Drake University’s Annual Bulldog Contest: A Celebration of Canine Charm
Drake University is buzzing with anticipation as 24 charming English Bulldogs gear up to compete in the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest. This cherished event marks the beginning of the Drake Relays festivities and is set to be held on April 19 at the Knapp Center, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with doors opening an hour earlier.
This year’s participants were selected from a pool of 117 hopefuls across 13 states through a public lottery on March 11. The finalists will showcase their talents and fashion sense in pursuit of the coveted title of Most Beautiful Bulldog, a title that includes a week-long reign over the Drake Relays.
As these adorable contestants parade down the runway, they will display their unique personalities, endearing quirks, and signature wrinkles. This contest holds added significance as it will be the final one for Griff II, Drake University’s well-loved live mascot, who is set to retire in May. Griff II’s successor, a one-year-old English bulldog, is being trained to take over the role.
“The lottery is always a day of high energy, but this year feels extra special,” shared 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.”
This year introduces a new opportunity for involvement as one Drake alumnus or friend and one Drake student are invited to join the judging panel. Interested individuals can apply via the Beautiful Bulldog Contest website until April 6.
Judging Panel and Categories
The judging panel this year features:
● 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.
The judges will select winners in several categories, including:
● Drake Spirit
● Best Dressed
● Rescue Dog Recognition
● Porterhouse People’s Choice
● Second Runner-Up
● Runner-Up
● Most Beautiful Bulldog
Milo, the 2025 titleholder from North Liberty, Iowa, will return to celebrate his year as the Most Beautiful Bulldog and pass the crown to the next winner. This year’s contenders 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
Explore the history of the contest by viewing previous winners here.
Griff Gives Back
In his farewell year, Griff II is initiating his 11th annual Griff Gives Back Campaign alongside the Beautiful Bulldog Contest. From March 16 to April 19, Griff II aims to collect 20,000 pounds of adult dog and cat food for the Pet Project Midwest. Contributions can be made through an Amazon Wish List, online and mail-in orders, or at designated drop-off locations. More details are available on the Griff Gives Back website or by following @DrakeUGriff on social media.
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