Heroic NYC pups compete in look-alike contest for Krypto from ‘Superman’

Every New Yorker’s Kryptonite is a really cute dog.

Dozens of heroic hounds soared to Hudson Yards Friday to compete in a Krypto the Superdog look-alike contest — but only one pooch took home the red cape fit for the sidekick of “Superman.”

Sofia, a 7-year-old Brooklyn canine who could have been Krypto’s stunt double, easily took home the win and a $1,000 prize, but her owner said the victory didn’t just come down to the pooch’s good looks — she also embodies the superdog’s protective spirit.  

“She’s always looking out for the other dogs, she’s never starting fights, she likes to make everyone feel included,” said Meredith Amspoker, who found out about the contest hosted by Pumpkin Pet Insurance through a friend. 

Amspoker often gets stopped in the street while walking Sofia, but since “Superman” came out, it’s happening a lot more frequently. 

“Even while I was on my way here, someone said, ‘That looks like the dog from ‘Superman,’” the supedog mom said.

Sofia was stoic, cape flapping in the wind, as smaller dogs came to sniff her rear end. She stole the judge’s hearts when she managed to lift one ear at a time and tilt her head, shooting them an adorable glance. 

“I think she’s got a lot of personality in her ears, and she’s got that little face. She’s a superdog,” Amspoker said.

Not all of the 50 competing canines resembled Superman’s loyal sidekick, but their doting owners weren’t deterred from showing off their buddies’ superhero qualities.

Some pooches were even awarded for it — including little Jeffrey, who was named runner-up for the least Krypto look-alike. 

His owner, Ed Medina, 72, said the small, spotted dog is still a hero in his eyes for one simple reason.

“Jeffrey keeps me happy,” said Medina, who wore a jersey with his pup’s face plastered on the back, before feeding Jeffrey four treats in a row. 

Mallorie Sievert, a 23-year-old actress, dragged three of her friends from across Manhattan to watch the cute contest. 

“Krypto is so ugly, and I love ugly dogs, and so I was like, ‘I have to come and see all the crusty white dogs show up and show out,” she explained. 

While at college, Sievert started an Instagram account, taking pictures of dogs across campus. She’s delighted that the competition included dogs that don’t look like Krypto, so she was certain the plaza would be full of pooches. 

“I love New York City, because where else is there going to be an event where you see 50 dogs in capes!”