Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Most of us are familiar with glamorous beauty pageants;
sparkling crowns, dazzling outfits, and contestants competing for a coveted title. Think Miss Universe, Miss World, or Miss India. But what if we told you that one of the most beloved beauty contests in the United States isn’t for people at all?
Welcome to Drake University’s annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest, a one-of-a-kind pageant where wrinkled faces, wagging tails, and charming personalities take centre stage.
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For more than four decades, this paw-some tradition has served as the official kickoff to the famous Drake Relays in Iowa. This year marked the 47th edition of the contest, bringing together some of the most charismatic English Bulldogs from across the country to compete for canine glory.
A CROWN RESERVED FOR BULLDOGS
Getting into the contest is no easy feat. Bulldogs must first enter a lottery, from which 24 finalists and 10 alternates are selected. The winner doesn’t just receive a crown and bragging rights; the victorious bulldog also enjoys a week-long reign as the official mascot of the 2026 Drake Relays.
And this is far from an ordinary dog show.
Each contestant gets their moment in the spotlight, strutting down the pageant runway, or as fans affectionately call it, the “pup-way.” From playful tricks and quirky habits to irresistible charm and eye-catching costumes, the Bulldogs showcase much more than their looks. Judges interact with every contestant before selecting winners across multiple award categories.
The contest follows strict eligibility rules. Only living English Bulldogs can compete; French Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, and Olde English Bulldogs are not eligible. Each dog must have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough). While households may enter multiple Bulldogs, each must be handled by a different person aged 18 or older.
THIS YEAR’S WINNER
This year’s crown went to Flora, a seven-year-old English Bulldog from Iowa Falls, Iowa.
Accompanied by her owners, Nicole Gleason and Augie Wachter, Flora captured hearts as she strutted down the pup-way wearing a blue dress adorned with a glittering Drake “D” and white flowers. More than just a stylish contestant, Flora’s story resonated deeply with judges and spectators alike. A survivor of a puppy mill, she has since found a loving home where she thrives on affection and attention.
Her victory came after a highly competitive contest featuring 24 finalists selected from a pool of 117 hopeful Bulldogs representing 13 states.
Several other standout contestants also earned recognition:
- First Runner-Up: Pickles (Urbandale, Iowa)
- Second Runner-Up: Carl (Terril, Iowa)
- Porterhouse People’s Choice Award: Chunk (Johnston, Iowa)
- Best Dressed Award: Tater (Forest City, Iowa)
- Drake Spirit Award: Pickles (Urbandale, Iowa)
- Rescue Dog Award: Zeus (Windsor Heights, Iowa)
During the pageant, contestants are evaluated not only on appearance but also on personality, spirit, and overall stage presence. Judges use both their interactions with the Bulldogs and their runway performances to determine winners across seven award categories: Most Beautiful Bulldog, Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, Best Dressed, Drake Spirit, Rescue Dog Recognition, and the Porterhouse People’s Choice Award.
In a world filled with high-stakes competitions and serious sporting events, Drake University’s Beautiful Bulldog Contest offers something refreshingly different: a celebration of canine charm, second chances, and the simple joy that dogs bring to our lives. And for one week every year, a Bulldog wears the crown and becomes the most famous pup in Iowa.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
