Cutest Puppy Contest And Dog Yoga At Back Channel Brewing

If you love puppies, tomorrow’s Cutest Puppy Contest might be the most joyful way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

The 6th annual Cutest Puppy Contest is happening tomorrow, Saturday, January 31, at Back Channel Brewing Company in Spring Park, and anyone with a puppy can take part.

ENJOY PUPPIES, PHOTOS, AND FUN

Food trucks Parlour and Pep Island will be on site serving up food throughout the afternoon. Official Klondike Dog Derby merchandise will also be available for purchase, and race officials will be there to talk about sled dog racing and the incredible athleticism of these dogs.

There will also be a photo area where participants can snap pictures of their pups in front of a mini Klondike start arch.

VOTE FOR THE CUTEST PUPPY

Voting for the Cutest Puppy Contest works by purchasing tickets for $2 each. Each puppy photo will be displayed on a jar, and votes are collected by placing tickets into the jar of your favorite contestant. After the contest ends, votes will be tallied and first, second, and third place winners will be announced on the official Klondike Dog Derby Facebook page and website.

HELPING FUND THE 40-MILE SLED DOG RACE

Proceeds from the Cutest Puppy Contest and 10 percent of beverage sales during the event will go toward funding this year’s 40-mile sled dog race. In past years, the race has attracted more than 40,000 spectators and features 35 world-renowned mushers competing for a $40,000 purse! Net proceeds from race weekend are donated to Can Do Canines, Cast Outdoors, and ICA Food Shelf.

HOW TO ENTER YOUR PUPPY

Entries can be submitted online or in person at the event, but all puppies must be registered by 2 p.m.

Vaccinated puppies born after January 25, 2025, are eligible to compete, and the entry fee is $25 per puppy. Humans get in for free, and each puppy registration includes a raffle entry for a $250 Klondike merchandise basket. Space is limited to 60 puppies, so organizers recommend arriving early.

NEW THIS YEAR - THE 'DAPPER DOG' COMPETITION

New this year is a “Dapper Dog” competition for pups older than one year, giving slightly older dogs a chance to show off their charm as well.

ENJOY DOG YOGA

Earlier in the day, dog lovers can take part in puppy yoga from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The class will be led by JoyFlow Yoga and includes yoga mats, one free beverage from Back Channel Brewing, and a bottle of water. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., and only 20 spots are available. The cost is $40 per participant.

The Cutest Puppy Contest is part of the excitement leading up to the main race weekend in February.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LAKE MINNETONKA KLONDIKE DOG DERBY

The Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating sled dog racing and educating the public about the sport, its history, and the incredible bond between mushers and their dogs.