The Dogist Joins the 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest as a Celebrity Judge

**Elias Weiss Friedman Joins 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest as Celebrity Judge**

The 2026 edition of the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, presented by PEDIGREE®, has announced a prominent new feature: Elias Weiss Friedman, the acclaimed photographer behind The Dogist platform, will serve as one of the judges. Known for his exceptional canine photography and commitment to rescue advocacy, Friedman – who boasts a following of over 11 million across social media – is set to bring his expertise to a competition that celebrates the resilience and charm of rescue dogs.

The contest, which is scheduled for public voting starting on 17 August, offers a variety of enticing prizes for the winner. Not only will the chosen pup be featured in PEOPLE magazine and on its website, but they will also enjoy a bespoke photo shoot, a year’s supply of PEDIGREE® dog food, and a $1,000 donation to the rescue organisation of their choice.

Friedman’s involvement marks an exciting addition to the contest, which invites dog lovers from across the nation to participate in the voting process until 28 September. Public voting will determine the top three finalists, who will then face a judging panel that includes Friedman alongside other notable figures, such as reality television star Dolores Catania and editors from PEOPLE magazine.

Friedman, known for his compelling canine portraits, has dedicated over a decade to celebrating the stories of dogs through his work. With more than 50,000 captivating photographs showcasing the essence of man’s best friend, he has garnered recognition through various awards, including bestselling books and accolades for his philanthropic efforts. His deep appreciation for rescue dogs is evident, stating, “I’ve met so many incredible rescue dogs over the years, and every one of them has a story worth celebrating.”

The photographer’s personal experience with his own rescue dog, Elsa, has reinforced his belief in the transformative power of adopting rescue pets. “Rescue is really about second chances,” he remarked. “I’ve seen firsthand how often those second chances end up changing both the dogs and the people.”

Beginning on 17 August, the ten finalists for the competition will be unveiled, allowing the public to cast their votes daily for their favourite contender at people.com/rescuedogcontest. The three canine finalists with the highest number of votes will advance to the final judging round, where they will be evaluated on various criteria by Friedman and the other judges.

The stakes are particularly high as last year’s contest showcased an inspiring story of resilience. The winner, a rat terrier mix named Bastian, was rescued from the floodwaters of Hurricane Florence in 2018. Now a loving and intelligent companion, Bastian has proven himself to be an engaging pet who can communicate using over 100 interactive buttons to express his needs and desires.

For dog lovers eager to stay informed about the contest, PEOPLE magazine offers a free daily newsletter that provides updates on the latest stories, including this anticipated rescue dog competition. The 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest promises to shine a spotlight on the incredible stories of rescue dogs and the organisations dedicated to their care.

As the event approaches, the anticipation among the canine-loving community continues to build. The combination of public involvement and expert judging, spearheaded by Friedman’s extensive experience, is set to make this year’s contest a memorable celebration of the enduring bond between humans and their furry companions.

For additional information about the contest and to vote for your favourite rescue dog, visit people.com/rescuedogcontest.