Steeler from Pittsburgh International Airport wins TSA’s Cutest Canine Contest

Steeler, a 2-and-a-half-year-old Labrador retriever from Pittsburgh International Airport, has been voted the Transportation Security Administration’s top canine for 2025.

The announcement was made Tuesday on National Dog Day, following a nationwide contest held by TSA on social media where the public voted for the company’s cutest canine. Steeler emerged victorious among 4 finalists, each representing a different area of the nation.

‘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. ‘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 Pittsburgh International Airport, offering explosives detection capabilities as half of TSA’s multilayered security method. Despite being on the job for just over a 12 months, Steeler is already making a vital impression at the airport.

Steeler enjoys fetching balls, taking part in with a tug rope and eating jumbo sizzling canine. He and the remainder of his litter had been born on Super Bowl Sunday 2023 and had been all named after NFL groups.

Steeler will likely be featured on the entrance cowl of TSA’s 2026 Canine Calendar, scheduled for release in December.

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