Red Dog earns Golden Collar

Koko, the loveable kelpie that brought the Pilbara wanderer Red Dog to life on the silver screen has been recognised with an international acting award for dogs.

Competing in the International Film category, Koko took home the prestigious Golden Collar Award ahead of two Japanese dogs and a French dog.

Koko himself was unable to attend the ceremony at a dog friendly Hollywood hotel but prerecorded an acceptance speech that is now posted on Youtube.

“G’day, as a foreigner I thank you for this Golden Collar Award,” he barked.

“I’m sorry I can’t be there to accept this award but it’s a long flight to Hollywood and I have become so popular in Australia they won’t let me out of the country.”

The film’s producer Nelson Woss said Koko trained for about two years for the role and it was great he was recognised.

“It’s more about Koko this one, it recognises his terrific contribution to the film and also his performance in the film, it’s basically an acting award,” he said.

“Koko sent an acceptance speech and it brought the house down when it was played on the night.”

Woss said Koko was an ordinary dog and didn’t take awards too seriously, but he was a little disappointed when he found out the prize wasn’t edible.

“Koko is happy with retirement … and he’s glad he got some recognition,” he said.