The inaugural Dogue Competition took America (and the Vogue office) by storm. When we first launched the contest, we thought we would maybe get a couple thousand submissions. Perhaps this was naive, but absolutely nothing could have prepared us for what was about to take place. Within 24 hours, we had tens of thousands of entries, a viral TikTok, and national press reporting on the contest. To be frank, we were equal parts overjoyed and panicked. The contest still had nine more days to go.
At 6 p.m. EST (on the dot) on Friday, August 8, we finally closed the competition. We felt a small sigh of relief before realizing that we now had to figure out how to go through and judge 56,749 photos of dogs. So we did what the Vogue staff does best: divide, conquer, and debate the results. The entire editorial staff, and a few special external judges (shoutout to WeRateDogs and Westminster Kennel Club), were brought in to help narrow down the pups until we ended up with 27 wonderful finalists. At this point, we were feeling good! We had five judges, 27 printed photos displayed like model headshots on the Vogue conference table, and a 30-minute time slot to pick one winner. Simple enough? Unfortunately, we were terribly wrong.
Let’s just say, we haven’t seen the Vogue staff this passionate about anything since the Prada sample sale. We had crossed words, snarky slacks, raised voices, and even (almost) some tears. The team was not holding back. “I’m devastated by this choice,” one editor announced after we almost came to a decision. “I really think this one feels more on brand,” claimed another. In an effort to ease the tension, one editor even offered to switch sides: “I was really on the fence, so I can change my vote if that helps!!”
Truth be told, Dogue almost broke the Vogue office. With more than 50,000 submissions, choosing one winner was a nearly impossible feat. But through hours of dedication, passionate debate, and some tense moments among colleagues, our judging panel finally came to a decision. Introducing Tango: Vogue’s 2025 Dogue Winner. And, of course, our two paw-fect runners-up: Lola and Rupurt, who’s person exclusively shared with the Dogue team that, “Vogue has been his [Rupurt’s] dream since day one. He’s been manifesting it & truly barking it into existence.”
Ultimately, it came down to our official judging criteria: Photo composition (50%), dog’s personality conveyed through the photo (25%), and good “dogueness” (25%). And Tango had it all: a striking pose (okay, leg!), a chic chair perfectly framing the photo, and a facial expression that reads, “I know I am a cover girl.” To quote Parker Hubbard, Vogue’s global design director, “[Tango] is understated but serving.” This hound has the Vogue It factor we were all looking for. After all…before it’s in fashion, it’s in Dogue.
So without further ado, introducing Tango and his human, Jennifer.
What is Tango’s best quality?
Tango is very active, always on the move, looking for critters (squirrels, lizards, moles, fish, etc.).
Who would voice Tango in a movie?
Jonathan Taylor Thomas, who played Simba in The Lion King.
Describe the voice you use to talk to Tango?
High-pitched with a New York accent and a touch of baby talk.
Where is one place you wish you could take Tango?
Ecuador, because we visit family there often, and I hate having to leave him behind.
Where is the strangest place you’ve taken Tango?
Surfing!
What is the most human thing Tango does?
He makes intense eye contact and facial expressions.
What is the most dog thing your dog does?
Tango gets the zoomies after a bath.
What is Tango’s full name?
Tango George Ordonez.
Astrological sign?
Libra.
Worst habit?
Begging for more treats by standing at the pantry door indefinitely.
Strangest habit?
Hunting lizards.
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