This is it, folks; it's the beginning of the rest of the 2013 Dog Poll. Choosing the Top 49 Finalists has been the toughest thing we've done all year, but we made it through to the other side. Check out the slideshow above and cast your vote for which dog you think is the most squeal-worthy of the bunch!

Here's the full schedule from here on out, so mark your calendars:

March 20 – Top 21 Finalists announced, second voting round begins.

April 1 – Top 7 Finalists announced, third and final voting round begins.

April 8 – Winner announced.

What does the Top Dog get in return?

Honorary inclusion in our annual HOT 20 issue, the chance to serve as a judge at our annual Whole Enchihuahua Catwalk Costume Contest in May 2013, a pet portrait session on-location or in-studio courtesy of Nuena Photography (valued at $350!), and special prizes from the SF SPCA.

Spread the word, rally the troops, and cast your vote!

The 2013 Dog Poll is proudly sponsored by the San Francisco SPCA.

Don’t have a dog of your own? We can fix that! See all of our adoptable pups and kitties online at sfspca.org.

Help us help them. The San Francisco SPCA is San Francisco’s oldest animal welfare organization. For 145 years, we’ve been saving and advocating for San Francisco’s animals, but we can’t do it without you. The San Francisco SPCA is a non-profit that depends wholly on the generosity of individuals and corporations to support our programs that find new homes for over 5,000 animals a year and save the lives of more than four animals everyday through our charity care. Be part of the team to end animal abandonment in San Francisco by 2020 – support San Francisco SPCA Vision 2020.