Flora Crowned 2026 Drake Relays Mascot and Most Beautiful Bulldog

Flora Takes the Crown as the 2026 Drake Relays Mascot

Amidst wagging tails and eager barks, the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest^® crowned its new champion at the Knapp Center on Drake University’s campus. Flora, a seven-year-old bulldog from Iowa Falls, Iowa, emerged victorious and will don the title of the official mascot for the 2026 Drake Relays.

Flora, accompanied by her owners Nicole Gleason and Augie Wachter, won the hearts of judges with her dazzling appearance and endearing personality. Wearing a blue dress adorned with a sparkling Drake “D” and white flowers, she charmed everyone on the “pup-way.” As a former puppy-mill survivor, Flora thrives on the love and attention from her human companions.

This year’s contest was particularly significant, marking the final event overseen by Griff II, the current live mascot of Drake University, who is set to retire in May. Next in line is Griff III, who will assume full-time mascot duties next month.

The competition saw 24 finalists, chosen from a pool of 117 entrants across 13 states, vying for the top honor. The judges also recognized other outstanding bulldogs with various awards:

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

In a touching farewell, Milo, the 2025 Most Beautiful Bulldog, took a final lap as the outgoing mascot. During the event, the annual Griff Gives Back campaign results were also revealed. Thanks to community support, Griff II helped amass over 17,000 pounds of pet food for The Pet Project Midwest, with additional donations still being collected.

For over four decades, the Beautiful Bulldog Contest has celebrated these charming canines at Drake University. To explore past winners, click here. Stay updated by following the contest’s Facebook page.

Watch the full event recording on Vimeo.