THE canine hero from Wildash that made international headlines just became Queensland's first ever honorary police dog at the ripe old age of 16.

Travelling all the way to Max's home in the bush, Darling Downs District Dog Squad officer in charge Sergeant Trevor O'Neil and Warwick OIC Jamie Deacon presented the heroic hound with a shiny new police collar on Wednesday afternoon.

With the iconic blue-and-white checks around his neck, Max was looking pretty sharp.

Max was awarded the top honour after he protected three-year-old girl Aurora Kyle when she went missing in the bush overnight.

When Aurora was found the following morning, Max was right by her side.

But Max's owner Linda Miller is searching for a mate to help Max pass on his loyal genes before he gets too old.

Mrs Miller said anyone with a well-tempered bitch could come forward to help Max's legacy live on.

"If anyone has a female border collie or cattle dog, there's a reward Max would really appreciate!"

The only catch is, Mrs Miller would get first pick of the litter.

And she certainly knows how to pick them.

"He's very loyal and protective," Mrs Miller said.

In a written recount of the whole experience, Mrs Miller recalled a special moment with Max after Aurora was found.

"With a hot cuppa La La (Mrs Miller) sat on the back steps with a high of relief and thoughts of gratitude... loyal Max joined her, sat at her owners feet and let out the biggest cry."

Mrs Miller said Max and Aurora had a special language and bond.

But his rise to stardom was an unlikely fate for the border collie cross cattle dog, who was the runt of the litter as a pup.

"It just goes to prove you should never judge a book by its cover," said owner Linda Miller.