Some dogs truly have a signature aesthetic, such as those with beards and mustaches that make every month Movember. Others resemble clouds or superdogs (See: Superman's high-flying pup Krypto).

Ziya, the hero dog, is getting honored for his matador skills. The year's nominees include Maddie, a dog who went to the vet with tummy troubles after ingesting part of a taxidermy alligator, and Wash ...