International Dog Photographer of the Year
CATEGORY WINNERS
Portrait Outdoor

A lone white shepherd stands on a pale stone staircase, gazing upward into a dreamlike expanse.
Denisa Zbranková Albaniová | Czechia

Samara Valent | Switzerland

A Lurcher in front of a 17th century doorway.
Ownership of Greyhounds used to be restricted to the aristocracy, and commoners faced severe punishment for possessing such dogs. Commoners got round this by breeding the Lurcher, which was a cross between a Greyhound and a working breed and was used for poaching game.
Susan Lang | United Kingdom
CATEGORY WINNERS
Action

Sylvain Langler & Rudy Anthoine (CaniStudio) | France

He Huapei (狗哥 宠物摄影师) | China

Shandess Griffin | Canada
CATEGORY WINNERS
Studio

Ricky usually wears his hair braided on the top of his head. During our session, I decided to try 'au naturel', but when the fan was turned off, I realized why he prefers the braid!
Jane Thomson | Canada

Mia Tepelea | Spain

My goal with this image was to portray the regal and sophisticated side of dogs, as each and every one of them is a work of art.
This image was created entirely in camera in one shot -- without any composites -- using a hand-crafted "set" and some creative positioning with the subject.
Katie Brockman | United States
CATEGORY WINNERS
Dogs & People

Rescued from a hoarding situation in Las Vegas, Petunia now thrives in Eugene as an ambassador for Luvable Dog Rescue. She is in training to become a therapy dog, a role well suited to her calm and affectionate nature. With her striking resemblance to Yoda, this portrait was imagined as both a tribute to her resilience and a playful nod to her otherworldly presence.
Jane Thomson | Canada

Two souls, one breath. No need for words. In that quiet closeness, everything is already known. Love, in its purest form, asks for nothing — it simply is.
1/200 - f/8 - ISO 100 - Nikon Z6II - Nikon 85mm f/1.8
Alessandro Musicorio | Italy

Dogs are like shadows, they follow us everywhere.
A shadow selfie with my dog Lolly.
Self-portraits are a testimony of our companionship while we seek more awareness in our world.
Tony Hertz | United States
CATEGORY WINNERS
Documentary

A team of sheepdogs, a fox terrier and a German Short haired Pointer, wait patiently as their owner does a farm job that doesn't require their help. The Quad bike and trailer is a popular mode of transport for teams of working dogs in New Zealand.
Rebecca Williams | New Zealand

There are around 200 million stray dogs worldwide, living in vastly different conditions. Some are cared for by their communities, but most are not as lucky. Stray dogs often find me when I travel—drawn to me like I wear a magnet. These moments inspired Dog Sanctuaries Around the World. I have visited seven sanctuaries so far, from Hawaii to Costa Rica to Thailand - documenting their work. I gift them the photos I take to use freely, as a show of my appreciation for all they do. Each place is unique, but all share one goal: to offer dogs safety, dignity, and a chance at a better life.
Angelica Briones | United States

The beach near my house is one of the busiest nesting areas for threatened Loggerhead, Leatherback and Green turtles. My gentle dog watched as a baby turtle made its way into the ocean.
Jill Brammer | United States
CATEGORY WINNERS
Open

A modern reimagining of The Last Supper, this image is a composite of more than a dozen separate shots. My goal was to not just pay homage to a iconic piece of art, but to also showcase the unique personalities of all the pets I was fortunate enough to photograph.
Katie Brockman | United States

They will follow you blindly
They don't judge
Love them and treat them well
They deserve nothing less ♡
Sandy van Kruysdijk | Netherlands

A little experiment to portray the vibrant dance of this extraordinary duo, their synergy is so magnetic it draws the space around them into the rhythm of their motion.
Barbara Cesari | Italy
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Portrait Outdoor

Morgane Beugin | France

Tayo, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and his sister, Jane, a Yellow Lab, looking out over Trillium Lake at sunrise.
Jessica Peterson | United States

A 3-image stitched panorama of some rather sweet sausages in front of London’s Horse Guards Parade. They were sitting just as you see them, though as we only had four outfits, the two on the right had to be photographed separately after the boys.
Andrew Richardson | United Kingdom

Denisa Zbranková Albaniová | Czechia

On the verge of dreams and reality, your most trusty companion will wait for you.
Tomasz Nitka | Poland

The colours of the dry grass and the Vizsla's coat form a perfect match. The symmetry of the path is empahsized by the dog's pose and focused gaze.
135 mm / F 1.8 / 1/400 s / ISO 500
Maren Pieper | Germany

This cutie Pippa I got to know during a photography walk. I immediately safed her number, to contact her again. Since month I was looking for a small dog, who fits into my backpack (Pippapack). The moment I saw her, I knew, she would be the right one for me!
Enrico Bassauer | Germany

Katrina Leferink | Australia

Lynda Graveline | Canada

Michaela Schurink | Switzerland

Tala, the Swedish Lapphund, standing in the rocks where the only sound is the wind blowing against her beautiful fur.
Grace Fieselman | United States

There is a small, inconspicuous old tree in the garden. When the trumpet tree was still young, I often climbed it. Now there's a big gap in the trunk and it looks like a little cave. When Levy climbed into the trunk and settled down there, he looked so content, happy and also very attentive. For me, these were incredibly beautiful moments that will stay with me forever, and also moments that gave me wonderful memories of my childhood.
Christin Scholz | Germany

Aistė Sudintaitė | Lithuania

The photo was taken on a misty winter morning, proving that even in the quietest, most desaturated corners of nature, life is in motion and beauty speaks without words.
Anna Bittner-Dahms | Germany

Elke Braet | Belgium

Taken on a very chilly February morning in Sutton Coldfield UK; -6 celsius and everywhere was covered in frost and a thick fog. It was as beautiful as it was eerie.
Heather Cowdrill | United Kingdom

German shepherd Kiiski taking silent steps on a frozen lake. Just a tiny bit of water on the top of the ice created a perfect dreamworld just before the sunset. Nature is full of wonders.
Paula Grekelä | Finland

Finnish proverb: "Sour, said fox about the rowan berries"
Paula Grekelä | Finland

Mad-Eye, the Mudi, posing elegantly on the streets of Boston underneath a street light.
Grace Fieselman | United States

Description: In the dim light of an industrial setting, a dog lies quietly on a concrete ledge, seemingly deep in contemplation. The warm tones of its reddish-brown coat contrast starkly with the cold, dark metal behind it. This photograph captures a moment of still solitude and introspection, where the dog’s pose evokes a deeply human sense of melancholy.
Skrällan De Neve | Belgium

Kairi Laiapea | Estonia

Nadine Grove | Germany

Callie Soden | United States

Karin Bruhin | Switzerland

You look at the sky when you have lost something on earth.
This photo was taken after I lost my first dog, Jazz. I visited this beach in Italy with him twice, but this time, it was just Ori and me. It was an emotional day, that was followed by this stunning scenery. It convinced me to take out my camera and capture this photo - after 3 months of not being able to take any photos. It hurt too much, not having my favorite model by my side anymore.
Although everyone can just see Ori in the photo, it makes me also see Jazz. I believe he was with us this day. Looking at the same sunset.
Kjara Kocbek | Slovenia

Elena Yakuseva | Russia

Anne-Laurie Léger | Canada

Anne-Laurie Léger | Canada

Tina Stahl | Germany

Corgi Henna waiting patiently in the entrance area of a boutique.
Perdita Petzl | Austria

Anne-Laurie Léger | Canada

My veteran male Beau, this is his natural habitat...the outdoors, he loves it. I did not pose him, and I wouldn't anymore as he is old and his health isn't the best. He just sad himself down and was observing me while I was actually taking a picture of the landscape but he looked so at peace and the light and the rocks, it was just his setting 100% and I will cherish this picture forever!
Marieke Hoeijmakers | Netherlands

This image was taken in the Bohem region in the Czech Republic. I saw this whole in a rockformation and immidiately noticed the dogheadshape (white muzzel with nose) on the low left side of the the whole. This was the only angle I could shoot or else a tree behind the the whole would be visible and I wanted Blaze -the model- to look at the dogheadshape.
Marieke Hoeijmakers | Netherlands

Anne-Laurie Léger | Canada

During sunrise in the forest, Summit paused among the morning light rays, glancing toward his owner who's just off frame. Sunbeams filtered perfectly through the trees, illuminating the scene (including his breath!) and complementing his red merle coat in a truly ethereal moment. Captured with a Nikon Z7II, 85mm lens, f/2.2, ISO 500, 1/1000 sec.
Andrea Wafler | Canada

Just before the world wakes up, Aria slips between the trees like a shadow made of sunrise.
Aleksandra Szaniewska | Poland

One eye closed forever, but the other watching over mushrooms like secrets on the forest floor. Grzanka, rescued by an animal welfare group.
Aleksandra Szaniewska | Poland

This photo was taken on the heathlands of The New Forest back in April when the Gorse bushes were in full bloom. Getting the framing right for this one involved having to squat in the rather spiky gorse but it was worth it!
Heather Cowdrill | United Kingdom

For a brief moment, the greyhound stands still behind the window, while the warm evening sun illuminates the scene. Interesting shadows lend depth and vitality to the image, while the symmetry of the architecture conveys calm and balance.
1/400 Sek, f 7.1, ISO 250, 82mm, full frame
Marion Arnicke | Germany

This image is one of my favourites - i adore Huskies, they're my favourite breed, dramatic, sassy and so much fun and character. Creating these landscape images has become popular. I love how Tuks body naturally flows and aligns with the mountain lines in the background. The stillness of it all makes me feel at peace.
Lena Lewis | United Kingdom
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Action

Anne-Laurie Léger | Canada

Anne-Laurie Léger | Canada

Cute puppy Liv is running through the forest. She had so much fun at the shoot.
Perdita Petzl | Austria

As I captured this image, one thought struck me: What kind of strength must this dog have to displace that much water with such explosive energy? It was a moment that revealed pure motion, instinct and joy - all in a single frame.
Celine Robel | Germany

Oakley gave it his all as he leapt from the dock towards the sunrise. That warm golden light envelops everything and being able to capture a moment that last so fleetingly is a blessing.
Betty Brodie | Canada

Shandess Griffin | Canada

Solo, the terrier, launching herself over a log in full trajectory.
Grace Fieselman | United States

Skylar, the Border Collie, locked in and jumping to grab his frisbee.
Grace Fieselman | United States

This is a longhaired whipped... or is it? Maybe this is just a cute flying squirrel. I guess, we will never know.
Celine Robel | Germany

Halsey, a beautiful Belgian Malinois, pursues a frisbee one peaceful evening along the Columbia River.
Jessica Peterson | United States

The boundless joy sparked by a single leaf drifting down on an autumn breeze.
Barbara Cesari | Italy

Karin Bruhin | Switzerland

Shot in an alley during a snowstorm, using available light from the building and an ice light.
Chantal Levesque | Canada

Kestra, the Border Collie, enjoying the game of retrieving her toy from the water.
For this shot, I really wanted to capture a dog in motion and just freeze it at the perfect moment. Kestra gave me even more than I wanted! She showed the intensity of a working dog, along with a strong, beautiful pose. This photo is more than I could've asked for when I had this idea in mind!
Grace Fieselman | United States

When we visited Italy for the first time with my young dog, the water at our last sunset on the beach suddenly turned into almost a perfect mirror. It was so magical that I knew I had to capture it. This is the result—and it turned out exactly as I had imagined.
Csenge Balint | Hungary

Sarah Dahlgren | Hungary

Katrina Leferink | Australia

A high-speed moment of chaos and beauty—my dog emerging from water, shaking off a storm of droplets that catch the setting sun like shattered glass. A wild gesture made weightless in light.
Lucie Nermutova | Czechia

Jarosław Wojtecki | Poland

Australian labradoodles Lili and Molla had the best time on a frozen lake with their treasure.
Paula Grekelä | Finland

Foggy sunset on a mire in late November.
Paula Grekelä | Finland

Paula Grekelä | Finland

Rosie running through the sparkles in the morning glow.
Samara Valent | Switzerland

Belinda Richards | Australia

Cute dachshund puppy Lexie exploring the wonderful world.
Lenne Renders | Netherlands

Three different sighthounds in full stride, embodying the speed, power, and hunting instinct of true sighthounds.
Regine Jensen | Norway
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Studio

Carly DeArmond | United States

This remarkable team of rescued deaf dogs and Skittles entered my studio with confidence.. Each performs in shows worldwide, mainly in Canada. These talented dogs earned their golden ticket with Melissa Millet, founder of The Ultimutts.
The Bulldog on the right "Skittles" has spina bifida. Initially unable to walk, Melissa was going to train her to use a wheelchair, she now runs with her companions, after thriving in a home with athletic dogs.
I aimed to capture the intense gaze I see while they are looking to Melissa for direction, showcasing their incredible bond.
Sherry Lemcke | Canada

Following the recognition of my portrait 'Crown of Flowers" with the late Dani the Dane, I wanted to continue exploring this concept with Lady.
'Lady in Bloom' examines how a dark backdrop transforms a floral crown portrait, deepening the chestnut tones of Lady’s coat and lending a timeless, painterly elegance to her gentle gaze. I’m loving the striking contrast to the light, airy aesthetic of last year’s submission.
Nadia Itani | United States

Belinda Richards | Australia

Daniela Schnabel-Sahm | Germany

Travis Patenaude | United States

Donna Victor | United States

They will follow you blindly
They don't judge
Love them and treat them well
They deserve nothing less ♡
Sandy van Kruysdijk | Netherlands

This portrait reveals more than the image of a dog. Within its form hide other beings — a bear, a butterfly — shifting with the viewer’s gaze. It is a meditation on transformation and the invisible layers of existence. Strength and delicacy, earth and air, animal and symbol merge into one vision. The photograph becomes not just a likeness, but a portal, where every eye discovers a different truth.
Iulia Tulcinscaia | Poland

Belinda Richards | Australia

Nika Kuplenk Golobič | Slovenia

Lianne Matieshin | Canada

Hermes - beautiful head of saluki with one light.
Kamila Poźniak | Poland

In May 2025, 2 year old Petunia was discovered in a breeding/hoarding situation in Las Vegas, living in stacked crates with over 50 other dogs. Petunia is a trusting, playful and exuberant dog, who is now living her best life as a supermodel!
Jane Thomson | Canada

Three ten week old Basenji brothers posing for a final group picture before moving to their new homes.
Janneke de Graaf | Netherlands

Kelly Pilgrim-Byrne | Australia

Nadine Grove | Germany

Annemiek Muller-Rijnaard | Netherlands

Martin Robinson | United Kingdom

Martin Robinson | United Kingdom

Callie Soden | United States

Rodesian Ridgeback on a pane of glass.
Markus Heber | Germany

Joan Walker | United States

In a world torn apart by conflict and war, eyes wide with fear and hope plead silently: don’t leave.
Regine Jensen | Norway

Travis Patenaude | United States
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Dogs & People

I took this selfportrait during an unforgettable moment with my dog Benji in Zermatt, Switzerland.
I sat on this large rock with Benji, sharing a quiet moment of connection. As the sun begins its descent, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the stunning landscape of the Fluhalp. In the background, the majestic Matterhorn stood tall and proud, its snowy peak glowing softly in the evening light.
The serenity, the bond between us, and the sheer beauty of the Swiss Alps made this moment truly magical and one that I’ll never forget!
Rhea Nellen | Switzerland

It is a relationship without words, a kiss without contact, a love without rules, and a friendship without inhibitions. A simple portrait of a man and a dog, without embellishments or exaggerations—a silent, timeless portrait that is gentle and universal.
Erica Castiglioni | Italy

Fleur & Olaf, best friends for ever
Shanna van Mens | Netherlands

I was commissioned to take a studio portrait of a beautiful spaniel . At the end of the shoot the owner went and sat next to his dog, at that moment the dog turned and licked his face. I was lucky to capture that moment.
Guy Gumm | United Kingdom

As I pressed the shutter, I held my breath. It was one of those moments—so powerful it felt sacred. The golden, autumn light didn't just illuminate the scene; it blessed it, wrapping them in a warmth like nature's own embrace. The air was thick with tender promises and anticipation. Her peace was tangible, and in the dogs' gaze, you could see an eternity of devotion—a silent, mighty vow to guard their world. This is so much more than a photograph. It's the soul of a family being born, a moment of pure, perfect love that still gives me chills to this day.
Tomasz Nitka | Poland

Barbara Cesari | Italy

Daniele has saved hundreds of dogs, especially Podencos from the Canary Islands. With unwavering dedication, he gives them a second chance at life. This portrait honors his soul — calm, determined, deeply connected to the creatures he rescues. “The Saver” is more than a title. It’s who he is.
1/200 - f/14 - ISO 125 - Nikon Z6II - Nikon 85mm f/1.8
Alessandro Musicorio | Italy

In a gentle pause during a shared walk, a candid moment unfolds between my father and his dog Paula. Captured without pose or pretense - just trust, warmth, and a silent understanding.
Love doesn´t always speak. Sometimes, it simply holds on.
Anna Bittner-Dahms | Germany

I wanted to create an image that could capture the friendship between humans and dogs, that could make my daughter look back on the playful, loving friendship she had with our dog.
An image that truly reflects the saying ''man's best friend''
Natalie Genberg | Sweden

Bound by trust and driven by adventure, they stand side by side—ready to leave new footprints where the sky meets the sea. Some journeys are simply meant to be shared.
Petra Nestelbacher | Austria

A quiet moment of trust, where words become unnecessary. The warmth of fur, the rhythm of breath, the bond between human and dog — unshakable, eternal. Capturing the essence of unconditional love and deep connection.
Aysun Ruhle | Germany

In the cool morning low tide, a quick game of chase—before the day’s first conference call.
Keala Stevens | United States

Yvonne van Leeuwen | Netherlands

This photograph captures trust and love in its purest form. The puppy, Atlas, was tired — so instead of posing him, I asked Angie to lie down beside him. What followed wasn’t staged, but a quiet moment of connection. My work focuses on creating space for real emotion to unfold, rather than forcing it. Their bodies softened, their breath slowed, and this image was born — a reminder that the truest moments come when we simply allow them to happen.
Sabina Biberovic | Austria

This image was shot from a drone directly overhead during mid-day sun, casting harsh shadows on the ground. The beach was empty aside from us, making it feel like we had the whole world to ourselves.
Katie Brockman | United States
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Documentary

Shot in Istanbul at a metro station, this image captures a stray dog who had taken shelter from the rain in the station’s entryway. Commuters streamed past, each focused on their own destination, while he lay quietly among them – a silent presence in the rhythm of the city, unnoticed yet sharing the same space and moment.
Emma Boyle | New Zealand

Photographed in Istanbul’s main square, this stray sat quietly, eyes bright and alert, watching the world pass him by. Crowds flowed around him, each person caught up in their own journey, yet he remained — patient, dignified, and perhaps still hopeful for a moment of connection despite those turning their backs on him.
Emma Boyle | New Zealand

Life long passions
Yurii Orlyk | Italy

Wet, focused, and unwavering, this German Pointer emerges from the reeds with a mallard in its mouth — a perfect execution of instinct and training. In a world far from the polished pet life, this is the working dog in its element: precise, dedicated, and proud.
Elke Braet | Belgium

This photo is en extract of a larger project about life in a Bernese kennel. I'm trying to take aesthetic photos of the rural daily life in a documentary style. The photos are raw, no artifice just the life with dogs.
Margot Guillet | France

Husky sledding in Vosges with Selena and her team.
Margot Guillet | France

The picture shows the pure joy and excitement of a husky team before sledding. Taken from the perspective of a musher, the image conveys the emotion directly and without detours.
Samara Valent | Switzerland

On Pakarae B5, the manager and his team are up at dawn to muster cattle. The East Coast of New Zealand is the first place in the world to see the sun each day. The land is owned by Whangara Farms and the people who live and work here have a special connection with the land. Sheepdogs play an important role on this rugged farmland.
Rebecca Williams | New Zealand

The connection between this unhoused man and his faithful companion is undeniable. I am so grateful I had my camera with me as I was walking past them and captured such a tender moment. Wherever they are together, that is Home.
Betty Brodie | Canada

Early morning and a couple of New Zealand shepherds work with their team of dogs to bring cows and calves into the yards for earmarking. The cows are protective of their young calves and it can be a difficult muster. One well positioned sheepdog helps the last calf just make it through the gate.
Rebecca Williams | New Zealand

An early start for shepherds and their sheepdogs.
New Zealand.
Rebecca Williams | New Zealand

Blizzard, a German Shepherd, patrols the fence line after the stunt dog show, gladly accepting pets from eager dog-loving kids. Blizzard runs back and forth, purposely putting herself under their hands, hoping someone stops her with a butt scratch. Blizzard says she has the best job in the world.
Alyssa Buller | United States
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Open

Animals have always seemed different from us because they can't speak. Their lack of a voice plays a fundamental role in many acts of human abuse. My quest to understand the animal world, particularly dogs, involves photography because it does not require words. Photography is a slow, silent, meaningful, and instinctive gesture. The magnifying glass carefully positioned in front of Khumal's eye represents my attempt to research him with an almost scientific approach in order to fully understand his nature. Perhaps, by osmosis, I can take on his gentle gaze toward the world.
Erica Castiglioni | Italy

Belinda Richards | Australia

As a fantasy enthusiast and photographer, I set out to create a whimsical world where dogs become noble guardians. This image combines my own dog photography with handmade visual storytelling elements: the dog was photographed in front of a cabin, while I extended the scenery, crafted fantasy-inspired armor through AI detailing, and added the curious squirrel as a loyal informant. My aim: to turn canine portraiture into a fairytale.
Sabina Biberovic | Austria

Belinda Richards | Australia

Self-portrait from the series "Weekend at Home with Khumal"
This photograph was taken during a period of great emotional difficulty. It's dedicated to moments of paralyzing fear, and those we fight our own monsters together.
With the desire to illuminate and validate the dark moments of each of us, this photograph is intended as a tribute to the emotional support of these little great friends.
Erica Castiglioni | Italy

Just Arya, unfolding in every shade of her spirit.
Barbara Cesari | Italy

Belinda Richards | Australia

Martin Robinson | United Kingdom

For this portrait, each dog was photographed separately during one photoshoot in the positions you see here. The location, Bank of England, is always particularly busy so for me, this is my version of rush hour but in a cuter version.
Andrew Richardson | United Kingdom

A portrait of a rather delightful little sausage dog. The plan was to capture her performing a ballet, as the building behind her is the Royal College of Music in London.
She was photographed on location in these positions, then composited into one final portrait.
Andrew Richardson | United Kingdom

The plan for this was to capture 7 dogs 'doing their thing', each framed by an arch. These were photographed individually, before shooting each dog again in various spots around the arches. I have always adored watching movement in dogs, this is my tribute to that.
Andrew Richardson | United Kingdom

Katie Brockman | United Kingdom

In the digital age, the connection with reality is diluted in a constellation of signs that no longer refer to the world, but to other signs. The tangible, the lived, the embodied, moves to the periphery of our attention, replaced by simulacra that promise plenitude without risk.
Like a child's game of connecting the dots, we draw lines on the surface of the world without pausing to look at what is really there. We want meaning, but not experience; form, but not matter. The transition we are experiencing is not only technological, but ontological: we have stopped inhabiting reality.
Giordano Raigada Conesa | Spain
