Bolt, a 3-year-old German shorthaired pointer from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), was declared the agency's top dog for 2026. (Photo Credit: TSA)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) celebrated National Dog Day on Wednesday by announcing the national winner of its annual Cutest Canine Contest.
Bolt was named the agency's top dog for 2026. The three-year-old German shorthaired pointer from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) beat out 84 other nominations.
The three other finalists were Ember, a four-year-old Labrador retriever from Orlando International Airport; Epic, a four-year-old Labrador retriever at Pittsburgh International Airport and Xaro, a nine-year-old German shepherd from St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
"Congratulations to this year's Cutest Canine Contest winner, Bolt, and thank you to the many explosives detection canine teams across the country who help protect America's transportation systems," TSA Administrator David Cummins said in a statement.
"This recognition is a fun way to celebrate the extraordinary work of our canine teams and the strong bond between each canine and handler," added Cummins. "Explosives detection canine teams are one of TSA's most effective and visible layers of security. These highly trained dogs and their handlers help detect threats in dynamic transportation environments, deter potential attacks and give travelers confidence that TSA is using proven, adaptable capabilities to protect the traveling public."
Bolt. (Photo Credit: TSA)
Bolt's handler, Daphne Wang, said: "I am ecstatic for Bolt. He is such a character and a hard-working little guy. He absolutely loves his job and coming to work. I am so happy he gets to show the world his quirky personality."
"It's definitely an adventure working with Bolt every day," added Wang. "There is nothing ordinary about him. He works hard and plays even harder. He is always in working mode, even at home. He is never short on energy and is always 1,000% excited to go to work."
Bolt is the third German shorthaired pointer to win the TSA Cutest Canine Contest in the last four years.
Travelers who can't get enough of TSA's cutest employees can download the free 2027 TSA Canine Calendar featuring Bolt and other contestants from TSA's 2026 Cutest Canine Contest later this year.
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