Annual Cape May, NJ, Dog Pageant Delivers Fun For All [Photos]

The iconic Annual Cape May, New Jersey Dog Pageant was held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at The Rusty Nail, located on Beach Avenue next door to The Beach Shack.

It is such a popular special event that was the vision of Lisa Johnson, who founded the annual iconic event in 2013.

The 2026 Grand Champion Is Piper

Rusty Nail photo.

Piper is a 9 year old Bichon Poodle that is owned by Lindsey Harper and Family, all pictured directly above. Piper won a $ 250 Rusty Nail Gift Card, along with a basket full of goodies.

10 Dogs Made It To The Final Judging Competition

Harry Hurley photo.Harry Hurley photo.

This year’s competition actually began before The Top 10 arrived to The Rusty Nail. There was a social media, public voting process to decide which dogs would make it to The Top 10.

The Top 10 dogs are pictured above.

The Dogs Competed In 3 Different Categories

Style
Tricks
Musical Chairs

Harry Hurley photo.Harry Hurley photo.Harry Hurley photo.

The above 3 photos are my official Judge # 1 Scoring Sheets.

Proceeds From This Great Event

Directly benefits Animal Outreach of Cape May County. This not-for-profit organization does a great job helping vulnerable animals.

Your Judges

Harry Hurley photo.

From left to right, the reigning Miss New Jersey — Kylie Gene Wright; Bob Wharton, (a dog trainer) who won the 2015 competition with his dog Jackson; and Harry Hurley.

Harry Hurley Photo Gallery — It Was So Much Fun

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