After greeting an estimated 300,000 guests, posing for countless holiday photos and becoming one of Tasmania’s most recognisable tourism ambassadors, Archie, the beloved Labrador concierge at Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston, is preparing to hang up his lead.
From mid-August, Archie will begin easing back his concierge duties before officially retiring later this spring, bringing to a close an extraordinary eight-year career that has made him every bit as famous as the award-winning hotel he calls home.
Archie’s story began before the doors of Peppers Silo Hotel even opened. Following a family visit to Canada, hotel owner Errol Stewart was inspired after meeting a canine concierge working in a hotel. Wanting to create the same warm and memorable arrival experience in Launceston, he approached Guide Dogs Tasmania to find an appropriate applicant from the guide dog training program that possessed the exceptional temperament and training that make these dogs so special.
At four years old, Archie joined the opening team of Peppers Silo Hotel in 2018. His calm nature, impeccable manners and genuine love of people made him the perfect fit for a life in hospitality.
Kim Ryan, Business Manager at Guide Dogs Tasmania has been alongside his journey since he was 8 weeks old and said Archie is a wonderful reminder that every dog has their own unique purpose. “Not every dog is suited to guide work, but every dog has unique strengths. Archie has clearly found his calling, and we’re incredibly proud to see the happiness he’s brought to so many people over the past eight years. We wish him a long, happy and well-earned retirement,” said Kim.
Archie doesn’t just work at Peppers Silo Hotel – he lives there. For the past eight years, the black Labrador has greeted guests in reception, joined visitors on leisurely walks along the Tamar River and happily accepted thousands of pats from travellers of every age. He has become such a drawcard that conference organisers regularly request an appearance from Archie, while many returning guests ask after him before they’ve even checked in.
One of Archie’s most devoted walking companions is Launceston local Garry Matthews, who has walked him nearly every day, often with his family. The moment Archie hears Garry’s familiar whistle in the hotel hallway, he leaps from his bed, tail wagging and ready for their walk.
His popularity extends well beyond the hotel walls. Thousands follow his adventures online (@archiethesilodog), guests regularly arrive bearing squeaky toys just for him, and he’s developed a well-known weakness for freshly baked scones. Whether it’s a gentle pat, a riverside stroll or simply seeing his wagging tail waiting in reception, Archie has a remarkable way of making everyone feel instantly at home. Archie’s fame has even extended to the big screen. In 2025, he starred in the international feature film Canine Concierge, shown at the Top Dog Film Festival. Filmed across three continents, the documentary follows three remarkable hotel dogs – including Archie.
Peppers Silo Hotel General Manager Paul Seaman said Archie had become far more than the hotel’s canine concierge. “Archie has never simply been the hotel dog – he’s been a colleague, a greeter, a conversation starter and, for many guests, the highlight of their stay. People genuinely ask if Archie is working before they book. He’s become part of the story of Peppers Silo Hotel and part of Tasmania’s tourism story. He found the perfect home with us and has spent the past eight years making people smile. He’s welcomed guests on their honeymoons, family holidays, conferences and milestone celebrations. He comforted nervous travellers, delighted children and made every day brighter for our team. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of a well-earned retirement,” said Paul.
While Archie is looking forward to a slower pace of life, retirement won’t mean disappearing entirely. He’ll continue enjoying the occasional visit from his many admirers before handing over the lobby to the next generation of canine concierge. His successor will be announced later this year, ensuring the much-loved tradition he began continues for years to come.
Before the next puppy takes over, Archie still has a few shifts left, a few more pats to collect and, no doubt, a few more squeaky toys to unwrap before finally heading into a well-earned retirement.
