The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has unleashed its downloadable 2026 Canine Calendar, an annual tradition honouring the agency’s more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working at airports across the United States – and more simply a dozen handsome (and cute) dogs to brighten the months for dog lovers.
The 2026 TSA Canine Calendar highlights 13 extraordinary canines selected from 97 teams submitted nationwide. Each month features photos and fun facts about the dedicated heroes.
The winner of the 2025 TSA Cutest Canine Contest, Steeler, a nearly three-year-old Labrador retriever from Pittsburgh International Airport, is featured in the new calendar. Steeler works alongside his handler, Mark Smith, helping the travelling public safe through his sniffing abilities and is making a significant imprint on PIT. He enjoys fetching balls, playing with a tug rope and eating jumbo hot dogs. Steeler and the rest of his litter were born on Super Bowl Sunday 2023 and all named after NFL teams.
Considered the “centre for excellence,” TSA has the largest explosives detection program in the world. The agency trains canine teams to operate across various transportation systems including aviation, passenger rail/mass transit, maritime and cargo.
An average 300 canines annually complete an intensive 16-week training program at the TSA Canine Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The agency’s highly skilled canine teams are extremely mobile and can deter, detect and respond to threats.
Download the calendar HERE.
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