About This Call
U.S. National Deadline: October 31, 2026 – Are you an accomplished shutterbug (or aspiring to be one)? Then we invite you to enter the 2026 AKC Photo Contest! Our theme this year is "The Great Outdoors." As always, the entries are based solely on creativity, quality, and originality.
Eligibility
The 2026 AKC Photo Contest is open to residents of the United States who are at least eighteen (18) years of age. Each entrant may submit only one (1) black-and-white and/or one (1) color photo. Entries must be either unmatted prints at least 5″ x 7″ in size or high-resolution (300 dpi) digital photos. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Entrant must have permission from the owners of all dogs and any individuals that appear in the photo to use their name and likenesses in the photo and to grant the rights set forth herein.
Selection
Once all entries have been submitted, they will be judged by a qualified panel of judges at the conclusion of the Contest Period based on the following judging criteria:
- Creativity (40%)
- Fit to the Contest theme (30%)
- Quality of Picture (30%)
Awards
There will be one (1) First Place prize of $500; one (1) Second Place prize of $250; and one (1) Third Place prize of $150. Limit: one (1) prize per person.
How to Enter
The 2026 AKC Photo Contest starts April 27, 2026. Entries must be sent via email or postmarked no later than Oct. 31, 2026. Email your high-resolution photos to photocontest@akc.org — please include your name and the breed of the dog (if applicable).