Meet Steeler: The 2-year-old Labrador from Pittsburgh, crowned TSA’s top canine for 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revealed its top canine for 2025, coinciding with National Dog Day, which is celebrated every year on August 26.

This year’s winner is Steeler, a 2½-year-old Labrador retriever from Pittsburgh International Airport. Steeler secured the title as the TSA’s top dog through the annual “Cutest Canine” contest, where the public had the opportunity to cast their votes on social media.

According to the press release published on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Steeler edged out the competition by only a few hundred votes among four agency finalists, each representing a different region of the nation.


Nearly 100 dogs were nominated by TSA handlers nationwide before employees narrowed the field to four finalists. Steeler represented the agency’s Eastern region in the final round.

“Explosives detection canines and their handlers play a critical role in protecting the nation’s transportation systems,” said TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl. “This contest is a way to recognize their hard work and dedication.”

As part of the recognition, Steeler will appear on the cover of TSA’s 2026 Canine Calendar, which will be released in December.

Who is Steller, the winner of the TSA’s top canine for 2025?

Steeler is a Labrador retriever from Pittsburgh International Airport who has been voted the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) top dog for 2025.

He works alongside his handler, Mark Smith, at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), providing explosives detection capabilities as part of the TSA's multilayered security approach.

Although Steeler has only been on the job for a little over a year, he contributes significantly to the safety of the traveling public with his exceptional sniffing abilities and is already making a noteworthy impact at PIT, as per the TSA statement.

In his free time, Steeler enjoys fetching balls, playing with a tug rope, and eating jumbo hot dogs. He and his littermates were born on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 and are all named after NFL teams.

Who were the other finalists?

Alex, a 9-year-old Labrador retriever from Denver International Airport, will retire in 2026 after more than seven years of service.

Chica, a 3-year-old German wirehaired pointer from Indianapolis International Airport, enjoys long walks and bird watching.

Erika is a 7-year-old German shepherd from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport who cools off with ice cubes and dental treats.

About TSA’s Canine Program

The TSA operates approximately 1,000 canine teams across the country. These dogs are specially trained to detect explosives in crowded areas, helping to ensure the safety of airports while minimizing disruption for travelers.

Handlers are trained to recognize subtle changes in their dogs' behavior, which may indicate a potential threat.

The program started in 1972 under the Federal Aviation Administration and was transferred to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following the September 11 attacks. The TSA trains its teams at the Canine Training Center located in San Antonio, Texas.

Later this year, the TSA will provide details on how the public can download the 2026 Canine Calendar.