We have five categories:

DOGGOS: any dog can enter this category.

PUPPIES: 4 months or younger at time of application.

DOGS WITH JOBS: this can include therapy dogs, farm dogs, guide dogs, etc.

RESCUE DOGS: any dog rescued from a shelter or other rescue organization.

FASHION ICONS: any dog with a true sense of style.

Each entry fee covers the entry for only one category. However, you are welcome to enter again with a new fee for different categories.

Using both the provided photos and the bios, our judges have a tough job deciding on that year's top dogs. All five judges work together to slim the field down from hundreds of entrants to 50-60 serious contenders before really getting into the nitty gritty and making the final decisions that bring us down to our Top 40.

Our judges are instructed to look for variety (we want to represent as many different sizes and breeds as possible), representation in each of our 5 Categories (Doggos, Puppies, Dogs with Jobs, Rescue Dogs, and Fashion Icons), personality, and a unique story. The bio and four photos you submit are what our judges will be referencing during the judging process.

In brief, no. Initially, we allowed entrants to submit as many photos as they’d like. As you can imagine… things got out of hand. This year we’re asking owners to select only four photos for their submission. The photos should be as recent as possible, and showcase your dog’s uniqueness and personality.

The judges rely as much on the bio as they do on the photos, so be sure you make a compelling case for your dog. What makes them unique for their category? How did they find their way into your life? What about their personality really stands out? Why should the judges select your dog as a Top 40?

Yes! $5 from each entry fee is given to Dogs With Wings Edmonton who work to train dogs for service as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Last year we raised over $1,000 for Dogs with Wings!

Each winning dog will get a photoshoot at Pedersen Studios with award-winning fashion photographer Aaron Pedersen, and will be featured in the coming year’s Top 40 Dog calendar and book, as well as on our Instagram account. Winners also receive a high resolution edited photo of their dog, and get a Top 40 Dog 2022 dog collar to commemorate their win. 

You’ll be sent a "Paw-ticipation" ribbon that your dog can wear with pride (heck the judges! All dogs are top dogs!) and the warmth of knowing you and your dog have supported Dogs with Wings with your entry. You can always enter again next year!

No. Because we have different judges each year, having entered before won’t give you an advantage.

Yes, you definitely can – and we appreciate the support! – but we do let the judges know if they are looking at a dog who has already won in a previous year, and chances are *very* slim that your dog will be featured twice.

Nope! There’s never any commitment to buy a book or calendar regardless of the outcome for your dog's entry. Each purchase does help keep the Top 40 Dogs project going for another year, so your support is appreciated.

The application fee is the only cost. If your dog is chosen for this year’s Top 40 you may need to pay for parking during the photoshoot, depending on where you live and how you’re getting there. You have the option to purchase extra photos from your dog’s photoshoot, and the option to purchase a book or calendar, but that’s totally up to you!

It’s not mostly for fun, it’s only for fun! We just want the fine dogs of Edmonton to get the spotlight they deserve. Plus, we get to meet some great people and their dogs throughout the process.

Yes. This has been proven by science.