip!
Second place: Rosie, Finn, Maple
These three golden-haired softies were our second-place winners and what worthy competition they were too!
Meet Rosie, Finn and Maple – two Nova Scotia tollers and a cocker spaniel – whose home is the rugged Highlands of Scotland. Where else would you expect adventure-seeking doggos like these to be found?
Between walkies, naps and meeting their pup pals, these impressive canines even find time to go paddleboarding in their spare time. Check out all the things they get up to on their Instagram page @threehairyhighlanders
Third place: Ralph
In third place for 2023, meet the delightful Ralph the dachshund.
This handsome guy hails from the East Midlands but has made trails all across the north of the UK – having already visited the Kelpies in Scotland and Helvellyn in Cumbria, proving himself as keen an adventurer as any canine!
Ralph’s Instagram feed is filled with this beautiful, dapple-coated dog in spectacular landscapes. Find this ever-curious pup at @ralphthedappledaxi and enjoy the photos of his expeditions.
Canine Critics 2022: Darcy and Darla
One chilled-out champ, one energetic dynamo, these two girls are the perfect pair and they do a great job taking care of each other during their holiday travels. Darla (on the left) has epilepsy - but she doesn't let that stop her making the most of the world, while Darcy (right) is her long-standing support, by her side wherever they wander.
Find out more about these two beautiful, big-eyed pups and be sure to follow them and see what they get up to on their travels around the UK.
Canine Critics 2021 winners
We are so proud of our 2021 Canine Critics who have done an amazing job working their way around the UK, digging up all they can about the top dog-friendly places to stay.
Members of our 2021 team have a host of beautiful destinations lined up to share with you. In the team, we have three mountain rescue search dogs who climb the Pennines for a living, an elegant Welsh corgi who knows just how fabulous she is, and a rare dog who is believed to be the first of his kind in the UK.
They’re a friendly bunch, all with something special to offer, and we just know you’ll love getting to know each and every one of them.
The Siblings
Follow these two at @hugoandhershey
Names: Hugo and Hershey
Breed: Miniature dachshund
Hugo and Hershey are two sausages that go walking in some epic beauty spots together and love big views.
The Hero
Collies who are best mates and work buds
Names: Sam, Wisp and Gus
Breed: Border collies
Three hard-working mountain rescue search dogs who spend their days in the Pennine mountains.
The Helper
Follow Koda at @koda_thebearpup
Name: Koda
Breed: French bulldog
This Frenchie is a soppy pup who is a true best pal and acts as a service dog to his pup-parent.
The Bear
Follow Rocco at @roccothewolfdog
Name: Rocco
Breed: Alaskan shepherd (Alaskan malamute cross German Shepherd)
We better warn you, Rocco's pup-parents call him a professional 'heart-breaker'.
The Pack
Follow them at @the_country_pups
Names: Bailey, Ember and Bandit
Breed: Show cocker spaniel, Australian shepherd, mini longhaired dachshund
These three fantastic pups have a very inspirational Instagram feed full of beauty.
Critics' Choice
Follow Rufus at @point_of_ru
Name: Rufus
Breed: German shorthaired pointer
Another pup with stunning photos who has travelled throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Canine Critics 2020 winners
In 2020, we saw Alaskan malamutes hanging out in Devon and a border collie exploring the Highlands of Scotland!
Back in 2019, each dog represented the region they lived in. 2020 was the first year we introduced categories tailored to the different breeds, roles and personalities of the dogs in our lives.
We had a hero category won by a water rescue dog, a female rescue called Barrie who found her forever home, and golden retriever siblings who are sure to make you smile.
Find our list below or click through to find out more about our 2020 winners…
The Rescue
Follow Barrie at @barriespaws
Name: Barrie
Breed: Anatolian shepherd
Barrie’s former Royal Engineer dad brought her to the UK all the way from Syria when she was a pup.
The Mini Mutt
Follow @daphnethewondersausage
Name: Daphne
Breed: Chiweenie
Talk about style! Daphne is a model and diva who is so much fun to follow, just check out her posing.
The Siblings
Follow them at @fredrickandroyston
Names: Fredrick and Royston
Breed: Golden retriever
Brothers whose energy is infectious! This twosome are constantly bounding around together.
The Helper
Filey is always around to help out!
Name: Filey
Breed: Border collie cross
Filey is a therapy dog and helps children with anxiety while always having a smile on her face.
The Pack
Follow them at @jess._in._boots
Names: Lunar, Summer, Nancy, Ethel
Breed: Lurcher
These four lurchers are adventure addicts who can often be found outside in nature.
The Rarity
Follow Talyn at @talyns_tale
Name: Talyn
Breed: Norwegian lundehund
Fun fact, Talyn has an extra toe on each paw – he also reviewed, not one, but two cottages for us!
2019 Canine Critics
This was the year of the destination dog – that is, each dog proudly represented their home region!
In our 2019 pack, you’ll find a smart-dressing Welsh corgi, a blind Staffy who gets support from his dog best mate, and a married pug and sausage dog from the Big Smoke.
Read the introductory blog posts for each 2019 Canine Critic and check out their cottage reviews below.
Scotland
Maggie loves adventure in Scotland
Name: Maggie
Breed: Black labrador
Our Scottish winner, Maggie, is a loveable, friendly lab who enjoys a walk at her local beach.
North East
Follow them at @spanielsbythesea
Names: Willow and Bobby
Breeds: English springer and sprocker
Living near the coast, our North East winners are keen swimmers and love a river to dive into!
North West
Follow them @jessyyandthewonderdogs
Names: Toby and Amos
Breeds: Border terrier and Staffy cross
Toby helps out his blind brother, Amos, and these two sweethearts and best friends were our North West winners.
East of England
Follow Dilbert at @dilbertthecorgi
Name: Dilbert
Breed: Cardigan Welsh corgi
Our East of England winner, a gorgeous corgi called Dilbert, is a lover of cute outfits and cafe hopping.
Yorkshire
Follow Penny at @berner.bears
Name: Penny
Breeds: Bernese mountain dog
Lovely Penny was our Yorkshire winner and she’s on a mission to become everyone’s best friend.
Midlands
Follow Woody at @youmeandwoody
Name: Woody
Breed: Golden retriever
This heart-stealing (and shoe-stealing!) retriever is Woody, our fantastic Midlands winner.
Wales
Follow Bear at @_gsdbear
Name: Bear
Breed: German shepherd
Bear the bionic dog was our Wales winner. He had a hip replacement as a pup, yet is super active!
South West
Follow Honey at @honeyandblondie
Name: Honey
Breed: Staffordshire cross
Our South West winner has an enchanting Instagram feed to inspire you and your pup’s travels.
Our very first Canine Critic
Follow Poppy and her sister Maple at @alwaystakethedogs
Finally, the pup who started it all! Poppy was our very first Canine Critic all the way back in 2018 and did such an amazing job, we decided to take on ten critics the year after.
From the Lake District to Cornwall, Poppy ventured out on a range of UK adventures, reviewing five cottages and even visiting Canine HQ during her time in the role!
Has your pup got what it takes to be a Canine Critic?
Sniffing out epic dog-friendly holidays, pawing through a bag of goodies and answering to hordes of adoring fans - it's a hard job, but some doggy's gotta do it!
If your perfect pup has got what it takes to be this year's Canine Critic, find out all the details and enter the competition by clicking the button below.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.