Do you want to enjoy a gallery of simply the finest canine photographs of the year? Of course you do! Handily, the Kennel Club has just announced the results of its dog photographer of the year contest. So sit back and get ready to swoon over these top-of-the-class dog pictures, conveniently broken down into categories for your eye-candy pleasure.
Dogs at Work
First up, let’s start with the winning picture in both the overall contest and the Dogs At Work category. Here we’ve got noble Sheldon captured by the Russian photographer Anatasia Vetkovskaya during a training session. The hazy autumnal light adds to this English Springer Spaniel‘s appeal.
See the runner-up entries.
Dogs at Play
When it comes to playful pooches, there’s a lot to love about Tom Lowe‘s portrait of his pup Baxter. The ducks in the background of Loch Lomond enhance the sense of an impish Westie bounding through the world around him.
See the runner-up entries.
Assistance Dogs
The Assistance Dogs category was scooped by Michael Higginson‘s gentle portrait of his younger brother, Dale, and the family dog Esta. It’s said that Esta has been Dale’s “unwavering companion and supported him through his life” as he’s battled the effects of brain damage injuries.
See the runner-up entries here.
I Love Dogs Because…
This quirkily-titled category was conquered by Jade Hudson with her portrait of Hugo captured during a deep snooze. The Labrador was totally zonked out after a day of play.
See the runner-up entries.
Man’s Best Friend
Fiona Sami took the spoils in this category, thanks to her black and white image of an unknown Terrier enjoying a trip on a steam train with his owner. A sense of calm serenity pervades the picture.
See the runner-up entries.
Oldies
Let’s give it up for those senior dogs who still thrive in the spotlight. Here we have the 12-year-old Lizzie, a rescue who’s been captured enjoying an open fireplace, by the photographer Kevin Smith.
See the runner-up entries.
Dog Portrait
When it comes to straight-up canine portraiture, Jamie Morgan‘s accomplished depiction of two Afghan Hounds pausing during a stroll was acclaimed as the best in category. If you were wondering, the subjects are named Ozzie and Elvis.
See the runner-up entries.
Puppies
Finally, we come to the Puppies category. As you’d expect, it was a case of cuteness overload as these little scamps did their doe-eyed thing for the camera. The winner? A rescue named Buddy, who was photographed here during a children’s birthday party by Linda Storm.
See the runner-up entries.
Want to see more. Click through The Kennel Club’s complete gallery of winners and runners-up.
