ST. LOUIS – The votes are in, tails are wagging, and the squad is officially set. Beggin', the Official Dog Treat of U.S. Soccer, has crowned the Top Dog of the inaugural Beggin' XI competition, a nationwide search to build the ultimate roster of eleven dogs, hosted by beloved actor and soccer enthusiast, Brendan Hunt. Hudson from Guttenberg, NJ has officially earned the captain's armband and won America over with a smile that belongs on the starting lineup and a wardrobe built for the pitch.
Almost a thousand dogs threw their hats (and their tennis balls) in the ring to be considered for the squad, and Beggin' handpicked eleven of the finest finalists and then turned it over to America to vote for their favorite. Nearly 38,000 votes later, Hudson has proven himself one very good dog and officially earned the right to lead the greatest four-legged roster soccer has ever seen.
Meet the Top Dog
As Beggin' XI's Top Dog, Hudson and his human will receive an exclusive Beggin' and U.S. Men's Soccer Team Prize Box and a once-in-a-lifetime flyaway experience to a U.S. Soccer match this summer. It's the kind of match day experience most fans can only dream about, courtesy of Hudson's undeniable charm and red, white and blue team spirit.
"We received so many amazing submissions — each one more soccer-spirited than the last," said John Paul Vella, Senior Brand Manager, Beggin'. "The Beggin' XI represents the top bacon-fueled, soccer playmakers across the country, and we couldn't be prouder to have Hudson leading this squad of all stars."
Beggin' XI: The Full Roster
Every Top Dog needs a squad, and this is the most adorable one around. Meet the rest of the Beggin' XI pups who captured the hearts of fans across the country and earned their spot on the most lovable roster in soccer history. Each of the Beggin' XI finalists will receive their well-deserved bundle of Beggin', because every dog deserves to indulge in their bacon obsession.
- Hudson from Guttenberg, NJ (Top Dog)
- Milo from Palm Desert, CA
- Speckles from Peoria, AZ
- Zuber from Clarkston, WA
- Ozzie from Jacksonville, FL
- River from Willard, KY
- Loki from Grand Rapids, MI
- Finley from Arnold, MO
- Max from Kent, WA
- Duke from Bellflower, CA
- Snoopy from Maple Grove, MN
"I've scouted a lot of squads in my time, but I have never seen a roster with this level of tail speed, treat-sniffing instinct, and sheer love of the game," said Brendan Hunt, hype man for the Beggin' XI campaign. "The Beggin' XI didn't just win our votes, they won our hearts."
Treat Your Pups Like the Champions They Are
The Beggin' XI may be set, but every dog deserves a victory lap. Beggin' U.S. Soccer Crest Dog Treats are here to make sure every pup gets in on the celebration. Made with real bacon and real meat as the #1 ingredient and shaped like the U.S. Soccer crest, the treats are soft, tender, and sized right for a quick reward. Proudly crafted in USA facilities, Beggin' U.S. Soccer Crest Bacon Flavor Dog Treats are available at retailers nationwide in 6 oz., 25 oz., and 40 oz. packages.
For more information, visit purina.com/beggin.
