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The third annual Dog Photographer of the Year Awards has concluded, revealing 12 winners and 48 finalists. Competing in four categories – Portrait and Landscape, Action, Studio, and Dogs and People – photographers showcased their talents and skills in capturing our four-legged friends.

This year's prizes include 2000€ in cash, as well as photo gear from Sabatini, Manfrotto, and Profoto, an engraved trophy, fine art prints, and the DPA Annual Book by Celebra.

Scroll down to see the captivating photographs and learn more about this year's winners!

More info: dogphotographyawards.com | Instagram | Facebook

#1

Finalist, Action: "Sharing Is Funny" By Rut Casanellas

Finalist, Action: "Sharing Is Funny" By Rut Casanellas

Spain

"When the family told me that Harry and Cooper could do this trick, I couldn't believe it! After that, one of the owners threw a stick far from us in the path and both came back with the stick while running at the same time."

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The first edition of the Dog Photographer of The Year Awards (DPA) took place in 2021. According to one of the founders of DPA, Audrey Bellot, the response was amazing as well as the level of the entered images in each category. "We [Audrey Bellot and Claudio Piccoli] decided to create this contest first of all because we are dog photographers ourselves, and this helps a lot in judging the pictures knowing what’s correct and what’s not."

#2

3rd Place, Action: "Catch It" By Anne-Laurie Léger

3rd Place, Action: "Catch It" By Anne-Laurie Léger

Canada

"Everything there was out of this world. The sunset was absolutely beautiful and the water was so still that it created some crazy reflections."

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#3

Finalist, Studio: "Grey Old Love" By Jessica Olsen Eriksson

Finalist, Studio: "Grey Old Love" By Jessica Olsen Eriksson

Sweden

"I wanted to capture the love and respect these two senior Weimaraner dogs have for each other. They are now 11 and 9 years old and have always been together. Grey Old Love never rots."

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The aim of DPA is to recognize and celebrate the best dog photography worldwide, highlighting the wide variety of dogs and the artistic skills of the photographers who photograph them.

For this 2023 edition, the contest has received 1440 entries from more than 50 different countries!

#4

Finalist, Studio: "The Leia Organa Look" By Tina Stahl

Finalist, Studio: "The Leia Organa Look" By Tina Stahl

Germany

"The dachshund, called 'Maddie', was so in love with the treats, then this really funny snapshot originated and makes her look like Princess Leia."

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#5

1st Place, Action: "Stop Your Motion" By Jacqueline Rüdiger

1st Place, Action: "Stop Your Motion" By Jacqueline Rüdiger

Germany

"Have you ever seen a dog, or even better a sighthound, running in pure joy? You see the power, the play of the muscles and the perfect anatomy for running fast. In this picture I wanted to show the speed of this dog and capture it, but at the same time freeze the motion to show the anatomy of this beautiful dog. To get it you need a perfect timing of all components involved. The dog, the lights and for sure me as the photographer. The result is a stunning composition reduced to the only important thing, the dog."

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The panel of judges for this year's competition included:

  • Audrey Bellot and Claudio Piccoli, the founders of the awards.
  • Travis Patenaude, a studio photographer based in the United States.
  • Iza Łysoń, a 25-year-old dog photographer from Poland and an ambassador for the 500px photography website.
  • Heike Willers, an experimental dog photographer from Germany.
  • Christina Lauder, a multi-award-winning dog photographer from Canada.
  • Emilio Cuenca, a dog photographer from Spain.
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#6

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Seeing Double" By Katie Brockman

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Seeing Double" By Katie Brockman

United States

"Urban photography: Finding beauty in the mundane."

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#7

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Furry Friends" By Stine Grind

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Furry Friends" By Stine Grind

Sweden

"Exploring the big world."

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“The Dog Photography Awards has once again showcased the remarkable talent within the world of dog photography. Witnessing emerging artists capture the essence of canine beauty with their stunning imagery remains the standout event of the year,” Audrey Bellot shared.

#8

Finalist, Action: "Guess On Fly" By Alessandro Grandoni

Finalist, Action: "Guess On Fly" By Alessandro Grandoni

Italy

"Il volo di Guess, una fantastica cucciola di bassotto."

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#9

Finalist, Studio: "Wired Hair" By Chloé Brown

Finalist, Studio: "Wired Hair" By Chloé Brown

United Kingdom

"Sootie and Freya. A Romanian rescue and Therapy dog - capturing their kind personalities in the studio."

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MommaBear
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of the family pictures from the 80s where there would be a background picture of a cat or something and a picture of a family in the front. The dog is adorable though.

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Emilio Cuenca, one of the judges, shared that being part of the Dog Photography Awards jury has been an enriching experience for him. "Being able to give your view, through your knowledge, in dog photography of the work of great artists is a responsibility but it is also beautiful. Grateful to the Dog Photography Awards team for considering me a professional with enough level to be part of the jury of this wonderful canine photography contest. The level of this contest has been very high and we have been able to enjoy the talent of many dog photographers.”

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#10

Finalist, Action: "Wave Jumper" By Michelle Dawkins

Finalist, Action: "Wave Jumper" By Michelle Dawkins

United States

"Taken with the Nikon Z8. The conditions were perfect, calm water, beautiful sky, and the tide was low. That all changed very quickly as the weather pattern changed. High winds came in out of nowhere and so did the crazy waves. This did not stop Lotti from enjoying her time running, jumping, and chasing her ball into the water. She flew with incredible speed and power through the waves to get her ball, while I was watching the waves from the corner of my eye, lifting my camera up and down to avoid the water, while tracking her movement. A fun and exciting time photographing this amazing dog."

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#11

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Stormy Sea" By Julia Haberichter

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Stormy Sea" By Julia Haberichter

Germany

"Vizsla girl Mia in the dunes."

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“Grading all the 1400 or so works is really challenging, however, it is also an honor and a pleasure. It was an opportunity for me to see hundreds of amazing pictures. The level of the submitted photos this year was really high, which did not help me with casting my votes, but I am really happy that, with all the other judges, we managed to choose the truly best piece of art. I would like to congratulate all of the winners and I cannot wait for the next editions," Iza Łysoń, an official DPA judge, said.

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#12

Finalist, Action: "Red" By Michelle Dawkins

Finalist, Action: "Red" By Michelle Dawkins

United States

"Red the cattle dog mix flying through the water at sunset."

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#13

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Catch The Sunrays" By Karin Bruhin

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Catch The Sunrays" By Karin Bruhin

Switzerland

"This picture was taken on a bathing day in the early morning. We all had a lot of fun and the dogs ran and bathed. When the sun came over the mountain, I took my chance and took the picture."

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#14

1st Place, Portrait And Landscape: "Ascending Serenity" By Sanna Sander

1st Place, Portrait And Landscape: "Ascending Serenity" By Sanna Sander

Sweden

"In the right light even the most mundane place emits magic.

I had the idea of this image in my mind for quite some time, driving past the log stack every day on my way to drop the kids of at school.
And finally, on our way home from school one day, I stopped the car and asked my Azawakh girl Soleil to hold the pose for a moment while I took the photo.

Already in the camera I saw that it had become something more than I had hoped for; a moment of clean stillness in the busy and messy everyday life, something more than a posing dog on a log stack.

The image made me linger in the moment."

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought it was a smooth saluki but it's an azawakh - fabulous dogs!

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#15

2nd Place, Portrait And Landscape: "Serene Snowfall" By Grace Fieselman

2nd Place, Portrait And Landscape: "Serene Snowfall" By Grace Fieselman

United States

"Nala, the Australian Shepherd, relaxing on a quiet backroad in the beautiful snowfall."

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#16

1st Place, Studio: "Ballerina" By Anna Averianova

1st Place, Studio: "Ballerina" By Anna Averianova

Montenegro

"Ballerina in the studio."

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Cheryl Ramsay
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really had to smile at this picture. She makes a lovely ballerina.

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#17

Finalist, Action: "Fly High In The Sky" By Anne-Laurie Léger

Finalist, Action: "Fly High In The Sky" By Anne-Laurie Léger

Canada

"Just a Border Collie flying for his frisbee. The dog did a back vault, jumping from his owner's back."

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#18

Finalist, Action: "Golden Girls" By Rosalind Phang

Finalist, Action: "Golden Girls" By Rosalind Phang

France

"A malinois and a Belgian shepherd running in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris during sunrise."

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#19

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Amour Propre" By Janneke De Graaf

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Amour Propre" By Janneke De Graaf

The Netherlands

"As described in the breed standard, a Basenji should be elegant and graceful. The whole demeanor is one of poise and inquiring alertness. A dog full of confidence and with high self-esteem. The only thing this young Basenji girl needed was a red frame."

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#20

3rd Place, Studio: "Puppy Love" By Tuss Bennergård

3rd Place, Studio: "Puppy Love" By Tuss Bennergård

Sweden

"Three weeks old Great Dane puppies. Photo is taken with studio lights at the breeders home."

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#21

Finalist, Studio: "Stay" By Janneke De Graaf

Finalist, Studio: "Stay" By Janneke De Graaf

The Netherlands

"One of our Basenji puppies in a studio setting at home. This puppy is already showing true Basenji obedience."

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#22

Finalist, Action: "Almost Got It" By Desiree Nickerson

Finalist, Action: "Almost Got It" By Desiree Nickerson

Canada

"Josee coming in fast to catch her favorite ball."

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#23

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Weimaraner In Winterwonderland" By Daria Rossini

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Weimaraner In Winterwonderland" By Daria Rossini

Switzerland

"The mood this morning was just soo perfect. I totally felt in love with it. Everything was so calm and quiet and there were also some tiny dancing snowflakes all around us.. as I said, just beautiful and perfect."

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#24

Finalist, Studio: "Black On Black" By Maddie Newton

Finalist, Studio: "Black On Black" By Maddie Newton

United Kingdom

"Kili the Groenendael jumping against a black backdrop with studio lighting."

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#25

Finalist, Studio: "Chairman Of The Board" By Jane Thomson

Finalist, Studio: "Chairman Of The Board" By Jane Thomson

Canada

"Choco was undergoing medical treatment when it was time for his portrait session. The majority of his tiny body had been shaved, but he brought along some of his favorite outfits to stay warm (and of course fashionable). This stylish dude might be a tiny chihuahua, but was large and in charge in front of my camera."

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Tuesday
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He looks like he’s about to make me an offer I won’t be able to refuse

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#26

3rd Place, Dogs And People: "Timber's Tribute" By Jane Thomson

3rd Place, Dogs And People: "Timber's Tribute" By Jane Thomson

Canada

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#27

Finalist, Studio: "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" By Rachel Hendrie

Finalist, Studio: "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" By Rachel Hendrie

United Kingdom

"This is Henry! At the time he was only 10 weeks old and the new love of my life. We were having fun playing around my studio (as I couldn't wait to photograph him) when he started getting sleepy and curled up in his bed and I thought it best just to let him be. Not much has changed since. This portrait just captures him perfectly as he has never quite got out of the napping habit!"

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#28

Finalist, Action: "Poodle Jump" By Celine Robel

Finalist, Action: "Poodle Jump" By Celine Robel

Germany

"This photo shows the cheeky toy poodle Motte. Being very little but high in energy, she was almost too fast for the eyes, but not too fast for the camera. As you can see, Motte really enjoyed her time in the sand romping around."

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#29

Finalist, Dogs And People: "Yin And Yang" By Agnieszka Gulczynska

Finalist, Dogs And People: "Yin And Yang" By Agnieszka Gulczynska

Poland

"Childhood of my Son is my biggest inspiration. Photographing Igor, I admire the amazing and beautiful way you can catch things which are seemingly regular. An old bucket or umbrella are magical objects for children. That is why I appreciate the way my son uses this magic, regards and discovers the world, creates relations with children and animals which constantly fascinate Him."

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#30

Finalist, Dogs And People: "Lost And Found" By Sabrina Theden

Finalist, Dogs And People: "Lost And Found" By Sabrina Theden

Germany

"This is probably the rawest moment I captured so far. It was one of those days where nothing worked out as I imagined. I was stuck in the numbness of a depressive episode and hadn't felt anything for weeks. But that evening, when I pushed myself to give that self-portrait one last try, I activated the interval timer, and the very second I sat down with my dog, tears were running down my face. Kenzy was comforting me immediately, as she always does and the last interval photos captured that fragile moment. A reminder that if I get lost, she will guide me back. Panorama with about 10-12 images."

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#31

Finalist, Action: "Summer" By 贺 华培

Finalist, Action: "Summer" By 贺 华培

China

"Happy day."

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#32

Finalist, Dogs And People: "Momma's Girl" By Kyle Rurak

Finalist, Dogs And People: "Momma's Girl" By Kyle Rurak

Canada

"Ruby running with Momma at Spanish Banks, Vancouver, Canada."

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#33

Finalist, Studio: "Vitamin Ball" By Iulia Tulcinscaia

Finalist, Studio: "Vitamin Ball" By Iulia Tulcinscaia

Poland

"When you're out grocery shopping for your family, maybe you can put a can of cat or dog food in your cart and bring it to an animal relief center."

Rachael Ray

Model: Beagle Sherry

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#34

Finalist, Studio: "Sing My Song" By Klaus-Peter Selzer

Finalist, Studio: "Sing My Song" By Klaus-Peter Selzer

Germany

"Our friend Michelle's dog - Strolchi - in my photo studio."

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#35

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Enchantress" By Anne-Laurie Léger

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Enchantress" By Anne-Laurie Léger

Canada

"One of the most beautiful scenery I got to see. The tall trees with all the flowers, the sunset."

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Jus
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a pretty scenery, great photo, touching my heart

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#36

2nd Place, Dogs And People: "Facing The Immensity Together" By Emma Gough

2nd Place, Dogs And People: "Facing The Immensity Together" By Emma Gough

New Zealand

"In a world where life can be immense and overwhelming, just like the vast nature of the ocean, we can turn to man's best friend for companionship and support to face the immensity together."

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Linda Sherwood
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

me, too. if this were available to buy as a print, I'd love to know. (luckylin626@gmail.com, of so). meanwhile, there's a whole movie captured in this picture. maybe you'll write it??

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#37

2nd Place, Action: "Moment Of Entry" By Roberta Holden

2nd Place, Action: "Moment Of Entry" By Roberta Holden

Canada

"I have become fascinated by the dynamic interplay between air, water and light in turbulence as water is suddenly displaced at the moment of impact as a dock-diving dog enters the water. This split second event conjured for me the feeling of falling through ice or being suddenly transported into an alternate realm."

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#38

Finalist, Studio: "Best Friends" By Klaus-Peter Selzer

Finalist, Studio: "Best Friends" By Klaus-Peter Selzer

Germany

"The two border collies Mylo and Cooper of our friend Ruth in my photo studio."

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Sharon Van den Berg
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog was a border collie. I see this picture and I wish he had had a companion too:)

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#39

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "It Glitters In Gold" By Renate Zuidema

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "It Glitters In Gold" By Renate Zuidema

The Netherlands

"Shiba Inu Dai just glitters in the gold of the golden hour."

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#40

3rd Place, Portrait And Landscape: "Monochromatic Illusion" By Sanna Sander

3rd Place, Portrait And Landscape: "Monochromatic Illusion" By Sanna Sander

Sweden

"On a silent morning when the last snow of the winter was melting the fog rolled over the meadows and the trees stretched into the sky, begging the sun to return.

The colors were sucked out of the world, and everything was silent except the crowing ravens adding to the atmosphere.

In the stillness she posed, watching the winter slowly leaving and making way for spring.

In the stillness she was the only color left in the world.

She was the queen of this monochromatic illusion."

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#41

Finalist, Studio: "The Librarian" By Sandy Van Kruijsdijk

Finalist, Studio: "The Librarian" By Sandy Van Kruijsdijk

The Netherlands

"I took this photo of our dog Skûtsje with the help of my husband. When our dog sees my photography equipment he knows he is going to earn a lot of cookies. He borrowed this shirt from our 3 year old son. He doesn't even think he has strange owners anymore, he is completely used to it by now and sees posing as a fun activity. I had this idea for a while because I love books and I have the perfect model for my images. I am not a professional photographer, but an enthusiastic hobbyist. I hope you enjoy this photo."

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#42

Finalist, Action: "Sensational Soar" By Grace Fieselman

Finalist, Action: "Sensational Soar" By Grace Fieselman

United States

"Zelda, the Belgian Malinois, soaring into the water to retrieve her toy."

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#43

Finalist, Dogs And People: "I Made A Wish..." By Kristiina Vuori

Finalist, Dogs And People: "I Made A Wish..." By Kristiina Vuori

Finland

"Me and my precious Manja, enjoying the peacefulness of the remote location and night sky miracles. I'm so lucky that I was able to capture this very special moment we shared together. The vast starry sky, the Milkyway and Perseid meteors make an unique landscape and atmosphere for expressing our special companionship.

She is already 14 years old. She doesn't see very well in the dark anymore, but I show her light and we walk together. I'm so grateful that she was still willing to join me and pose with me. I feel that we made magic during the nights we photographed the Perseid meteor shower."

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#44

Finalist, Dogs And People: "The Afghan Bride" By Sandra Ferwerda

Finalist, Dogs And People: "The Afghan Bride" By Sandra Ferwerda

The Netherlands

"I wanted to do a fine art style with this beautiful traditional Afghan Kuchi Tribe dress and jewels and the Afghan dog.
For a bit of movement in the dog's hair I used a hairblower, which the dog was used to on account that she is being groomed often.

This shoot was done with women only, my 'higher' aim with photography is to empower women. With the current situation in Aghanistan this shot has a deeper layer to it."

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, I miss my afghan - they are so beautiful (but a real pain to keep groomed well).

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#45

1st Place, Dogs And People: "Caravaggio Today" By Mercury Megaloudis

1st Place, Dogs And People: "Caravaggio Today" By Mercury Megaloudis

Australia

"New and the old Inspired by Caravaggio the artist and new trends in steampunk with the love of dogs all in the studio."

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#46

Finalist, Action: "Through The Snow" By Paula Grekelä

Finalist, Action: "Through The Snow" By Paula Grekelä

Finland

"Beautiful Elsa had a good hair day even sprinting through the heavy snow."

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#47

Finalist, Action: "Missy" By Jo Lauren

Finalist, Action: "Missy" By Jo Lauren

United Kingdom

"Being a working line Doberman, Missy loves to play & train, and recently discovered a love for playing with water. She's the most loving and friendly girl, but I love how this photo shows her spicy side. Happiest when she's working or snuggling, she's the best friend anyone could ask for."

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#48

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Power Of Tenderness" By Denisa Zbranková Albaniová

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Power Of Tenderness" By Denisa Zbranková Albaniová

Czech Republic

"One morning on the dam with this graceful saluki. Before the shooting, I had this image in my mind and finally it just happened."

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooh!!!!! Saluki! They are the best! My girl is 13 1/2 and I enjoy every day with her.

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#49

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Orange Highlights" By Melanie Rösen

Finalist, Portrait And Landscape: "Orange Highlights" By Melanie Rösen

Germany

"The clolors of the labradors matched perfectly with the dark stair background.
The orange highlights make the models shine."

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#50

Finalist, Studio: "Ebony And Her Ivories" By Jane Thomson

Finalist, Studio: "Ebony And Her Ivories" By Jane Thomson

Canada

"Portrait of Ebony on a windy day."

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Note: this post originally had 60 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.