Who’s the top dog? Here’s the winner of Sun Herald Cutest Dog on the Coast poll
The votes are in: Following tens of thousands of entries to crown the Coast’s cutest dog this year, this Diamondhead pup won the title.
Shug, a 7-month-old brown standard poodle, won the last round of voting with 7,056 votes (82%), triumphing over eight other furry finalists.
“I know he had some stiff competition,” owner Vicki Haskins said. “We are so proud of all of those fur babies and their families for entering them into the contest, and we’re just very grateful that he won.”
With polls open from June 15-28, the contest drew nearly 40,000 total votes and 51 contestants. Shug’s victory follows 2024 winner Charlie and 2025 champion Eli as cutest on the Mississippi Coast.
Haskins said she got Shug from Forever Summer Standard Poodles in Ocean Springs on Jan. 16. At home, Shug keeps busy with tug-of-war, snuggles and time with his poodle sister, Ellie.
“He is full of personality. He is the most lovable dog that you could ever meet,” Haskins said.
Standard poodles are known for their energy, intelligence and unique hairstyles. Haskins said Shug gets his looks from Sassy N Classy Paws.
“He loves to get groomed,” Haskins said. “He’s just a loving four-legged child.”
