Alexandria’s Cutest Pup Contest: Meet the 15 Finalists

Cast your vote by May 19 and help us crown the city's cutest pup!

After receiving more than 100 tail-wagging entries from across the city, Alexandria Living is thrilled to announce the 15 nominees for our Cutest Pup Contest! The submissions showcased the charm, personality, and downright irresistible faces of Alexandria’s four-legged residents and narrowing it down was no easy feat. Our team was smitten with every photo!

Now, it’s your turn to weigh in! Public voting is officially open, and we need your help to crown Alexandria’s Cutest Pup. Refer to this article to view the photo gallery of our 15 finalists and cast your vote for your favorite furry friend here. Voting will be open for one week, from May 13 through May 19. You can vote once per day, so be sure to rally your fellow dog lovers in support of your top pick!

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 20 on Alexandria Living’s Instagram page and will receive a $500 cash prize courtesy of From Head to Tail Dog Spa, located in Potomac Yard. In addition to bragging rights, the winning pup will be featured in a special spotlight article celebrating their big win.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their adorable pets with us. Alexandria truly is a dog-lover’s town, and we’re so excited to celebrate these beloved companions with you. Let the voting begin!

1. Meet Winston! 

Winston is a happy, active, and loving French bulldog pup. He is 1.5 years old and loves to play soccer with his ball, roll around in the grass, and play with kids.

2. Meet Ernie! 

Ernie is a lovable, super laid back dog’s dog! He has no interest in people (aside from *his* people) unless they bring him a dog. He frequently lays down on walks to wait for his furry friends to show up!

3. Meet Raina!

Raina is the talk of the ALX town! She is the cutest Cavalier you have ever seen and a retired show pup. Sweet as can be she wins the hearts of all she meets.

4. Meet Nilla Wafer!

Nilla Wafer puts the wag in King Street swagger. This full-time floof knows every brick on the city’s historic streets, has a nose for the best outdoor patios, and can show her friends to every treat spot in Old Town.

5. Meet Finn! 

Finn is a sweet, sassy, handsome boy. He spends his days napping, barking at bees, snacking on bell peppers, and getting belly rubs. Finn is the boss of the house and pretends to keep his 2 fur sisters in line (when we all know they’re really the ones in charge).

6. Meet Ollie!

This five-year-old bundle of joy loves long walks through Alexandria, hiking adventures, and snuggling up for endless cuddles. He’s the sweetest, smartest boy you’ll ever meet—and he never misses a chance to make a new friend!

7. Meet Bailey!

Bailey is a 7-year-old Corgen (corgi + golden retriever) who loves to explore Alexandria trails and to find perfect sun spots in the grass. She is affectionately known as Queen B by her friends and is truly the most loyal of dogs. She will do anything for a treat (zucchini slices are a hit!). Her favorite thing to do is snuggle up close for belly scratches, and if you dare to stop, she’ll quickly whip out the cutest puppy eyes until you cannot resist anymore. Bailey is THE best dog anyone could ask for!

8. Meet Tulip! 

Tulip is a spirited two year old fluffy corgi who loves tiny tennis balls, chasing squirrels, and naps in the sun. You can find her searching for milk bones on her walks around Old Town and proudly walking with the Capital Corgis group in the annual Scottish Walk parade. Be sure to say hi - she loves pets!

9. Meet Rugby!

Rugby is a seven month old Bernedoodle puppy who loves to spend his days playing with his buddies at daycare or visiting Alexandria’s local puppy whispering legend, Kathy Callahan of PupStart. Rugby’s favorite things include eating cheese, digging in mom’s flower beds and walking around Old Town to greet his many admirers.

10. Meet Boba! 

Boba is an almost three-year-old miniature schnauzer with a big heart and an even bigger personality. He makes fast friends with humans and pups alike, turning every stroll around Alexandria into a cheerful adventure. With his expressive eyebrows, dapper beard, and natural love for posing, Boba is a charming little gentleman who collects compliments wherever he goes.

11. Meet Pepper! 

Pepper is the ultimate Old Town pet! She is happiest at Jones Point Park chasing squirrels and tennis balls, and loves to take in all the smells as she walks down King Street. Pepper frequently auditions to join the Alexandria Fire Department 201 crew when the engines race down our block, but they have yet to get back to her about open positions…

12. Meet Balto,

a 6-month-old Pomeranian with a heart as big as his fluff! Weighing just 5 pounds, he’s a social butterfly who adores every dog and human he meets. Whether he's exploring new patios around Alexandria or lounging at his favorite spot, Rosemont Cellar, Balto’s charm and tiny tail wags turn every outing into a photo op. This little pup brings joy wherever he goes!

13. Meet Sage! 

Sage is the sweetest little pup with a big personality! She loves to chase tennis balls in the dog park and she’ll definitely steal ALL the attention from people in the park too! She’s hard to resist!

14. Meet Ziggy!

Mostly Yorkie, Ziggy is a mixture of about 15 different breeds. I adopted him after he was found wandering the streets in Pennsylvania. After a rough acclimation period Ziggy is loving life in Alexandria!

15. Meet Oliver! 

Oliver is a 1-year-old rescue pup who traveled all the way from Houston last October to his forever home in Alexandria. He’s a true mutt—part chihuahua, shih tzu, poodle, pit bull, German shepherd, and more! Happy and friendly, he loves to greet dogs and people with a hug and a kiss. He’s extremely smart, using a soundboard with 23 buttons to communicate with his humans when he wants something and learning a new trick every week. Although he’s still scared of car rides and loud noises, Oliver loves exploring Alexandria, from walking the waterfront and going on hikes with his mom to visiting the dog parks.

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