Portraits of paws and personality that capture the timeless bond between people and furry friends will be on display in the inaugural Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize exhibition opening at the David Roche Gallery from August 30 to October 25.
Professional, amateur and young photographers, and dog lovers, were invited to combine their two interests and capture the essence of the canine spirit. From 250 entries nationwide, 80 exceptional finalists have been chosen across the categories of Dog portrait, Dogs and companions, Dogs in action, and Puppies.
As the nation’s only biennial art prize dedicated to domestic dogs, it pays homage to the legacy of its founder David Roche AM (1930-2013) who was a canine breeder, exhibitor, judge and art collector. Today, his home Fermoy House is the foundation of not just his art collection, but hundreds of canine show sashes, ribbons, trophies and photographs.
From David’s famous Fermoy Kennels in North Adelaide, his dogs won Best in Show nationally and internationally between the 1950s and the early 2010s. Now, David Roche Gallery has created a prize opportunity to celebrate the important role dogs play in our lives.
Co-judge and Director of David Roche Gallery Robert Reason said the high quality of the photographs was outstanding, making the selection process even more challenging.
“The response to the inaugural prize has been heartening with hundreds of entries and I extend my warm congratulations to the selected finalists exhibited,” he said.
“Sharing a love of photography, the accompanying finalist statements bring to life the joy, fun and tremendous memories made between people and their dogs.”
Internationally renowned animal photographer and respected co-judge Alex Cearns OAM said she was touched by the passion and dedication each photographer shared through their work.
“Seeing so many joyful representations of dogs reaffirmed for me the love and bond we share with our dogs and the importance of these loyal companions in our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, not just as a judge but as a fellow dog lover,” she said.
Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize offers a first prize of $5000, and the Young Photographer (12-18 years) a prize of $500. Visitors to the exhibition decide the People’s Choice Award of $500.
What: Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize
Where: David Roche Gallery, 241 Melbourne St, North Adelaide
When: Saturday 30 August – Saturday 25 October – open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm (closed Sundays, Mondays, Public Holidays)
Cost: Adult $12 | Concession $10 | DRG Member $9 | Children U12 Free
Upcoming events:
Thursday 18 September, 6pm: Dogs in Australian art with Steven Miller
Saturday 20 September, 10am–4pm: Bring Your Dog Day to DRG
Thursday 9 October, 6pm: Paint & Sip with pet sketch artist Ivana Prophet
David Roche Gallery Fermoy House tours: 10am, 12noon, 2pm (must be prebooked online)
Cost: Adult: $20 | Concession $17 (includes entry to Best in Show 2025 exhibition)
For more information and events, visit rochegallery.com.au
***************************************************************************
Media contact: Natalie Farinola | 0401 308 328 | natalie@jpmedia.com.au