Wellness

BEAUTIFUL AWARD WINNING DOG PHOTOS

“Dogs at Play” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Elinor Roizman.

By Elinor Roizman. “I’ll catch you.” “Dogs at Play” 1st prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself." –Josh Billings

Dogs are our best friends for lots of reasons. They make us happier and healthier, according to many recents studies, including this research. They give us physical benefits and emotional support.

Dogs teach us mindfulness, relieve stress, offer offer empathy, connect us more with nature and with other humans. Dogs decrease loneliness and depression. Recent findings from the University of Vienna suggest that dogs can even sense emotions.

These award winning photos, from the The Kennel Club 2018 Dog Photographer of the Year contest, touch our hearts and souls. They were selected from over 10,000 entries, hailing from 70 different countries. Now in its 13th year, this competition calls for beautiful photos in ten categories: Portrait, Man’s Best Friend, Dogs At Play, Dogs At Work, Puppy, Oldies, Assistance Dogs, Rescue Dogs, I Love Dogs Because… (kids 12 - 17 years old), and Young Pup Photographer (kids aged 11 and under).

Dutch photographer Monica van der Maden won overall top prize for her photo titled “The Lady of the Mystery Forest.” One of her prizes is an original oil painting of her image by award-winning artist Sara Abbott.

You can find out more about the competition on The Kennel Club website.

Check out some of our favorite winning photos below.

“Oldies” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Monica van der Maden.

By Monica van der Maden. “The Lady of the Mystery Forest”. “Oldies” 1st prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“Dogs at Work” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Monica van der Maden.

By Tracy Kidd. “Wayne’s Team.” “Dogs at Work” 1st prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“I Love Dogs Because…” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Tamara Kedves.

By Tamara Kedves. “One heart, one family.” “I Love Dogs Because…” 1st prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“Glenturret Autumn Gold.” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Carol Durrant.

By Carol Durrant. “Glenturret Autumn Gold.” “Portrait” 1st prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“Black Velvet.” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Alice Loder.

By Alice Loder. “Black Velvet.” “Dogs at Play.” Judges’ Special Mention. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“Divine Connection.” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Sherilyn Vineyard.

By Sherilyn Vineyard. “Divine Connection.” “Man’s Best Friend” 2nd prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“Divine Connection.” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Cheryl Murphy.

By Cheryl Murphy. “Home.” “Man’s Best Friend” 3rd place winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“Let’s call it Roly Poly Puppy.” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Robyn Pope.

By Robyn Pope. “Let’s call it Roly Poly Puppy.” “Puppies” 3rd prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“A Winters Storm.” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Michael M Sweeney.

By Michael M Sweeney. “A Winters Storm.” “Portrait” 3rd prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

“Rescue Dogs.” Dog Photographer of the Year winner Christina Roemmelt.

By Christina Roemmelt. “Rescue Dogs” 3rd prize winner. Dog Photographer of the Year.

Read more about Award-Winning Photos all this week on BeautifulNow, including Most Beautiful Travel Photos: 2018. And check out more beautiful things happening now in BN Wellness, Impact, Nature/Science, Food, Arts/Design, and Travel, Daily Fix posts.

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Do you have amazing photos? Enter them in this week’s BN Photo Competition.