Rising Star of the Year 2026

Top by Group / Breed - South Island

The Rising Star of the Year 2026 showcases the up and coming youngsters on the show scene (up to 24 months of age).

Group 1 - Toy Group - South Island
Group Leader Rising Star - Chihuahua (Long Coat)
Kitaco Etienne of Navarre (Dr Tracey Tonkin) (90)

Top Rising Star for each breed in the Toy Group in South Island

Group 2 - Terrier Group - South Island
Group Leader Rising Star - West Highland White Terrier
NZ Ch Whitebriar Jeep Wrangler (Robynne Trainor) (119)

Top Rising Star for each breed in the Terrier Group in South Island

Group 3 - Gundog Group - South Island
Group Leader Rising Star - English Springer Spaniel
Wyldphya Gentlemen Jack (Mr N & Mrs R Trainor) (150)

Top Rising Star for each breed in the Gundog Group in South Island

Group 4 - Hound Group - South Island
Group Leader Rising Star - Irish Wolfhound
Fleetwood Stevie Nixs (Jenny Benjamin) (110)

Top Rising Star for each breed in the Hound Group in South Island

Group 5 - Working Dog Group - South Island
Group Leader Rising Star - Bouvier des Flandres
NZ Ch Bon Idees Yes Sir I Can Boogie at Flandresfarm (Imp USA) (T D Lawrence & A Motta) (100)

Top Rising Star for each breed in the Working Dog Group in South Island

Group 6 - Utility Group - South Island
Group Leader Rising Star - Bullmastiff
Guardiano Heaven's Pit Stop At Willowbend (Jessica Gibson) (70)

Top Rising Star for each breed in the Utility Group in South Island

Group 7 - Non-Sporting Group - South Island
Group Leader Rising Star - French Bulldog
Astre The Sun King at Gefion (Sam Chrisstoffels / M Andrew) (55)

Top Rising Star for each breed in the Non-Sporting Group in South Island