Free calendar showcases 13 extraordinary detection dogs keeping travellers safe

They’re the hardest-working dogs you’ll see at the airport, and the ones you’re least allowed to pet. But the U.S. Transportation Security Administration has found a brilliant way for dog lovers to appreciate their canine security team: a free 2026 calendar featuring 13 of the agency’s most remarkable explosives detection dogs.

The annual TSA Canine Calendar honours the more than 1000 explosives detection canines who serve as the first line of defence at airports across the United States. Selected from 97 teams submitted nationwide, the featured dogs represent the very best of the TSA’s bomb-sniffing workforce, and their calendar photos reveal surprisingly relatable off-duty personalities.

From Super Bowl Sunday to airport security

The calendar’s cover star is Steeler, a nearly three-year-old Labrador Retriever who took home the 2025 TSA Cutest Canine Contest. Working at Pittsburgh International Airport alongside his handler Mark Smith, Steeler and his littermates were born on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023, with each pup named after an NFL team.

When he’s off duty, Steeler’s favourite pastimes include fetching balls, playing with a tug rope, and, in true football stadium fashion, enjoying jumbo hot dogs. But only from 7-Eleven, the calendar notes with characteristic TSA humour.

Meet the calendar stars

Each month spotlights a different canine hero, complete with charming details about their off-duty lives:

January: Rosco (German Shorthaired Pointer, Anchorage)
A nature enthusiast who insists on pawing and sniffing every flower as if he’s the official floral inspector of the great outdoors. His calendar photo features him posed amongst pretty purple flowers.

February: Alex (Yellow Labrador Retriever, Denver)
This 10-year-old gentleman is preparing for retirement in May, ready to trade snowy mountain adventures for sun-soaked relaxation, endless green beans, and cruising in golf carts.

March: Bingo (San Jose)
The ultimate comfort-seeker who’s either nestled in a pile of blankets or basking in a sunbeam, living his best snuggle life.

April: Chica (Indianapolis)
An enthusiastic neighbourhood walker whose eyes sparkle with excitement while watching birds and squirrels scurry about.

May: Csipi-Simjee (German Shepherd, Orlando)
Her hyphenated name honours Nasima H. Simjee, a 38-year-old vice president who was working at World Trade Centre Two on 11 September 2001. Csipi-Simjee is one of several TSA canines whose names commemorate 9/11 victims.

June: Cypress (Burlington, Vermont)
A foliage fanatic who happily hikes during autumn, with his nose deep in crunchy leaves, fully embracing his leaf-peeping adventures.

July: Erika (Fort Lauderdale)
After long airport shifts, Erika dashes straight to her beloved red Kong toy.

August: Haver (John F. Kennedy International Airport)
A globe-trotting pup who’s provided security at the Super Bowl, assisted with Operation Allies Welcome, and worked an F1 race in Las Vegas.

September: Laki (Los Angeles)
Born in Croatia, Laki’s name means ‘Lucky’ in Samoan. He happily responds to both names, proving he’s bilingual in what the calendar calls ‘woof-lish and the universal language of good boys.’

October: Rony (Milwaukee)
Known for his signature ‘sit pretty’ pose and steely gaze, perfect for those paparazzi-worthy moments.

November: Rosh (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport)
Loves long walks to relax his paws between sniffing adventures, always staying close to his handler. Their bond is described as unbreakable – a perfect team side by side.

December: Xaro (St. Louis)
Sweet on dessert, particularly dog-safe vanilla cinnamon biscuits.

The training behind the tails

The TSA operates the largest explosives detection programme in the world. Each year, approximately 300 canines complete an intensive 16-week training programme at the TSA Canine Training Centre at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.

During training, these dogs learn to deter, detect, and respond to explosive threats – skills that make them invaluable members of airport security teams. The programme’s rigorous standards ensure that only the most capable and focused dogs graduate to serve at airports nationwide.

Why you can’t pet them but should download their calendar

Frequent travellers and dog lovers face a difficult restraint at airports: resisting the urge to pet these adorable working dogs. However, these aren’t social dogs on a casual outing; they’re highly trained professionals performing critical security functions.

Petting a TSA dog whilst they’re working could distract them from their bomb-sniffing duties, potentially compromising airport safety. The dogs must maintain complete focus on detecting explosives, and any interaction with passengers could break their concentration.

That’s where the free calendar comes in as the perfect consolation prize. Dog lovers can download and print the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar (a tip from the source article: use colour and glossy paper for the best results), allowing them to appreciate these hardworking heroes without compromising security.

Celebrating canine careers

The calendar serves as more than just a charming monthly decoration; it’s a tribute to the dedication, intelligence, and essential work these dogs perform every single day. From Rosco’s flower-sniffing in Anchorage to Steeler’s hot dog appreciation in Pittsburgh, these dogs balance serious professional responsibilities with delightfully relatable off-duty personalities.

Each featured dog represents hundreds of others working quietly and efficiently across the country, keeping millions of travellers safe whilst they journey to see loved ones, embark on adventures, or conduct business.

The 2026 TSA Canine Calendar reminds us that behind every safe flight are countless dedicated professionals, some of whom happen to have four legs, wet noses, and a particular fondness for jumbo hot dogs or vanilla cinnamon biscuits.

Download the free 2026 TSA Canine Calendar:
Visit the TSA website to download your complimentary copy of the calendar and meet all 13 featured canine heroes. Behind-the-scenes videos showing what it’s like to be an explosives detection canine handler are also available on the TSA website.

Fast facts:

• Over 1000 TSA explosives detection canines are currently serving.
• 13 dogs featured in 2026 calendar (selected from 97 team submissions).
• 16-week intensive training programme.
• Average 300 dogs trained annually.
• Free calendar available for download from the TSA website.

Download the calendar here: https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/tsa_canine_calendar_2026.pdf