Drake University is excited to announce the 24 hopeful English Bulldogs that will compete in the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest. The annual competition is a beloved tradition that kicks off a week-long Drake Relays celebration. This year’s Beautiful Bulldog Contest will take place Sunday, April 19, at the Knapp Center from 2–3 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m.
The lucky pup-testants were selected via a public lottery held on March 11 from a pool of 117 entries spanning 13 states. The finalists will don costumes and perform tricks for judges in hopes of being crowned the Most Beautiful Bulldog. The winner will serve a one-week reign over the Drake Relays festivities.
During the contest, each contestant will strut the pageant’s runway to showcase their unique charm, charisma and—of course—their best wrinkles. This year’s pageant carries special significance as it marks the final Beautiful Bulldog Contest overseen by Griff II, Drake University’s beloved live mascot, who will be retiring in May. His successor has already been chosen—a lovable 12-month-old English bulldog who is currently receiving “paws-on” training from his predecessor.
“The lottery is always a day of high energy, but this year feels extra special,” said Andy Verlengia, director of Alumni Relations and the Beautiful Bulldog Contest. “Not only are we welcoming a new class of hopefuls, but we are celebrating Griff II in his final contest before retirement. We are also excited to usher in a new tradition in 2026 and open our judging table to the Drake community.”
New this year, the contest is inviting one Drake alumnus or friend and one Drake student to join its judging panel. Applications are open on the Beautiful Bulldog Contest website through April 6.
This year’s panel of judges includes:
● Lindsey Burrell, WHO13 evening Anchor/Reporter
● Sue Mattison, Provost of Drake University
● Gary and Melissa Porter – Gary is a 1972 Drake alumnus and author of “Griff: My Life as Drake’s Top Dog” and his wife, Melissa, is a dedicated Drake University supporter.
Following the runway walk, the judges will be tasked with crowning winners in several categories, including:
● Drake Spirit
● Best Dressed
● Rescue Dog Recognition
● Porterhouse People’s Choice
● Second Runner-Up
● Runner-Up
● Most Beautiful Bulldog
Last year’s winner, Milo from North Liberty, Iowa, will be back to celebrate his reign as the 2025 Most Beautiful Bulldog and pass on the crown to his successor. This year’s competitors include:
● Rocco, Morning Sun, IA
● Clementine, Des Moines, IA
● Sweet Georgie Girl, Bondurant, IA
● Archie, Gowrie, IA
● Gary, Iowa City, IA
● Frankie, Readlyn, IA
● Buster Towns, West Des Moines, IA
● Tater, Forest City, IA
● Buddha, Petersburg, IL
● Axel, Waukee, IA
● Cash, Leon, IA
● Zeus, Windsor Heights, IA
● Pochita, Sioux City, IA
● Vinz, Marengo, IA
● Georgia, Oakdale, MN
● Flora, Iowa Falls, IA
● Odin, Cedar Rapids, IA
● Mack, Leon, IA
● Blue, Des Moines, IA
● Chief, Ankeny, IA
● Lucy Lu, Des Moines, IA
● Pickles, Urbandale, IA
● Lola, Waukee, IA
● Chunk, Johnston, IA
Click here to see a listing of past contest winners throughout the years.
Griff Gives Back
To commemorate his final year as Drake University’s live mascot, Griff II is launching his 11th annual Griff Gives Back Campaign in conjunction with the Beautiful Bulldog Contest. From March 16-April 19, Griff II will be collecting adult dog and cat food to benefit the Pet Project Midwest with an ambitious goal of collecting 20,000 pounds. Supporters can participate by giving via an Amazon Wish List, online and mail-in orders, or at various drop-off locations. For more information on the campaign, visit the Griff Gives Back website or follow @DrakeUGriff on social media.