The Beautiful Bulldog Contest
The 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest® took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Knapp Center. Doors opened an hour early (1:00pm) for guests to enjoy the Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone before the pageant began.
To participate in the contest, Bulldogs entered the lottery to be selected as one of the 24 contestants.
The lottery to select the 24 bulldog contestants, and 10 alternates took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 4pm at Drake University in the Olmsted Center. The lottery was available via livestream on the contest Facebook page.
Follow this webpage and the contest Facebook page for updates.
2026 Winner — Flora
Judges proudly announced the winner of the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest® at the Knapp Center on Drake University’s campus on Sunday. Seven-year-old Flora was crowned the champion and will serve a week-long reign as the official mascot for the 2026 Drake Relays.
Flora, hailing from Iowa Falls, Iowa, stole the show during her strut down the “pup-way.” Accompanied by owners Nicole Gleason and Augie Wachter, the charismatic bulldog charmed the judges in her blue dress embellished with a glittery Drake “D” and white flowers. A puppy-mill survivor, Flora is happiest when soaking up attention from her loving humans.
The 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest® carried special significance as it was the final contest overseen by Griff II, Drake University’s beloved live mascot, who will retire in May. While Flora reigns for one week over the Drake Relays, Griff II’s successor, Griff III, will take over full-time duties as the University’s live mascot next month.
Read more about the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest here.
The Beautiful Bulldog Contest History
The Beautiful Bulldog Contest® at Drake University is a unique trademarked event with an over 40-year history. The event kicks off a week-long Drake Relays celebration. Thirty English Bulldogs walk the pup-way to impress judges in hopes of being crowned the Most Beautiful Bulldog. The winner then serves a year-long reign as the Drake Relays mascot and the Most Beautiful Bulldog.
During the contest, each contestant will walk the pageant runway. This is prime time for the pups to show off their stuff or do tricks. Our judges will meet each contestant and together determine the winners of each award category, which include Drake Spirit, Best Dressed, Rescue Dog Recognition, Porterhouse People's Choice, Second Runner-Up, Runner-Up, and Most Beautiful Bulldog. It’s up to the judges to decide how each Bulldog best represents these seven awards and both the judging time and the pageant is what they use to judge these categories.
Past Beautiful Bulldog Contest Winners
Click here to see a listing of past contest winners through the years.
Beautiful Bulldog Contest FAQs
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How can I stay up-to-date on the Beautiful Bulldog Contest?
Follow the Beautiful Bulldog Contest Facebook page and bookmark our webpage, www.drake.edu/beautifulbulldog. You can also RSVP to the contest and lottery events on Facebook where we will post timely updates.
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Is it too late to enter my Bulldog?
Registration for the 2026 contest will be open from February 2 – March 9, 2026. Be sure to bookmark www.drake.edu/beautifulbulldog and follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/beautifulbulldog so you don’t miss any announcements regarding the contest.
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Does it cost to enter?
No, it does not cost to register for the Beautiful Bulldog Contest. We ask that only serious applicants register so we can avoid last minute drops. We draw alternates, but have had an increase in participants dropping out last minute. Please only register if you can be in Des Moines, Iowa to attend the contest on Sunday, April 19, 2026, AND make an appearance later that week during Drake Relays on Saturday, April 25.
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Do I need to bring proof of vaccines?
All entries must have current rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and bordatella (kennel cough) vaccinations and this year we will be asking for proof of vaccinations from your veterinarian should you be drawn as one of the official contestants.
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Can I bring my pet as a spectator to the contest?
No. For the safety of the animals and all spectators, we ask that people do not bring their pets to the contest. The only animals allowed are the contestants and the animals up for adoption from the various local animal shelters.
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If we win, what is expected of us?
As the official mascot of the 2026 Drake Relays, this year’s Most Beautiful Bulldog is required to visit the Drake Relays on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The winner will also be asked to attend the 2027 Beautiful Bulldog Contest for a formal passing of the cape and crown. The winner may be invited to participate in additional promotional opportunities throughout the year, but it is ultimately up to each individual winner to decide how involved they want to be.
Questions? If you have any questions about the Beautiful Bulldog Contest that aren't answered in our eligibility rules, contest rules, or Frequently Asked Questions, please email us at beautifulbulldog@drake.edu.