Dog Photographers of the Year Announced (And Their Shots Are Amazing)

The winners of the United Kingdom Kennel Club’s 2017 Dog Photographer of the Year have been declared and the images are truly something to behold.

Now in its 12th year, this year’s contest had over 10,000 entries from photographers around the globe.

The contest has ten different categories, each of which awards a first, second and third place winner.

“The quality of the entries to the Dog Photographer of the Year competition never ceases to amaze,” says, Rosemary Smart, the Kennel Club chief executive. “All of this year’s entrants beautifully captured the qualities that make dogs so very special and dear to our hearts.”

Among other prizes, all category winners will have their images on display at the Kennel Club headquarters in Mayfair, England.

Below, check out the canine muses and the photogs (some under the age of 11!) who placed in the contest, including the overall winner.

In the Dogs at Play category, first-place winner Kaylee Greer made a splash with her colorful photo.

In the stunning Portrait category, entrant David Yanez placed second for capturing this peaceful moment.

In the Dogs at Work category, Lucy Charman‘s timeless black-and-white photo nabbed second place honors.

In the Assistance Dogs category, another black-and-white photo made waves thanks to John Ferrett‘s breathtaking image, which placed second.

In the Rescue Dogs category, second-place recipient Martin Tosh proved that the sun never goes down for dogs who get a second chance.

In the fan-favorite Puppy category, third-place winner Ruud Lauristen gave a different kind of beach shot.

In the golden Oldies category, John Liot placed first for his soothing shot of an older canine at rest.

In the impressive Young Pup category, photographers under the age of 11 showed off their work, including this year’s first-place winner Dylan Jenkins and his delicious snap.

Another youth-friendly category, I Love Dogs Because… rewards photographers between the ages of 12 and 17 for their vision. This year’s third-place winner was this beauty from Kirsten van Ravenhordt.

And last, but not least, the winner of the Man’s Best Friend category and the overall 2017 Dog Photographer of the Year winner, Maria Davison Ramos and her photo of her friend’s puppy, Yzba.

She said of her winning pic, “This image was already close to my heart and it is one of the photographs I am most proud of.”