The Washington Nationals introduced Natty, a Golden Retriever and Labrador mix, to fans on May 11, 2026. Natty has been preparing for his Major League debut as the Nationals’ official Team Dog in partnership with Canine Companions and Eukanuba. The newest (and furriest) member of the Nationals is set to make his first big-league appearance on May 15 against the Orioles.
Natty earned his name through an online fan vote in March and was born on March 5, 2026. He is one of six siblings who will be trained to become professional service dogs with Canine Companions. Natty began his journey to the Majors in Northern California and later advanced to Canine Companions headquarters in Santa Rosa, California, for final medical evaluations. He made the cross-country journey to Washington, D.C., on May 4, where he met his puppy raisers, Jackie and Laura, for the first time.
Natty now resides in Virginia with Jackie and Laura, where he is learning foundational training cues as a service puppy in training before heading to professional training with Canine Companions instructors in approximately 18 months. While at Nationals Park, Natty will train alongside staff, players, and fans as he builds socialization skills and prepares for his future as a service dog.
Natty joins the Nationals through the club’s partnership with Eukanuba, which has supported Canine Companions as its exclusive dog food partner for more than 35 years. He will be fueled by Eukanuba through every stage of his training. After completing his time with his puppy raisers, Natty will begin professional training with the goal of becoming a service dog for a person with a disability. Canine Companions provides service dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, as well as facility dogs to support individuals in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings.