Bolt, a three-year-old German shorthaired pointer working at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has been crowned the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Cutest Canine for 2026.
The annual competition celebrates the explosives detection dogs working across the US transportation system. Bolt beat 84 other nominated dogs, with TSA employees narrowing the field to four finalists before the travelling public voted for their favourite on social media.
Bolt’s handler, Daphne Wang, describes him as an energetic character.
“He absolutely loves his job and coming to work. I am so happy he gets to show the world his quirky personality,” she said. “He works hard and plays even harder.”
Bolt is the third German shorthaired pointer to win the title in the past four years.
Despite his new status as TSA’s top dog, travellers spotting Bolt on duty shouldn’t expect to give him a congratulatory pat. TSA reminds passengers that its explosives detection dogs are working when at airports and should not be petted.
