The 2026 Dog Photography Awards have recognised photographers from around the world, with around 1,900 entries submitted from 50 countries.
The competition says it aims to highlight the work of established dog photographers alongside emerging talent, with images judged across six categories: Portrait, Action, Studio, Dogs & People, Documentary and Open.
The 2026 prize pool includes €2,500 ($4,000 AUD) in cash and an engraved trophy.
Katie Brockman from the United States was awarded the title of Dog Photographer of the Year for her portrait of a pit bull, a species she describes people holding complicated feelings for.
Dog Photographer of the Year and the winner of the Studio category. This detailed portrait conveys the complicated feelings toward pit bulls and bully breeds; while some people vilify them, others adore them. | Photo by Katie Brockman / Dog Photographer of the Year
Closer to home, Australian photographer Belinda Richards came third in the Studio category.
Third place in the Studio category. ‘This is Growing Up’ | Photo by Belinda Richards / Dog Photographer of the Year
The competition was judged by a panel comprising photographers, dog experts and other industry professionals, with entries assessed across a range of approaches to photographing dogs, from carefully composed studio portraits to documentary and action images.
First place in the Open category. ‘Run.’ | Photo by Elena Marchi / Dog Photographer of the YearSecond place in the Open category. ‘Losing Control.’ | Photo by Callie Soden / Dog Photographer of the YearThird place in the Open category. ‘Swimming.’ | Photo by Tianhang Zhang / Dog Photographer of the YearSecond place in the Portrait category. ‘The Hunter Becomes the Hunted’ | Photo by Susan Lang / Dog Photographer of the YearFirst place in the Portrait category. ‘Beyond the Track.’ | Photo by Elena Marchi / Dog Photographer of the YearThird place in the Portrait category. ‘It’s Her World’ | Photo by Kairi Laiapea / Dog Photographer of the YearFirst place in the Dogs and People category. ‘Close.’ | Photo by Sarah Ebner / Dog Photographer of the YearSecond place in the Dogs and People category. ‘Nika and Cherry.’ | Photo by Eco Lorka / Dog Photographer of the YearThird place in the Dogs and People category. ‘The Weight of Connection.’ | Photo by Santos Roman / Dog Photographer of the YearFirst place in the Documentary category. ‘Waiting.’ | Photo by Tianhang Zhang / Dog Photographer of the YearSecond place in the Documentary category. ‘On top of the World.’ | Photo by Katie Gyltnes / Dog Photographer of the YearThird place in the Documentary category. ‘Alone together.’ | Photo by Katie Gyltnes / Dog Photographer of the YearFirst place in the Action category. ‘Winter Launch.’ | Photo by Nika Kuplenk Golobic / Dog Photographer of the YearSecond place in the Action category. ‘Mission Balance.’ | Photo by Gavriella Leon / Dog Photographer of the YearThird place in the Action category. ‘Weightless.’ | Photo by Linda Glomb / Dog Photographer of the YearSecond place in the Studio category. ‘Head in the Clouds’ | Photo by Jill Garrett / Dog Photographer of the Year
