World's Weirdest Dog Contest 2026: Win a Times Square Billboard

Introduction

Does your dog sleep upside down in the bathtub? Carry a sock everywhere without ever chewing it? Refuse dinner unless you perform a pretend preparation ritual? If so, your quirky canine might be famous. Embark Veterinary launched the World's Weirdest Dog contest on October 15, 2026, and it runs through November 15, 2026, for both entries and public voting. According to iHeartDogs, the contest celebrates unusual everyday habits—not impressive tricks or special talents.

The grand prize is a Times Square billboard appearance, a $200 gift card, and a free Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test with Behavior Insights & Training upgrade. Second through fifth place winners each receive a $150 gift card and the same DNA testing package, while sixth through fifteenth place winners also receive the DNA test and behavior upgrade. That gives 15 dogs a chance to win prizes. Whether you're a dog owner or just a fan of odd canine behavior, this contest offers a fun way to celebrate what makes our pets uniquely weird.

Contest Overview and Prizes

Embark Veterinary's World's Weirdest Dog contest is a nationwide search for the most delightfully odd canine habits. Launched on October 15, 2026, the contest aims to spotlight the everyday quirks that make dogs so endearing. According to iHeartDogs, the competition is not about impressive tricks or special talents; instead, it focuses on unusual everyday habits. Think of a dog that sleeps upside down in the bathtub, carries a sock everywhere without chewing it, or refuses dinner unless a pretend preparation ritual is performed. These are the kinds of behaviors that make dog parents laugh and scratch their heads.

The prizes are designed to reward both the weirdest dogs and their humans. The first-place winner will appear on a Times Square billboard—a massive honor for any pup—and will receive a $200 gift card plus a free Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test with Behavior Insights & Training upgrade. Second through fifth place winners each receive a $150 gift card and the same DNA testing package. Sixth through fifteenth place winners also receive the DNA test and behavior upgrade, giving 15 dogs a chance to win prizes. This tiered prize structure ensures that many quirky canines get recognized, not just the top dog.

Beyond the prizes, the contest serves a larger purpose: celebrating the unique bond between dogs and their owners. By focusing on odd habits rather than obedience or agility, Embark highlights the individuality of each dog. The contest also introduces dog parents to Embark's DNA testing capabilities, which can shed light on why their dog might engage in certain behaviors. With 15 winners receiving the Breed + Health Dog DNA Test with Behavior Insights & Training upgrade, the contest doubles as an educational opportunity.

How to Enter and Vote

Entering the World's Weirdest Dog contest is simple and open to all dog owners. According to iHeartDogs, entries can be a photo or video showing the dog's strangest habit, with an optional short story. This flexible format allows participants to capture their dog's quirk in the most authentic way—whether it's a snapshot of a dog sleeping in a bathtub or a video of a dog carrying a sock around the house. The optional short story gives owners a chance to add context and humor to their entry.

The contest runs through November 15, 2026, for both entries and public voting. That means you have a full month to submit your dog's weirdest habit and rally votes. Public voting is open to everyone, including non-dog owners. This inclusive approach means friends, family, and even strangers can participate by voting for their favorite quirky canines. The voting period coincides with the entry period, so early submissions have more time to gather votes.

To enter, dog owners simply need to submit a photo or video that showcases their dog's unusual habit. The habit should be an everyday quirk, not a trained trick. Examples from iHeartDogs include sleeping upside down in the bathtub, carrying a sock everywhere without chewing it, or refusing dinner unless a pretend preparation ritual is performed. These examples illustrate the kind of behavior the contest is looking for—natural, odd, and endearing.

Once entries are submitted, public voting determines the winners. Since voting is open to everyone, contestants can share their entries on social media and encourage friends and followers to vote. The contest's timeline—October 15 to November 15, 2026—gives ample opportunity for entries to gain traction. With 15 prizes available, even dogs that don't take first place have a chance to win a DNA test and gift card. The combination of easy entry, public voting, and multiple prizes makes this contest accessible and exciting for dog lovers everywhere.

The Science Behind Dog Quirks: Embark's DNA Testing

While the World's Weirdest Dog contest is lighthearted, it also highlights the science behind canine behavior. Embark recently introduced its Behavior Insights & Training feature to help dog parents understand how inherited traits may influence behaviors. According to iHeartDogs, this feature is included in the prize package for all 15 winners, giving them a chance to explore the genetic roots of their dog's quirks.

Embark says it has tested more than three million dogs, making it a leader in canine DNA testing. The company works with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine as an official research partner. This partnership lends credibility to Embark's testing and research efforts, ensuring that the insights provided are based on rigorous scientific study. For dog owners, this means that the Breed + Health Dog DNA Test with Behavior Insights & Training upgrade offers more than just breed identification—it provides a window into why their dog behaves the way it does.

The Behavior Insights & Training feature is particularly relevant to the contest's focus on unusual habits. Many dog behaviors, from sleeping positions to eating rituals, can be influenced by genetics. By understanding these inherited traits, dog parents can better appreciate their dog's quirks and potentially address any behavioral concerns. For example, a dog that carries a sock everywhere without chewing it might be exhibiting a herding instinct or a retriever's tendency to carry objects. A dog that refuses dinner unless a pretend preparation ritual is performed might have a strong routine-oriented personality.

By awarding DNA tests to 15 winners, Embark is encouraging dog owners to look beyond the surface of their dog's behavior. The contest not only celebrates weirdness but also promotes a deeper understanding of canine genetics. This blend of fun and science is what sets Embark's contest apart. Whether your dog's quirk is sleeping upside down in the bathtub or refusing dinner without a ritual, the DNA test can provide valuable insights into the behavior's origins.

Celebrating Unusual Dog Behaviors

At its heart, the World's Weirdest Dog contest is a celebration of the behaviors that make dogs individuals. According to iHeartDogs, the contest focuses on unusual everyday habits, not impressive tricks or special talents. This distinction is important: it means that any dog, regardless of training or breed, can participate. The quirkiest behaviors often emerge organically, and they are what endear dogs to their owners.

Examples of quirks from iHeartDogs include sleeping upside down in the bathtub, carrying a sock everywhere without chewing it, or refusing dinner unless a pretend preparation ritual is performed. These behaviors might seem strange to outsiders, but to dog owners, they are cherished routines. The contest gives owners a platform to share these oddities with a wider audience, fostering a sense of community among dog lovers who appreciate the weird and wonderful.

Public voting, open to everyone including non-dog owners, adds a social element to the contest. Friends and family can vote for their favorite quirky canine, and even people without dogs can participate in the fun. This inclusivity reflects the universal appeal of dog behavior—even non-owners can appreciate a dog that sleeps in a bathtub or carries a sock around.

The contest also serves as a reminder that dog ownership is full of surprises. Every dog has its own personality, and the weirdest habits are often the most memorable. By shining a spotlight on these behaviors, Embark encourages dog parents to embrace their dog's individuality. Whether your dog wins a prize or not, the act of sharing its quirk is a celebration of the unique bond you share. With 15 winners receiving DNA tests and gift cards, the contest rewards both the dogs and their humans, making it a win-win for everyone involved.

Contest Timeline and Key Dates

If you're considering entering your dog in the World's Weirdest Dog contest, timing is crucial. According to iHeartDogs, the contest launched on October 15, 2026, and runs through November 15, 2026, for both entries and public voting. This one-month window gives participants plenty of time to submit their dog's strangest habit and gather votes from friends, family, and the public.

The entry period and voting period overlap, meaning you can submit your entry early and start collecting votes immediately. This is advantageous because the sooner your dog's photo or video is up, the more time it has to gain traction. Public voting is open to everyone, including non-dog owners, so you can encourage a wide network to support your pup.

Key dates to remember:

• October 15, 2026: Contest launches and entries open.
• November 15, 2026: Contest closes for both entries and public voting.

After the voting period ends, winners will be determined based on public votes. The first-place winner will appear on a Times Square billboard and receive a $200 gift card plus a free Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test with Behavior Insights & Training upgrade. Second through fifth place winners each receive a $150 gift card and the same DNA testing package. Sixth through fifteenth place winners also receive the DNA test and behavior upgrade, giving 15 dogs a chance to win prizes.

With a clear timeline and multiple prizes, the contest is designed to be accessible and exciting. Whether you enter on day one or just before the deadline, your dog's weirdest habit could be the one that captures the public's attention. Mark your calendar and prepare to showcase your dog's unique personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter if my dog's habit is a trained trick? No. The contest specifically seeks natural, everyday quirks—not obedience or agility skills.

Do I need to be a dog owner to vote? No. Public voting is open to everyone, including non-dog owners.

What if my dog's quirk is something like eating grass or licking? Those are exactly the kinds of behaviors the contest celebrates. If you're curious about the science behind them, you can read why does my dog eat grass or why does my dog lick me.

Is my dog's habit a sign of a health problem? Sometimes odd behaviors are harmless quirks, but they can also signal discomfort. If your dog is why is my dog scratching constantly or why is my dog throwing up yellow bile, it's worth checking with your vet. Similarly, why is my dog breathing fast can indicate a medical issue rather than a quirk.

Can DNA testing really explain my dog's weird behavior? Embark's Behavior Insights & Training feature uses genetic data to help explain inherited traits. It's not a diagnosis, but it can offer clues—just as can science help dogs live longer explores how genetics shape canine health.

What if my dog carries objects or chews oddly? Carrying a sock without chewing is a classic quirk. But if your dog actually chews and swallows objects, review are raw bones safe for dogs for guidance on safe chewing habits.

Is it free to enter? The article does not specify an entry fee, but entries are submitted via photo or video with an optional story.

Why This Contest Matters for Dog Lovers

The World's Weirdest Dog contest is more than a publicity stunt. It's a reminder that every dog has a personality, and the oddest habits are often the most lovable. By rewarding 15 dogs with DNA tests and gift cards, Embark encourages owners to dig deeper into their dog's behavior—whether it's why do dogs eat poop or a bizarre bedtime routine.

If your dog has a habit that makes you laugh, don't hide it. Enter the contest, share the quirk, and celebrate the weirdness. You might just see your pup on a Times Square billboard.

Source: iHeartDogs