In an exciting development for canine enthusiasts, the finalists for the 2026 PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, sponsored by the PEDIGREE® brand, have been announced. Out of thousands of submissions, ten adorable dogs have been selected, each boasting an inspiring rescue story and incredible charm.
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The heartfelt stories behind these dogs were highlighted recently on CBS Mornings, where the ten finalists were showcased. As the competition heats up, dog lovers around the world are invited to vote for their preferred pup daily until September 28, 2026. Voting is available on the PEOPLE website or via a dedicated voting box provided for ease.
The process will see dog lovers whittle down the ten finalists to three, after which a panel of celebrity judges will decide the overall winner. Notable judges include Elias Weiss Friedman of The Dogist and popular CBS Mornings hosts Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Vladimir Duthiers. Additionally, representatives from PEOPLE and the PEDIGREE® brand will also participate in the judging panel.
The dog that comes out on top will be rewarded with a feature photo shoot in PEOPLE magazine, a year’s supply of food from the PEDIGREE® brand, and a donation of $1,000 to a rescue organisation of their choice. The grand announcement of the winner is scheduled for October 19.
Among the finalists is Sundance, affectionately known as Sunny, a seven-year-old Pekingese/Tibetan spaniel mix. Rescued after being abandoned, Sunny’s new family describes him as “a ray of light” in their lives. Another contender is Ranger, also seven years old, who hails from Minnesota. Despite missing some bottom teeth, his distinctive appearance and cheeky demeanor have won many hearts.
Then there’s Maple, a nine-year-old dog whose charm and eagerness made her an instant favourite for her adoptive family. Bean, a six-year-old pug, is characterised by his friendly nature, delighting in the company of children and other pets alike.
Tiberius, an eight-year-old found as a blind stray in Philadelphia, showed remarkable resilience by learning to navigate his neighbourhood with assistance from his new family and community. At ten years old, Champ’s story is equally inspiring; despite being rescued from the streets of Texas with a severe leg injury requiring amputation, he now works as a therapy dog, spreading joy across various public venues, including schools and airports.
Uzo, another inspirational contender, was saved from a hoarding situation. This eight-year-old enjoys a fulfilling life filled with outdoor adventures, such as hiking and kayaking. Meanwhile, six-year-old Poppy has won over her owners with her rapid house-training and her wonderful, calming presence.
Fiona, a three-year-old, is described by her owner as one of the happiest dogs around, with her amiable personality making her a local celebrity in Brooklyn. Last but not least, Gizmo, a one-year-old, has overcome an unfortunate start; abandoned after being kept in a cage for ten months, he has blossomed into a loving companion who brings joy to his owner’s life.
As this competition unfolds, the spotlight is on these ten remarkable canines and their compelling stories. Every vote casts not only counts towards determining this year’s champion but also raises awareness about the importance of rescue dogs and the various backgrounds they come from.
For anyone wishing to support their favourite rescue dog, daily voting is encouraged until the end of September, culminating in an exciting announcement in mid-October. For additional details about the competition and each finalist’s story, interested individuals can visit people.com/rescuedogcontest.