The South Australian Dog of the Year is awarded to the highest scoring dog during the trialing year.  At each trial, points are allocated to the South Australian dogs who place in the Open final.  1st place is awarded 5 points; 2nd place 4 points; 3rd place 3 points; 4th place 2 points and 5th place 1 point.  A judges average is added at the end of the year to compensate the workers for taking their turn to judge. (A complex formula is used!)

The winner of the Dog of the Year is presented with the Jacka Family Perpetual trophy.  The winner of the 2009 award was Stefan Cross with this dog Glenview Connie.  This is the third year in a row that they have won this award.

Results table following the Nepowie trial.