8.10.12

I'm ready for my curtain call: From a drenched pooch in a shower to puppies at play, amazing images from Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year contest.


This soaking dog may not be smiling while peeking out from behind a shower curtain, but maybe it hasn't heard it's just received a special mention in the Dog Portrait Gallery.

The picture, taken by Opal Seabrook, was among the best of the Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year competition, which has recently announced its winners.

Held annually, the contest is open to both professionals and amateurs, young and old, from all around the world - and this year attracted 5,000 entries.

Got any sham-pooch? This sopping wet hound was given special mention in the Dog Portrait category. It was taken by by Opal Seabrook
Got any sham-pooch? This sopping wet hound was given special mention in the Dog Portrait category. It was taken by by Opal Seabrook
Let sleeping dogs lie... awkwardly: Third place runner-up in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Pam Langrish
Let sleeping dogs lie... awkwardly: Third place runner-up in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Pam Langrish
This year's overall winner was Catherine Laurenson, from Glasgow, for her photo of a Border Collie
On the scent of victory: This year's overall winner was Catherine Laurenson, from Glasgow, for her photo of a Border Collie
Intense? Sure I can do intense: Second place runner-up in the Dog Portrait category. Photo taken by Jason Banbury
Intense? Sure I can do intense: Second place runner-up in the Dog Portrait category. Photo taken by Jason Banbury
Who let the tots out: Second place runner-up in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Catherine MacGregor
Who let the tots out: Second place runner-up in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Catherine MacGregor
Sea looks a bit ruff... Winner in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Doug Jewell
Sea looks a bit ruff... Winner in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Doug Jewell
It's spray time: Second place runner-up in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Ben Burfitt
It's spray time: Second place runner-up in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Ben Burfitt
Lots of cows and bow-wow-wows: Second place runner-up in the Dogs at Work category. Photo taken by Jon Oakey
Lots of cows and bow-wow-wows: Second place runner-up in the Dogs at Work category. Photo taken by Jon Oakey


The competition has six categories: Portrait, Man’s Best Friend; Dogs At Play; Dogs At Work; and I Love Dogs Because – a category specifically for those aged 16 and under. There was also a new category this year, Puppy. 

This year's overall winner was Catherine Laurenson, from Glasgow, for her photo of a Border Collie set against a clear blue sky.

In addition to the new Dog Photographer of the Year trophy, she was awarded a glamorous Uggie collar and lead from Holly & Lil.

The pair's image will appear on the front cover of the Kennel Gazette and put on display at Discover Dogs and Crufts. 

Meanwhile, Jessica Keating, winner of the Under 16 category, will receive a day at Crufts 2013.

The winning images will be on display at Discover Dogs, which takes place at Earls Court, London, on November 10 and 11.

Let leaping dogs fly: Third place runner-up in the 16 and Under category. Photo taken by Joshua Carter
Let leaping dogs fly: Third place runner-up in the 16 and Under category. Photo taken by Joshua Carter
And they call it poppy love: Third place runner-up in the Dog Portrait category. Photo taken by Sarah Brown
And they call it poppy love: Third place runner-up in the Dog Portrait category. Photo taken by Sarah Brown
Bubble and sleek: Winner in the 16 and Under category. Photo taken by Jessica Keating
Bubble and sleek: Winner in the 16 and Under category. Photo taken by Jessica Keating
I've got this competition licked: Winner in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Emma Carter
I've got this competition licked: Winner in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Emma Carter
Now that's setting the dog among the pigeons: Third place runner-up in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Tracey Adams
Now that's setting the dog among the pigeons: Third place runner-up in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Tracey Adams

WHO'S IN THE LEAD? FULL LIST OF KENNEL CLUB CONTEST WINNERS

Straw dogs: Third place runner-up in the Dogs at Work category. Photo taken by Leanne Graham
Straw dogs: Third place runner-up in the Dogs at Work category. Photo taken by Leanne Graham
Overall Winner: Catherine Laurenson

Dogs at Work (winner): Catherine Laurenson
Runner-up (2nd place): Jon Oakey
Runner-up (3rd place): Leanne Graham

Dog Portrait (winner): Shane Wilkinson
Runner-up (2nd place): Jason Banbury
Runner-up (3rd place): Sarah Brown
Special Mention: Opal Seabrook

Dogs at Play (winner): Doug Jewell
Runner-up (2nd place): Ben Burfitt
Runner-up (3rd place): Tracey Adams

Puppies (winner): Rhian White
Runner-up (2nd place): Tracey Jarvis
Runner-up (3rd place): Pam Langrish

Man’s Best Friend (winner): Emma Carter
Runner-up (2nd place): Catherine MacGregor
Runner-Up (3rd place): Sarah Brown

I Love Dogs Because… (winner): Jessica Keating
(16 years and under)
Runner-up (2nd place): Conor O' Beolain
Runner-up (3rd place): Joshua Carter

How does your garden... growl? Winner in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Rhian White
How does your garden... growl? Winner in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Rhian White
I'm a puppy... get me out of here! Second place runner-up in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Tracey Jarvis
I'm a puppy... get me out of here! Second place runner-up in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Tracey Jarvis
Best buddies forever: Third place runner-up in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Sarah Brown
Best buddies forever: Third place runner-up in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Sarah Brown
Reflections in the forest: Winner in the Dog Portrait category, taken by Shane Wilkinson
Reflections in the forest: Winner in the Dog Portrait category, taken by Shane Wilkinson