Hootenanny Games launches nationwide dog contest for new party game

Hootenanny Games is inviting dog owners nationwide to submit photos for a chance to appear in Feelin’ Cute: Top Dog, a 2027 version of its award-winning family party game. The contest runs July 7 to August 6 and includes a public voting round plus an in-person launch event in Nashville.

Why it matters: - Hootenanny Games is turning fans into contributors, giving dog owners a chance to shape a new version of Feelin’ Cute. - The campaign gives the Nashville board game maker a way to build community around a 2027 product launch. - The contest also extends the original game's appeal by featuring real dogs from across the country.

What happened: - Hootenanny Games launched a nationwide “Dog Days of Summer” search on July 7 for dogs to appear in Feelin’ Cute: Top Dog. - Dog owners can submit photos at more information for a chance to have their pet featured in the game. - The new edition of Feelin’ Cute is scheduled to reach stores in 2027. - The contest runs from July 7 through August 6.

The details: - Participants must upload a dog photo and include the dog’s name, age, breed if known, and fun facts such as favorite foods, best tricks, silly nicknames or quirky habits. - Select finalists will move on to a public “People’s Choice” voting round. - Official contest rules, photo guidelines and eligibility requirements are available at official contest rules. - Hootenanny Games will host a puppy play date party at Urban Dog Bar, 5700 Ohio Avenue in Nashville, on July 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Dog owners at the event can get a free professional photoshoot, play games and submit contest photos. - Dogs at Urban Dog Bar must be at least 4 months old. - Dogs over 1 year old must be spayed or neutered. - Dogs must be current on Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) and Rabies vaccinations. - Vaccination documentation is required. - Owners can register their dogs and upload records ahead of time through the Urban Dog Bar app on the App Store or Google Play. - Attendees can meet the Hootenanny Games team, learn more about Feelin’ Cute Top Dog and receive free digital copies of their dogs’ photos after the event.

Between the lines: - The campaign builds on Feelin’ Cute’s game loop, which centers on ranking animals on a “Cuteness Meter.” - The original game is designed for 2–8 players ages 6 and up. - Whitney Kimerling said the contest reflects Hootenanny Games’ goal of sparking joy and bringing people together through games. - Whitney Kimerling also said the company has built its games alongside its community. - Alex Kimerling said the campaign is meant to make game night feel personal, interactive and genuinely fun.

What’s next: - Hootenanny Games will move finalists into the public voting round after the submission window closes. - The company will select dogs for inclusion in Feelin’ Cute: Top Dog ahead of the game’s 2027 retail launch. - Fans can follow updates on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at @playhootenanny and Hootenanny Games.

The bottom line: - Hootenanny Games is using a user-generated dog contest to promote a new version of its family party game and deepen fan engagement before launch.