TSA dog from DFW attempts to ‘bolt’ to finish line of TSA’s Cutest Canine Contest

DALLAS - An explosives detection canine at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is in the hunt for one of the top prizes at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Public voting is underway in the semifinals of TSA's 2026 Cutest Canine Contest, and Bolt, a German shorthaired pointer, is trying to "bolt" to the finish line.

TSA is encouraging the public to help select the agency's working dog most deserving of the title of "cutest canine."

Bolt, a 3-year-old canine, is competing against Xaro, a 9-year-old German shepherd from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, in the semifinals of the national contest. You can cast your vote between now and Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. CDT on TSA's social media platforms, including Instagram, X and Facebook. TSA is unleashing voting via Instagram Stories, X Poll and Facebook Stories. If Bolt advances, the public can vote for him in the final round of online voting which starts at 11 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and will run for 24 hours.

"Bolt is the buggiest-eyed 3-year-old German shorthaired pointer you will ever see," said Daphne Wang, Bolt's explosives detection canine handler. "Bolt works intensely, using his best sniffs to screen thousands of passengers at DFW in the greatest state of Texas. While he takes his work to the extreme, Bolt's favorite reward is the squeakiest Chuckit! ball he can find. Mr. Bolty does not have an off switch, so, naturally, his favorite activity is going to work."

Two Labrador retrievers go head-to-head in the second bracket of the Cutest Canine Contest semifinals, pitting Epic from Pittsburgh International Airport against Ember from Orlando International Airport. Voting in the second semifinal round will launch at 11 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and run for 24 hours before the finals.

TSA will announce the winner of the 2026 Cutest Canine Contest on Wednesday, Aug. 26, National Dog Day.

TSA uses canines like Bolt in its security operations nationwide, pairing these highly skilled dogs with experienced handlers. They are trained to use their keen sense of smell to detect the scent of explosives or explosive materials in busy transportation environments.

Canines are a visible layer of security, supplementing TSA's efforts to keep travelers safe and secure. In addition to working in the nation's airports, they are also trained to work in mass transit, commuter rail and maritime venues.

Here are the links to TSA's social media accounts where you can cast your votes:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tsa
• X: x.com/tsa
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/tsa

"Paws" what you're doing and show your support for Bolt by casting a vote for him today.

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