The show was organized by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club and aimed to promote "responsible dog ownership". The competition is open to all parliamentarians' dogs and the award is given to the dog with the best personality, rather than pedigree.
#Westminster Dog of the Year competition takes place in London https://t.co/ppqA2LyCIk #dogs @KCLovesDogs @DogsTrust pic.twitter.com/tOiGuWUxtc
— Sputnik UK (@SputnikNewsUK) September 8, 2016
MP Rebecca Harris, who is the Conservative MP for Castle Point, brought her 9-month-old rescue pup Milo to the competition.
She said her political pooch was a great pet and didn't need much exercise at all, as it's a running dog.
MP @RebeccaHarrisMP and the lovely Milo are battling it out today at #WDOTY pic.twitter.com/PF7MaPyoEw
— The Kennel Club (@KCLovesDogs) September 8, 2016
When asked however if she thought Milo was up to the challenge of winning Westminster dog of the year title, Harris said she was unsure despite her dog's previous wins.
"Well, he already won a previous show which was for the Parliamentary Pet. But the dog competition here is pretty fierce," MP Harris told Sputnik.
The MPs and their dogs had to walk the 'green mile' to where each pooch was judged and their owner questioned on why their dog is the best.
Some four-legged competitors took on the assault-cause challenge, which consisted of mini-hurdles and a tunnel.
Pups compete for the title of #Westminster Dog of the Year https://t.co/OkL0nk2Efp #dogs @KCLovesDogs @DogsTrust pic.twitter.com/e7xGVhKzpj
— Sputnik UK (@SputnikNewsUK) September 8, 2016
However, there was also a more serious side to the show, as many MPs highlighted the importance of re-housing unwanted pets and collaborating with animal welfare organizations, such as the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club.
How cute is @dogstrust rescue dog, Fiona and @LSRPlaid #WDOTY pic.twitter.com/JBNFn01Omm
— The Kennel Club (@KCLovesDogs) September 8, 2016
The winner was announced shortly before lunch, first place went to Labor MP Jonathan Reynolds and his dogs Clinton and Kennedy. Second place was taken by MP Harris and her pup Milo took silver and the third place was given to Welsh MP Liz Saville Roberts and her dog Fiona.
