National Dog Photography Day 2026

The Top Dogs Photo Contest Winners

25 dogs. Countless treats. One very hard decision. Thank you to everyone who shared their photogenic genius with us — here is the whole gorgeous pack.

Share the winners

Best in Show

Anne

Labrador Retriever · submitted by Bonnie

A five-month-old Canine Companions service dog in training, holding a flawless stay while her name is spelled out in kibble. Self-control, spelled out literally.

Congratulations, Bonnie and Anne — you are officially our 2026 Top Dog. 🏆

The Top Ten

Our ten runners-up

Every one of these could have taken the crown on a different day.

2
Krill
German Shepherd · with Chantelle
Explosive detection K-9 by day, professional butter enthusiast by night. Stadium lights optional.
3
London
Doberman Pinscher · with Sloan
First hole successfully dug. Not one bit sorry about it.
4
Shazam
Vizsla · with Sergey
The sassiest, sweetest, most entitled “horse” on the block — pictured here channeling pure mischief.
5
Harper
Rottweiler mix · with Sloan
Those eyes. That is the whole caption.
6
Freyja
Phantom Toy Poodle · with June
Manhattan's most photographed neighbor. Adopted at 10 months, famous ever since.
7
Dexter
American Bulldog mix · with Kym
Autumn glamour shot, crooked teefies and all. Daycare photo day is his Met Gala.
8
Nakano
Pit Bull mix · with Michelle
The look of a dog who has just realized blueberries exist.
9
Woodrow
Small mixed breed · with Dale
Natural born biker. Goggles up, ears back, road ahead.
10
Rutabaga Indigo (Rudy)
Pointer mix · with Caroline
A raincoat one size too small and a facial expression of deep, dignified suffering.
11
Hero
Standard Poodle · with Eleni
The big brother who lets the miniature poodle puppies climb all over him. Patience, personified.

Beautiful dogs, all of them

The rest of the pack

No rankings down here — just 14 very good dogs who deserve a round of applause.

Denji
Chow Chow · with Carolina
Six months old, part teddy bear, entirely made of energy.
Chöco
Shepherd mix · with Jharie
Playful energy in dog form — “my gift from God.”
Harper
Doodle mix · with Evan
Always ready to show off those long lashes.
Henry
Cockapoo · with Jenny
Deep brown eyes, fluffy tail, long ears, pink tongue. Everything.
Mili
Mixed breed · with Edgar
Rescued from a beach in Costa Rica six years ago, living her best hotel-day life.
Kedji
Great Pyrenees · with Tressie
A livestock guardian in her natural habitat: a whole lot of snow.
Lou
Whippet mix · with Elizabeth
Mischief specialist. Kleenex box: not a survivor.
MiniMax
Miniature Poodle · with Claire
Debonair. One word, no notes.
Woody
Doberman Pinscher · with Sloan
Wildflowers, sunshine, and a very good smile.
Merrell
Labrador Retriever mix · with Susan
A serious face with eyes that say “throw it, please.”
Socks
Yorkshire Terrier · with Alison
Fresh out of a mouse hunt in the bushes and delighted about it.
Indio
Hound mix · with Michelle
A pound puppy with a very big heart.
Loki
Hound mix · with Larry
Peak snuggle. Paw included.
London
German Shepherd mix · with Bev
Quirky, energetic and — as promised — very pretty. Pictured mid-leap on the beach.