Iowa Falls Bulldog Flora Wins Drake's Beautiful Bulldog Crown
An Iowa Falls bulldog named Flora is wearing the crown this week after taking home the top prize at Drake University's 47th annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest. The seven-year-old English Bulldog beat out 23 other finalists to claim the title and serve as the official mascot for the 2026 Drake Relays.
A Beloved Iowa Tradition
For more than four decades, the Beautiful Bulldog Contest has served as the official kickoff to the Drake Relays, one of Iowa's most storied track and field events. This year's competition drew 117 hopeful bulldogs from 13 states, with only 24 finalists and 10 alternates selected through a lottery system.
Each contestant struts down what fans call the pup-way, showing off personality, charm, and stage presence. Judges interact with every dog before selecting winners across seven award categories. It is far from an ordinary dog show.
Flora's Story Resonates With Judges
Flora, owned by Nicole Gleason and Augie Wachter, captured hearts the moment she walked the runway. She wore a blue dress adorned with a glittering Drake D and white flowers. But it was her backstory that truly moved the crowd.
Flora is a survivor of a puppy mill. After enduring that difficult start, she has found a loving home where she thrives on affection and attention. Her journey from hardship to the winner's circle struck a chord with judges and spectators alike, proving that second chances matter.
Iowa Dogs Dominate The Awards
This year's contest was a strong showing for Iowa dogs, with several local bulldogs earning recognition across multiple categories:
- First Runner-Up: Pickles, Urbandale
- Second Runner-Up: Carl, Terril
- Porterhouse People's Choice Award: Chunk, Johnston
- Best Dressed Award: Tater, Forest City
- Drake Spirit Award: Pickles, Urbandale
- Rescue Dog Award: Zeus, Windsor Heights
Pickles from Urbandale had a particularly strong showing, earning both First Runner-Up and the Drake Spirit Award.
Strict Rules Keep Competition Fair
The contest maintains clear eligibility standards. Only living English Bulldogs may compete. French Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, and Olde English Bulldogs are not eligible. Each dog must have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, distempler, parvovirus, and Bordetella. Households can enter multiple bulldogs, but each must be handled by a different person aged 18 or older.
Judges evaluate contestants on appearance, personality, spirit, and overall stage presence. The seven award categories include Most Beautiful Bulldog, Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, Best Dressed, Drake Spirit, Rescue Dog Recognition, and the Porterhouse People's Choice Award.
A Celebration Of Community And Canine Charm
In a world filled with high-stakes competitions and serious sporting events, the Beautiful Bulldog Contest offers something refreshingly different. It is a celebration of community tradition, canine charm, and the simple joy that dogs bring to our lives.
For one week every year, a bulldog wears the crown and becomes the most famous pup in Iowa. This year, that honor belongs to Flora, a dog whose story reminds us that resilience and a loving home can lead to the brightest moments.