International Dog Photographer of the Year
Overall Winner
Katie Brockman
Loved and Hated
This image aims to convey the complicated feelings toward pitbulls and bully breeds. While one side of society villainizes these dogs, the other loves them deeply and works to protect them.
CATEGORY WINNERS
Portrait Outdoor
Beyond the Track
Elena Marchi | United Kingdom
The hunter becomes the hunted
Susan Lang | United Kingdom
It's Her World
Kairi Laiapea | Estonia
CATEGORY WINNERS
Action
Winter Launch
Nika Kuplenk Golobič | Slovenia
Mission Balance
While walking back from a session with horses on Cannon Beach, Oregon, I spotted a ball in the air and something running underneath it!.
Like many of you probably would have, my first thought was that it was a seal 😃..
When we got closer I got to meet Lulu! She managed the ball like a World Cup superstar. By pure coincidence, this image was created while the 2026 FIFA World Cup was taking place.
Gavriella Leon | United States
Weightless
A fleeting moment suspended between earth and sky — motion, instinct, and atmosphere merge into a moment of quiet power.
Linda Glomb | Germany
CATEGORY WINNERS
Studio
Loved and Hated
This image aims to convey the complicated feelings toward pitbulls and bully breeds. While one side of society villainizes these dogs, the other loves them deeply and works to protect them.
Katie Brockman | United States
Head in the Clouds
Jill Garrett | United States
This Is Growing Up
Belinda Richards | Australia
CATEGORY WINNERS
Dogs & People
Close
Sarah Ebner | Switzerland
Nika & Sherry
Sharing life with a dog is a quiet privilege—a daily lesson in presence, joy, and unconditional love. This image is a celebration of that invisible connection: a moment where human and dog exist in complete harmony, reminding us that the greatest legacy we can build is the love, laughter, and companionship we share across species.
Eco Lorka | Spain
The Weight of Connection
True identity is often found in what makes us unique, rather than in perfect symmetry. In this portrait, I wanted to capture the quiet strength of a dog who has lost an eye but none of his spirit. By using a minimalist, fine-art approach, I focused the viewer's attention on the depth of his remaining gaze—a gaze that speaks of wisdom and survival. This image is not a study of loss, but a celebration of dignity; a reminder that a single eye is more than enough to reflect a soul full of life and character.
Santos Román | Spain
CATEGORY WINNERS
Documentary
Waiting
This image captures rescued dogs in a shelter, their eyes full of hope as they wait for adoption. Behind the bars, they hold onto the quiet longing for a loving home.
Tianhang Zhang | China
On top of the world
Dog sledding in northern Norway. 70-200mm, f4.5, 1/1250.
Katie Gyltnes | Norway
Alone together.
Dog sledding in northern Norway. 70-200mm lens. F4, 1/1250. ISO64.
Katie Gyltnes | Norway
CATEGORY WINNERS
Open
Run.
Elena Marchi | United Kingdom
Loosing Control
Callie Soden | United States
Swimming
Tianhang Zhang | China
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Portrait Outdoor
Reclaimed
Elena Marchi | United Kingdom
Standing on the edge of wonder
Marc Vandijck | Belgium
Mirror, mirror...
Henna, the Corgi, gazes at her reflection in a Viennese shop window.
Perdita Petzl | Austria
Window shopping
Cute little Luna in Vienna - shot with available light only.
Perdita Petzl | Austria
Edge of Silence
Marc Vandijck | Belgium
The Thornless Rose
Not every bloom must wear a thorn,
To greet the light of every dawn.
Among the petals, soft and close,
Lives the rarest kind of rose.
The strongest souls are those who chose
To bloom - a Thornless Rose.
Barbara Cesari | Italy
Forest creatures
Mittelspitz Nova and shelties Spicy, Stella and Slay are a true dream team.
Nikon Z9 + Sigma 135mm || 1/400 - ISO800 - f1.8
Paula Grekelä | Finland
Intensity
Australian shepherd Vilho laying down on the softest moss.
Nikon Z9 + Sigma 135mm || 1/400 - ISO250 - f1.8
Paula Grekelä | Finland
Still on Duty
Inside Frankfurt’s abandoned former police headquarters, a rescue dog sits alert among the shadows and traces of the past. Though the building has long fallen silent, his purpose remains.
Coralie Mänche | Germany
Sentinel
Susan Lang | United Kingdom
Rule breaker
Stepping on a pavement line used to mean you lost the game. I tried playing by the rules, positioning Koda inside a clean stone square. But she had her own vision, choosing to 'fail' by resting exactly on the main intersection. That rebellion inspired the final frame, contrasting strict geometry with her spotted nature. She proved that breaking the rules creates the perfect alignment.
Tomasz Nitka | Poland
Boba's Odyssey
Nat Hodges | United States
Hoodoo Boy
Nat Hodges | United States
Focus from Day One
An eleven-week-old hunting puppy stands before the camera on a frosty winter day—tiny paws, a big personality, and absolutely convinced this is her photoshoot.
135 mm - f 1.8 - 1/1000 s - ISO 1600
Maren Pieper | Germany
Realm of Frost and Silent
Misty portrait of Black the White Swiss Shepherd in a place where frost shapes the land and silence speaks louder than sound. The image emphasizes the harmony of the animal with the background.
Denisa Zbranková Albaniová | Czechia
Lonely wanderer
A Czechoslovakian Wolfdog walking at the foothills of the Jizera Mountains. Silence, wind lashing against the face, and the endless landscape highlight its wolfish strength and independence. A lonely wanderer moving through the land, beautiful, majestic and strong.
Denisa Zbranková Albaniová | Czechia
Where Silence Watches
A lone dog stands at the edge of the world, gazing into a landscape where mountains dissolve into cloud and silence speaks louder than sound.
Denisa Zbranková Albaniová | Czechia
Old Fall’s Warden
There once was a senior shepherd dog, strong and wise.
As old as Fall, he is watching - the last warden of time.
Barbara Cesari | Italy
Drawn to the Center
A graphic and carefully balanced composition built around shape, color, and direction. Strong leading lines guide the viewer naturally through the frame, creating a clear visual flow and a strong focal point. Cool tones dominate the image, while complementary colors provide subtle contrast and depth. The result is a clean, structured photograph that combines visual precision with a calm and cohesive atmosphere.
Samara Valent | Switzerland
City Lights
Eden the Ibizan Hound came all the way from Florida and had a shoot with me in Birmingham City Centre, she nailed everything asked of her and her session is still one of my favourites to this day!
Maddie Newton | United Kingdom
PAWS BETWEEN DIMENSIONS
The photo was taken in Alicante, Spain. My model was standing on the distinctive tiled pavement, while I took the photo from above from a pedestrian bridge. The unusual perspective transforms the geometric pattern of the pavement into an almost three-dimensional space.
Kerstin Leichtenmüller | Austria
REACHING FOR THE SKIES
She walks gracefully through a breathtaking landscape – the rugged mountains rising out of the water – and she simply flows right over them. A picture that captures your adventurous spirit and reminds me so much of her.
Melissa Runken | Germany
Winter’s Warrior
Tianhang Zhang | China
Held By Stone
I was drawn to the contrast between the immense weight of the rock and the quiet strength of the dog beneath it. I positioned her within the natural curves of the sandstone so she felt almost cradled by the landscape, small, but not diminished by it. I wanted to explore the relationship between strength and vulnerability, using scale, shape and negative space to make the landscape feel less like a backdrop and more like a presence of its own.
Nadia Itani | United States
Elegance Awaits
Grace Fieselman | United States
Waiting for the storm to pass
I've photographed Jacob many times and for this session I really wanted to capture action shots in the snow, with his long beautiful coat blowing in the wind. It started snowing pretty hard by the end of the session and I noticed this amazing tree, was now isolated from the background because of the storm. It looked so lonely and had such character. I had to capture Jacob next to it. We did posed shots and walking towards and away from the tree but this image stood out as more contemplative and dreamy.
Chantal Levesque | Canada
Meriadoc in the Mountains
Cora Callmeier | Germany
caught
Karin Bruhin | Switzerland
Ivy in city silence
Jessy Loos | Belgium
Between frost and light
Inside a glacier cave, Benji stands quietly on a snow-dusted rock, surrounded by towering walls of deep blue ice. Soft light filters through the frozen ceiling, illuminating the icy textures and casting a calm, almost mystical glow across the cave.
The silence feels vast and timeless, broken only by the quiet presence of Benji. The frozen world around him feels both powerful and peaceful. A moment suspended between cold stillness and quiet wonder.
Rhea Nellen | Switzerland
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Action
Springer's Paradise
Taken in front of the Surfers Paradise skyline in Australia, this image features Lexi the Springer Spaniel in her absolute element.
Katrina Leferink | Australia
Underwater Fetch
Tianhang Zhang | China
Excitement
The goal was to capture Murphy slowly walking down the stairs. Well... he had a different idea and decided to bolt straight for his owner. The location was chosen to create a high key image where the whites of the dog and building contrast each other. The concrete feels colder with it geometric shapes and bluish hues and Murphy has more beige hues and a dynamic pose.
Chantal Levesque | Canada
Levitation
The idea behind this photo was to capture Jacob the Afghan Hound with his magnificent hair, blowing in the wind as he paraded in front of a stark black building. I just happened to click at the exact moment when all four paws were off the ground. How lucky was I with the timing on this one?
Chantal Levesque | Canada
Target : Locked
Sylvain Langler | France
Winter's Prize
Nina Dockhorn | Germany
Blinded Trust
Nikon Z8 - Nikkor F 300mm 2.8 lens.
ISO: 800
1/3200
f2.8
300mm
Michelle Dawkins | United States
Flying between the sea and sky
Nikon Z8 - Nikkor F 300mm 2.8 lens.
ISO: 1600
300mm
F2.8
1/2000
Michelle Dawkins | United States
chasing one’s tail
Amanda Teixeira | Portugal
Unbound
Grace Fieselman | United States
Delicate jump
The most elegant cirneco dell'Etna Lux jumping over spring flowers.
Nikon Z9 + Sigma 135mm || 1/1250 - ISO200 - f1.8
Paula Grekelä | Finland
Collision With Earth
Eddy ran toward his ball full of motivation – but unfortunately missed it. So he had to hit the emergency brake and showed just how much strength and elegance he has.
Celine Robel | Germany
Anatomy of Speed
For a fraction of a second, the ground disappears and instinct takes over. Frozen at full speed, the intertwined limbs transform the chase into an abstract study of power, rhythm and suspension — revealing the extraordinary mechanics behind a dog built to run.
Jodie Grieve | Australia
The Perfect Catch
In a split second of pure athleticism, this dog launches into the air with total focus and determination to catch the flying toy. Captured at full speed on sand, the moment freezes his raw energy and joy in play. His wide-open mouth, intense eyes, and suspended motion all come together to tell the story of a dog in his element—living for the thrill of the chase.
This image highlights not only the physical ability of the dog, but also the powerful bond and trust between dog and handler that makes moments like these possible.
Lucie Nermutova | Czechia
Born to Play
Sylvain Langler | France
First Flight
Grace Fieselman | United States
Summer splash
Bordercollie Mitna splashing through a forest pond.
Nikon Z9 + Sigma 135mm || 1/1250 - ISO1000 - f1.8
Paula Grekelä | Finland
Fuck cancer, enjoy life!
After Jace lost his front leg to cancer, I worried a lot about whether he could still be the active dog he had always been. It turned out my concern was completely unfounded.
He lives his life as if nothing had happened. We should take a leaf out of his book!
Marina Schmid | Germany
Best Player
Sylvain Langler | France
Here I come!
Sometimes happiness comes flying straight at you.
Samara Valent | Switzerland
Azawakh on the move
I'd wanted to get a beautiful portrait of this statuesque Azawakh, but as her owner was setting her up, I had a better idea. Her in motion, with the the light framing her, worked brilliantly.
Maddie Newton | United Kingdom
Green eco friendly energy
Laetitia Delval | Belgium
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Studio
Opposites in Harmony
Two souls standing at the edge of contrast — light and shadow, silence and strength. Though they appear completely different, together they create a balance that neither could achieve alone. This portrait is a reminder that opposites are not meant to compete, but to complement one another. In the space between black and white, harmony is born.
Denisa Zbranková Albaniová | Czechia
Elegance in motion
A graceful Afghan Hound captured in a moment of movement, where flowing hair and elegant lines create the illusion of flight. The muted background and soft light emphasize the breed’s extraordinary silhouette, beauty and effortless elegance.
Anna Tretiakova | Kazakhstan
Peggy
Peggy lives in England and is a rather famous dog. I admit that I don't have any experience photographing celebrities, but when I saw her beauty (and read her resume), I just had to accept the commission. It's quite a treat working with a professional like Peggy - and in this portrait, she definitely showed off her best side!
Jane Thomson | Canada
Dignified
Katie Brockman | United States
The Sentinel
Sara Tarrant | United Kingdom
The Lure of the Lurcher
Hector, my ten-year-old lurcher, has perfected an irresistible gaze — a steady, soulful stare that seems to look straight into you. The Moroccan shawl was chosen to echo a sense of mystique, enhancing a gaze so steady and captivating it feels almost hypnotic, effortlessly commanding your attention. Gentle, yet utterly captivating… the true lure of the lurcher.
Carolyn Bray | United Kingdom
Raven the Bordeauxdog puppy
Annemiek Muller-Rijnaard | Netherlands
Rescued
This image was created as a single capture and is not a composite, and it aims to portray the journey of a rescue dog -- from a cold, gray kennel to a life full of love.
Katie Brockman | United States
Puppy's curiosity
Sylvain Langler | France
Between Worlds
With a history stretching back thousands of years, Xoloitzcuintlis were believed by the Aztecs to guide souls into the afterlife. I wanted to draw on that ancient mythology without illustrating it literally, using darkness, light and her sculptural form to create a portrait that feels suspended somewhere between this world and another.
Nadia Itani | United States
Two as one
Kateryna Mumzhynska | Ukraine
Blind Whisper
Deborah Weiß | Germany
Baby Yoda
Kairi Laiapea | Estonia
Droolosophy
Gordana Popović | Croatia
I have a plan...
Gordana Popović | Croatia
Warrior
This is my own dog, and this photo was taken shortly after he lost his leg to cancer. Despite everything that life has thrown at him, he is the epitome of strength and resilience.
Katie Brockman | United States
Paper Playtime
Tianhang Zhang | China
Silk in Motion
Yifan He | China
In the Nest
Sara Tarrant | United Kingdom
Silent Watcher
Joan Walker | United States
The real teddy bear
Can you find little Njoki? Hiding among fluffy teddy bears is easy when you look like one yourself.
Rhea Nellen | Switzerland
Silken Windsprite Perry
Annemiek Muller-Rijnaard | Netherlands
The Heir
Tanja Fittkau | Germany
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Dogs & People
sin titulo
Valeria Barbara Barriera Cassina | Spain
Grounded.
The world doesn't become quieter.
We simply find the places where we can hear ourselves again.
Samara Valent | Switzerland
Fragility
The real men’s power is in care. The contrast of power and fragility balanced by endless trust and support.
Aleksandra Kuznetsova | Russia
Golden morning
Breathtaking autumn morning in the Arctic Circle - we waited two hours for the perfect moment with my friend and her lapponian herder Kaski. It was totally worth it.
Nikon D850 + Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8E FL ED VR || 1/8000 - ISO70 - f3.2
Paula Grekelä | Finland
Come Rain or Shine
No matter the weather, my dog and I keep moving forward together — sharing the adventure, the uncertainty and the simple joy of being side by side.
Celine Robel | Germany
My Safe Haven
This image speaks to me deeply. A fellow photographer asked me to capture the precious bond she shares with her dog. Since having a dog of my own, I understand what it means to have a companion by your side who makes you feel like you can face anything. With him/her, you feel safe, at peace, and exactly where you belong.
Léa Mains | France
Our Forever Begins
This image was created during a client session with a lovely couple and their two-year-old dog, Maya. They wanted to celebrate the incredible bond they share with her and create lasting memories before their wedding at the end of 2026, with Maya being an important part of this new chapter in their lives. Maya was an absolute joy to photograph. She's incredibly sociable, affectionate, intelligent, energetic, and always eager to work with us throughout the session. We chose one of my favourite locations in Brittany, France : the wild dunes and beautiful beaches of Finistère, where I live.
Léa Mains | France
A girl and her dog.
I like to use ordinary objects in creative ways. When my daughter was young, I experimented with hanging a shower curtain with a unique pattern in the garage and had her and our dog stand in front of it. It gave an interesting effect!
Melissa Nordan | United States
Dawnward Dog
Morning yoga by the sea, with a 13-year-old Ibizan Hound joining in. Just a quiet morning, a little stretch, and one of those small moments that show the connection between a dog and his person after so many years together.
Morning yoga by the sea, with a 13-year-old Ibizan Hound joining in. Just a quiet morning, a little stretch, and one of those small moments that show the connection between a dog and his person after so many years together.
Katia Medvedev | Israel
Shared Stillness
Yifan He | China
The Interloper
This image was to depict the new baby's entrance to the world. peeping around the door, its arrival is imminent to th obvious joy of its parents. However their little dog may find herself pushed to the bottom in the family order.
Helen Spiegl | United Kingdom
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Documentary
Rescue Hounds
These greyhounds, rescued from harm, look at me with eyes full of hope. May they soon find new homes and loving owners they so deeply deserve.
Tianhang Zhang | China
New day
This photo was taken in Bali while I was documenting the work of Little Steps Matter Foundation. It shows one of their team members taking the rescue dogs on their daily beach walk. Rescue work isn’t only about emergencies, it’s also about giving these dogs the simple joys they deserve while they wait for their forever homes.
Magdalena Szklarska | Australia
The Invisible Conversation
Scent work is a conversation without words. Following an invisible trail of scent while the person at the other end of the lead learns to listen in an entirely different way. A change in pace, a pause, a breath — the smallest movements become a language shared between them. The handler cannot find the scent for the dog. They must trust their partner, give them the freedom to search, and recognise the moment the dog says, “It’s here.” Documenting the quiet communication, patience and trust that grow between a dog and handler — two individuals working independently, yet complete together.
Jodie Grieve | Australia
Therapy dogs in a nursing home
The photo was taken during a dog-assisted therapy session in a nursing home.
Jessica Mozzetti | Switzerland
The Lone Trail
A team of 14 dogs, along with its musher, runs the final meters of a race in Sportgastein, Austria. Such a large team is a rarity in snow sprint racing. Dog sled races in Sportgastein are considered by many to be the most beautiful race in Europe. The race track is surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks, and Sportgastein itself is the highest-altitude ski resort in the Gastein Valley, located within the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Izabela Gettel | Poland
Chase me
Sheep dogs (in particular Border Collies) are know for giving sheep a little nip on the back legs whilst herding them and this image captures the exact moment their " in built behaviour" is shown in perfect timing. I was commissioned to photograph a clients Border Collies herding sheep and boy are they fast, it was a job to keep up with the action but this is the shot I wanted to get, a full on chase image with total herding instinct being shown. It looks very aggresive but actually they hardly touch the sheep at all.
Nigel Wallace | United Kingdom
Come Rain, Come Shine
Facing the elements, this Labrador Retriever illustrates its breed purpose at a senior hunt test. Both live and dead ducks are utilized in a variety of different scenarios on land as well as water to demonstrate the working ability of the dogs. Amidst a downpour, this dog was calm and collected in its retrieval of one of three ducks that were consecutively retrieved out in the field.
Rachel Delaney | United States
Chasing Beyond Limits
Once a passionate lure-sport Whippet, a spinal injury may have changed the way she runs, but not her love for the chase. Supported by her wheels, she still lights up at the sight of the lure—proof that while her body has changed, her spirit and instinct remain untouched.
Jodie Grieve | Australia
Working as a Team
A team of sheepdogs work to bring ewes and lambs down to the yards. A typical scene on New Zealand sheep farms.
Rebecca Williams | New Zealand
The One Who Waits
This photograph was taken in Serbia, at a shelter, during a humanitarian trip dedicated to dogs in need. We drove all the way from Paris to deliver medicine, food, blankets, and supplies to a local organization.
This beauty had just given birth to several puppies, only a few weeks old.
Despite the difficult conditions and everything she had been through, she was happy to see us—complete strangers—and that someone was finally taking an interest in her and her puppies.
Should this photograph be awarded, I will donate the entire prize to the organization to help these dogs.
Julia Pommé | France
Pride Rock
A New Zealand Huntaway uses his noise to move the sheep on the farmland below. The rock provides a great vantage point for the dog.
Rebecca Williams | New Zealand
Calm in the chaos
A photo I took while working on a tourist kennel in Sweden, my colleague showed some love to the whole team, who could barely contain their excitement to run, while waiting for the guests to arrive.
Benjamin Qupevaj | Sweden
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Open
Keeper of the Salt Flats
This location was a bucket list one for me, but unfortunately there was no water when I visited, so it had to be added in in post.
Maddie Newton | United Kingdom
The Collective Soul
Capturing the essence of an entire litter requires a choreography of patience and a meticulous observation of each individual. In this work, I sought to create a visual frieze that celebrates the diversity of characters within the same family. My goal was to orchestrate a moment of absolute harmony where each puppy could express its own personality —from curiosity to a spontaneous yawn— integrating them into a single, balanced composition. It is a panoramic look at the beginning of life, where light unifies nine individual stories into one narrative of purity and joy.
Santos Román | Spain
The Gambler
Callie Soden | United States
I Love Lucy
Callie Soden | United States
Picture Perfect
Callie Soden | United States
Lifeline
This one is for all of the dogs who are helping their humans through life in more ways than they will ever realize.
Katie Brockman | United States
My Pack
Rita Larjava | Finland
Where the Realm Begins
Set against the romanesque architecture of the historic Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel at Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, NY, this three-part fine art triptych captures a study of presence and posture. Framed within the grand stone archway, the sequence echos the timeless wonders of fantasy realms and ancient citadels.
Technical Specs: Canon EOS R5 | Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art | f/3.5 | 1/160s
Darian Quinn | United States
Get ready for Christmas
A pack of little dogs turns holiday decorating into a moment of sharing, reminding us that family comes in many forms. It’s the warmth of companionship, laughter, and shared moments that make this season truly magical.
Andrea Zachrau | Germany
Falling to Pieces
Callie Soden | United States
Mischief
This image is a multi-photo composite (no puppies were painted in the making of this image!), with the goal of creating a playful take on puppyhood mischief.
Katie Brockman | United States
Goose Bubble Wrap Portrait #3
I created this series of dog portraits by photographing through a sheet of bubble wrap. I enjoy experimenting with everyday materials I have on hand to produce unexpected visual effects that add depth, unique textures, and a creative spin on traditional dog portrait photography.
Melissa Nordan | United States
The Blind Side
Evgeniya Tuzova | United States
Shared Temptation
Evgeniya Tuzova | United States
It's A Catastrophe
Belinda Richards | Australia
beyond dots
The iconic spots of a Dalmatian dissolve into flowing streams of pixels, transforming a familiar coat pattern into an abstract visual language. This work blurs the boundary between photography and digital art. The image celebrates the individuality encoded within every pattern while inviting the viewer to reconsider how identity can persist through abstraction.
Samara Valent | Switzerland
Never Enough Time
This image aims to convey the complicated feelings of anticipatory grief. While the memories last forever, it's never easy coming to terms with the fact that our time with our pets is limited.
Katie Brockman | United States
Diving
Tianhang Zhang | China
Between the Lines
Tianhang Zhang | China
Deadline
Callie Soden | United States
Beltza
"Beltza" is an artistic exploration of the nature of movement and vital energy. In this piece, I move away from the frozen instant to portray the trail of joy. Through a studio multi-exposure technique (Canon R6II / Godox AD400 Pro), I capture the ascending sequence of a jump, transforming physical power into an ethereal presence. My goal is to make Beltza's invisible and vibrant strength visible, turning her dynamism into a visual choreography that celebrates life and agility in a poetic, minimalist, and deeply emotional way—capturing the soul of motion itself.
Eco Lorka | Spain
Past and Future
Katie Brockman | United States
Smoke on the Water
It’s a scene every photographer dreams of: a lake shrouded in mist, with the perfect light. But we created this setting ourselves: we built a pool in our garden, set up my studio lighting – and Banksy modelled for me in the water, surrounded by fog.
Andrea Zachrau | Germany
Border-line
Lidija Novković | Croatia