The winner of the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Max, a 4-year-old Border Collie owned by Oklahoma Farm Bureau members John, Charla and Brynley Enns. AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized Max as the winner, from among nearly 100 contenders. Max was selected by a team of judges.
Members of the public voted online to select the People’s Choice Pup. Goose, owned by Kentucky Farm Bureau member Lindie Huffman, was named People’s Choice Pup. Two other dogs were finalists for People’s Choice Pup: Ruby Hope, owned by Indiana member Travis Burkhart; and Bubbles, owned by Montana member Elena Hovland-Stuker.
“Farm dogs are more than workers, they’re family,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “While they assist with chores, they also offer the companionship that makes tough days a little easier. It has been a pleasure to partner with Purina for the eighth annual Farm Dog of the Year contest, showcasing the important role dogs play in everyday farm life.”
Rounding up livestock, chasing off predators, opening gates, fetching or carrying tools/buckets and greeting visitors are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs. The contest celebrates the diverse ways farm dogs support farmers and ranchers.
Farm Dog of the Year Max’s primary role is to herd beef cattle on the Enns’ farm. His assistance is invaluable for John, who is disabled and uses a mobility scooter. Moving “momma cows” and their growing calves from pasture to pasture so they have access to nutritious, fresh grass is a recurring chore for John and Max.
“I can’t image doing this without Max,” John said. “Max is not only a working dog, he’s great with the family.” After a long day of herding boisterous cattle on mostly hilly terrain, Max often accompanies John and Charla to pick daughter Brynley up from school. Balancing farming with a disability and family life while navigating today’s challenging farm economy would test anyone. But John remains undeterred. “Together, we make things work,” he said.
Purina, one of the nation’s leading pet care companies, donated prizes for the contest again this year, which included $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products for Max. The People’s Choice Pup, Goose, receives a trophy plate, Purina products and a $2,500 cash prize. Nestle has been helping dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives through scientifically based nutritional innovations for 130 years.
“Purina is proud to continue partnering with the American Farm Bureau to celebrate the essential role of farm dogs like Max,” said Jack Scott, vice president of sustainable sourcing at Nestlé Purina PetCare. “These remarkable dogs are invaluable partners in agriculture, and through the Farm Dog of the Year award, we’re honored to recognize their contributions and the bond that makes pets and people better together.”
