Kansas City Chihuahua Becomes Finalist in National Competition

Ella the chihuahua is in the running to be named America's Favorite Pet.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A chihuahua named Ella from Kansas City, Missouri has become a finalist in the nationwide America's Favorite Pet competition, which benefits the PAWS organization. Ella, who has a large wardrobe and is known for her love of fetching a bone, has already made it past thousands of other competitors. If she wins, she will receive $10,000 and appear on the cover of Modern Dog magazine.

Why it matters

The America's Favorite Pet competition highlights the special bonds between people and their pets, while also raising funds for animal welfare causes. Ella's success in the competition has brought positive attention to the Kansas City community and showcased the unique personality of this local chihuahua.

The details

Ella's owners, Nick and Audra Hernandez, say the chihuahua loves dressing up in all kinds of outfits and accessories. She was also recently featured as Miss July in The Paw Print's 2026 calendar. Voting for the America's Favorite Pet competition ends on Sunday, February 15 at 9 p.m. CT, and community members can vote for free online.

  • Ella was chosen as a finalist in the America's Favorite Pet competition.
  • Voting for the competition ends on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 9 p.m. CT.

The players

Ella

A chihuahua from Kansas City, Missouri who is a finalist in the America's Favorite Pet competition.

Nick and Audra Hernandez

The owners of Ella the chihuahua.

PAWS

The animal welfare organization that benefits from the America's Favorite Pet competition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She has a bone that she has to fetch all the time. Everybody that comes in the front door has to throw the bone for.”

— Nick Hernandez, Ella's owner (KCTV5)

“You can dress her up in anything, put her in anything. She wears sunglasses and doesn't mind.”

— Audra Hernandez, Ella's owner (KCTV5)

What’s next

Voting for the America's Favorite Pet competition ends on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 9 p.m. CT. If Ella wins, she will receive $10,000 and appear on the cover of Modern Dog magazine.

The takeaway

Ella's success in the America's Favorite Pet competition has brought positive attention to the Kansas City community and showcased the unique personality of this local chihuahua. Her owners' dedication to dressing her up and keeping her active has made Ella a beloved local figure, demonstrating the special bonds that can form between people and their pets.