A look at the life off the pitch of Anthony Hudson, head coach of Thailand's men's national football team, shows that besides football, he has a whole world devoted to his dogs, the one thing that offers unconditional love no matter the match result...
On 15 March 2026, beyond his role as Thailand's national football team coach, Anthony Hudson revealed another side of his personal life—his love and bond with dogs, calling himself a true dog devotee. Hudson told Thairath Sport in an exclusive interview that despite relocating countries and crossing continents multiple times due to his football career, dogs remain the most important part of his life. He even once founded a charity to help stray dogs.
Hudson opened up that he has loved dogs since childhood and they have always been part of his life. Over more than 14 years, he has cared for two dogs: Dyer, who recently passed away, and Junior. For Hudson, dogs are loyal, pure creatures that offer unconditional love, whether he wins or loses on the field when he comes home. Dogs never judge or care about the match results. Instead, they are always ready to stand by him when the world of football is full of pressure.
"Since I was a child, I've always loved dogs. When I was very young, I put a lot of pressure on my family because no one wanted to raise a dog. But I insisted until they relented and bought me a Golden Retriever. I've always loved dogs. For me, they are the best thing in this world."
"I think they are the most loyal and innocent creatures. Over the past 14 years, I've had two dogs; the older one passed away last year, so now I have one left."
"It's been quite challenging because I've moved to several countries, and traveling with them internationally is really tough. But they are the best part of my life. No matter whether I win or lose, when I come home, they don't care about the results—they give love unconditionally. As soon as you step through the door, your dog still loves you and wants to be with you."
"Many years ago, and even now when I see stray or abused dogs on social media, it really breaks my heart. It's one of the things I just can't bear to watch, such as the heartbreaking floods in Songkhla."
"That motivated me to start fundraising about 7-8 years ago, focusing on people in the football community to help these dogs. At that time, I was in Chicago working with the U.S. national football team. We raised a lot of funds for various organizations and projects, which was wonderful."
"Now, I am determined and trying to do something here in Thailand. Establishing a foundation takes time, but I want to find a way for people in our football community to help raise funds for stray dogs. For now, the only thing I can do, which Anfield (the interpreter) can confirm, is keep a big box of dog treats by my car door."
"Wherever I go, if I see a stray dog, I always stop and give them treats. Even near the Football Association headquarters, there are dogs I regularly feed. But I want to do more."