Next Pet Model: Banjo the Australian Shepherd cross Kelpie crowned top dog

And, after much sitting and waiting, Banjo has been crowned as 2024 Wahl’s Next Pet Model.

And this should unlock doors, even if he can’t open them himself.

The almost-two-year-old Australian shepherd-kelpie cross will now turn his good-boy looks into a steady career as he takes on an ambassador role for the brand.

Gone are the days of fetching balls and rolling in the mud – now it’s bright lights and big screens for Banjo.

His Windsor owner Crystal Neame describes the hound as a big fan of belly-rubs and he is happy to reward those who give them out with a barrage of licks and kisses.

However, there are plenty of brains to back up his beauty.

He mastered the art of crate training in a week, and made light work of the sit, stay and shake manoeuvres. Mrs Neame said he’s known to make the most of this bag of tricks whenever the opportunity arises.

“If I’m not sharing something he wants, he’ll go through his entire trick routine to see which one works,” she said.

“And once he gets pats, you can’t stop! If you pause for even a moment, he’ll nudge you to keep going, and he insists that both hands are put to work.”

After beating out a host of talented rivals, Banjo now has to concentrate on not looking too “ruff” after a night on the town.

Originally published as Next Pet Model: Banjo the Australian Shepherd cross Kelpie crowned top dog