"Here I Come!" 2026 Action Category, Honorable Mention. Credit: Samara Valent / Dog Photography Awards

Sometime between 32,000 and 11,000 years ago , dogs domesticated. Since then, these four-legged friends have provided companionship, assistance, and protection for people. Whether you favor a squished-face potato dog or a determined and smart working dog, you likely understand how dogs got the designation of “man’s best friend.”

The Dog Photography Awards celebrate dogs of all shapes and sizes. The annual competition awards prizes across six categories (Studio, Action, Portrait, Dogs & People, Documentary, and Open) in addition to naming an overall winner.

“City Lights”

2026 Portrait Outdoor, Honorable Mention

Credit: Maddie Newton / Dog Photography Awards

This year, Katie Brockman took the prestigious title of Dog Photographer of the Year. The St.…