2026 Cutest puppy Registration:

Please be sure to follow all checkout instructions to finalize your puppy's registration

CONTEST DETAILS:

Who can participate?
Cutest Puppy Contest:
Vaccinated puppies born after 1/31/25 are eligible.

NEW in 2026 — Dapper Dogs Category:
All dogs of any age are welcome to participate, as long as they are up to date on vaccinations.

$25 entry fee for the dogs (not the hooomans) includes a raffle entry for a $250 Klondike merch bundle. Register your pup in person before 2pm on event day. Pups must be registered by 2:00pm on 1/31 to be included in the contest. (Max 60 pups)

Who will win?
Votes will be tallied and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place winners of the 2026 Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby Cutest Puppy Contest and Dapper Dog will be announced via social media and on race weekend. Winners will pick up their prizes at Westonka Animal Hospital: 2125 Commerce Blvd, Mound, MN 55364

CONTEST schedule:

1:00 - 5:00pm - Raising funds for the Klondike at Back Channel Brewing Company!
Vote! Voting tickets are $2 each and 100% of the proceeds go toward race day

1:00 - 2:00pm
In-person puppy registration. 60 pups, max.

2:00pm - Voting begins!
Cast your votes for the 2026 Klondike CUTEST PUPPY and Dapper Dog!

5:00pm - Voting ends!
Winners will be announced via social media and from the announcer’s podium on Race Day!

Puppies and their hoomans need not be present to win, however, we encourage in-person cuddles and tummy scratches to campaign for votes!

2026 CUTEST PUPPY SPONSORS:

Funds raised from the Cutest Puppy Event will go toward our 2026 race weekend operating expenses—where all net profits will be donated to our non-profit partners: @candocanines, @castoutdoor and @icafoodshelf