Give a big round of a-paws for Steeler, an explosives detection canine from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named the two-and-a-half-year-old Labrador retriever the winner of its 2025 Cutest Canine Contest. The agency uses the annual contest to highlight the important role of security canines.
The TSA recently held its nationwide social media contest during which the public voted for the agency’s “cutest canine” from among four finalists, each representing a different region of the nation. TSA canine handlers from airports across the country initially nominated 97 dogs before employees voted online and narrowed the field down to the finalists.
“Our explosives detection canines and their handlers play a critical role in protecting the nation’s transportation systems,” said TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl. “TSA’s annual Cutest Canine Contest gives us the opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Steeler, and thank you to the approximately 1,000 TSA canine teams who keep America and the traveling public safe.”
Steeler works alongside his handler, Mark Smith, at PIT providing explosives detection capabilities as part of the TSA’s multilayered security approach. Although Steeler has only been on the job for just over one year, he keeps the traveling public safe through his doggone sniffing abilities and is already making a significant imprint on PIT. He enjoys fetching balls, playing with a tug rope, and eating jumbo hot dogs. Steeler and the rest of his litter were born on Super Bowl Sunday 2023 and all named after NFL teams.
The Role of Security Canines
The TSA employs canines like Steeler in its security operations nationwide. These canine teams nimbly work through large groups of people to detect the source of an explosive’s odor, even if the source is mobile. The canines and their handlers train regularly, and the handlers learn to read subtle changes in their canines’ behavior when the scent of an explosive has been detected. If a canine alerts its handler, the TSA follows an established procedure to resolve the alarm with minimal impact to the screening lane.
According to the TSA, these canines provide an effective tool for deterring and detecting the introduction of explosive devices into the nation’s transportation systems. The agency trains the canine teams at its national Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program began in 1972 under the Federal Aviation Administration as a partnership with state and local law enforcement. The program was transferred to the TSA after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The first use of TSA explosives detection canines was in March 2008 to screen air cargo, and in 2011, the TSA expanded the program to screen passengers.
As a reminder to travelers, TSA canines are on duty while with their handlers at the airport and must not be petted.
Runners-Up
Steeler, who eked out a win by just a few hundred votes, will be featured on the front cover of the agency’s 2026 Canine Calendar, which is scheduled for release in December.
Congratulations to the TSA’s other three finalists:
- Alex, a Labrador retriever from Denver International Airport who will celebrate his 10th birthday on Sept. 14, was a very close runner-up in this year’s voting. Handler Roxanne Sherwin said Alex has more than seven years of service protecting the traveling public and is scheduled to retire in late May 2026. Alex’s favorite reward is his Santa Claus dog toy, and he loves playing fetch and eating green beans.
- Chica is a 3-year-old German wirehaired pointer from Indianapolis International Airport. Handler Keith Gray said Chica loves working at the airport, walking in and out of crowds, and taking long walks around the neighborhood to spot birds and squirrels.
- Erika, a German shepherd from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, recently celebrated her 7th birthday and loves keeping everyone safe. Her handler, Christopher Valentine, said Erika enjoys snacking on dental treats and munching on ice cubes to cool her down in sunny South Florida.
Make sure to download the 2025 TSA Canine Calendar—featuring last year’s top dog, Barni, and other cuties—here!