There’s something about a great dog photograph that hits you right in the feels. Maybe it’s the goofy grin, those soulful eyes, a wild burst of energy, or one quiet moment that says more than words ever could. The Dog Photographer of the Year 2026 winners prove that photographing dogs isn’t just about getting a cute picture; it’s about catching personality, emotion, character, and the little stories hiding behind every wagging tail.
Organized by the Dog Photography Awards®, the annual competition celebrates exceptional dog photography while shining a light on talented photographers from around the world. The goal is simple but powerful: honor outstanding dog photographers, discover fresh talent, and celebrate the incredible diversity of our four-legged companions.
This year’s top honor goes to Katie Brockman for her deeply meaningful photograph “Loved and Hated,” a powerful tribute to Bully breeds. The image goes beyond beautiful composition. It tells the story of Caldwell, the dog Katie adopted and has photographed from countless angles since bringing him home.
Through Caldwell’s story, Katie highlights the unfair treatment often faced by dogs labeled as “dangerous.” And that’s what makes this collection so special. These 45 winning photographs aren’t simply snapshots of dogs; they’re moments of joy, resilience, humor, beauty, and connection frozen in time.
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#1. Overall Winner: Loved and Hated by Katie Brockman, United States
"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."
#2. 1st Place, Portrait Outdoor: Beyond the Track by Elena Marchi, United Kingdom
#3. 2nd Place, Portrait Outdoor: The hunter becomes the hunted by Susan Lang, United Kingdom
#4. 3rd Place, Portrait Outdoor: It’s Her World by Kairi Laiapea, Estonia
#5. 1st Place, Action: Winter Launch by Nika Kuplenk Golobič, Slovenia
#6. 2nd Place, Action: Mission Balance by Gavriella Leon, United States
"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."
#7. 3rd Place, Action: Weightless by Linda Glomb, Germany
"A fleeting moment suspended between earth and sky — motion, instinct, and atmosphere merge into a moment of quiet power."
#8. 2nd Place, Studio: Head in the Clouds by Jill Garrett, United States
#9. 3rd Place, Studio: This Is Growing Up by Belinda Richards, Australia
#10. 1st Place, Dogs & People: Close by Sarah Ebner, Switzerland
#11. 2nd Place, Dogs & People: Nika & Sherry by Eco Lorka, Spain
"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."
#12. 3rd Place, Dogs & People: The Weight of Connection by Santos Román, Spain
"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."
#13. 1st Place, Documentary: Waiting by Tianhang Zhang, China
"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."
#14. 2nd Place, Documentary: On top of the world by Katie Gyltnes, Norway
"Dog sledding in northern Norway. 70-200mm, f4.5, 1/1250."
#15. 3rd Place, Documentary: Alone together by Katie Gyltnes, Norway
"Dog sledding in northern Norway. 70-200mm lens. F4, 1/1250. ISO64."
#16. 1st Place, Open: Run by Elena Marchi, United Kingdom
#17. 2nd Place, Open: Loosing Control by Callie Soden, United States
#18. 3rd Place, Open: Swimming by Tianhang Zhang, China
Honorable Mentions
#19. Portrait Outdoor: Paws Between Dimensions Kerstin Leichtenmüller, Austria
"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."
#20. Portrait Outdoor: Mirror, mirror by Perdita Petzl, Austria
"Henna, the Corgi, gazes at her reflection in a Viennese shop window."
#21. Portrait Outdoor: Window shopping by Perdita Petzl, Austria
"Cute little Luna in Vienna – shot with available light only."
#22. Portrait Outdoor: Realm of Frost and Silent by Denisa Zbranková Albaniová, Czechia
"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."
#23. Portrait Outdoor: Lonely wanderer by Denisa Zbranková Albaniová, Czechia
"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."
#24. Portrait Outdoor: Elegance Awaits by Grace Fieselman, United States
#25. Portrait Outdoor: Edge of Silence by Marc Vandijck, Belgium
#26. Action: Chasing one’s tail by Amanda Teixeira, Portugal
#27. Action: F**k cancer, enjoy life! by Marina Schmid, Germany
"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!"
#28. Action: Best Player by Sylvain Langler, France
#29. Action: Anatomy of Speed by Jodie Grieve, Australia
"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."
#30. Action: Underwater Fetch by Tianhang Zhang, China
#31. Studio: Peggy by Jane Thomson, Canada
"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!"
#32. Studio: Rescued by Katie Brockman, United States
"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."
#33. Studio: Warrior by Katie Brockman, United States
"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."
#34. Studio: Between Worlds by Nadia Itani, United States
"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."
#35. Studio: Silent Watcher by Joan Walker, United States
#36. Studio: Puppy’s curiosity by Sylvain Langler, France
#37. Dogs & People: Shared Stillness by Yifan He, China
#38. Dogs & People: Sin titulo by Valeria Barbara Barriera Cassina, Spain
#39. Dogs & People: Golden morning by Paula Grekelä, Finland
"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"
#40. Documentary: Rescue Hounds by Tianhang Zhang, China
"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."
#41. Documentary: Therapy dogs in a nursing home by Jessica Mozzetti, Switzerland
"The photo was taken during a dog-assisted therapy session in a nursing home."
#42. Open: Goose Bubble Wrap Portrait by Melissa Nordan, United States
"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."
#43. Open: It’s A Catastrophe by Belinda Richards, Australia
#44. Open: I Love Lucy by Callie Soden, United States
#45. Open: Falling to Pieces by Callie Soden, United States
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who won Dog Photographer of the Year 2026?
Katie Brockman won Dog Photographer of the Year 2026 for her powerful photograph “Loved and Hated,” which celebrates Caldwell while highlighting unfair stereotypes and treatment faced by Bully breeds.
What are the Dog Photography Awards?
The Dog Photography Awards® is an annual photography competition celebrating exceptional dog images. It honors talented photographers, discovers emerging artists, and showcases the beauty, personality, diversity, and emotional connection between dogs and people.
What is Katie Brockman’s winning photograph about?
Katie Brockman’s winning photograph, “Loved and Hated,” tells Caldwell’s story while highlighting the hardships Bully breeds face. The image combines striking photography with an important message about prejudice and misunderstood dogs.
Why are dog photography competitions important?
Dog photography competitions celebrate more than adorable pictures. They recognize photographers who capture authentic canine personalities, emotions, relationships, and stories while helping audiences appreciate the remarkable diversity and beauty of dogs through creative photography.
What can viewers expect from the 2026 winning dog photos?
The 2026 winning collection features dogs photographed with humor, emotion, creativity, and sensitivity. Across 45 images, photographers capture unforgettable personalities, touching relationships, playful moments, and powerful stories celebrating dogs around the world.
