The David Roche Gallery is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize exhibition.
The Prize, which called to capture the essence of the canine spirit, was open to amateur, professional and young photographers with a first prize of $5000. The Young Photographer (12-18 years) category offered a first prize of $500 and the People’s Choice Award (announced on October 17) offers $500.
From 250 entries nationwide, 80 exceptional finalists were chosen across the categories of Dog portrait, Dogs and companions, Dogs in action, and Puppies.
First Prize: Amateur or Professional Photographer $5000
Legacy of Turnix 2025 by photographer Alicia Adamopoulos of Adelaide.
Entry: “Photographed in his loungeroom in Hahndorf, South Australia, on 16 May 2025, 96- year-old Des Delaine sits quietly with the last three Pointers of his beloved Turnix line. Surrounded by trophies and memories, the image reveals the deep, unspoken bond between a man and the dogs who have been his lifelong companions. A breeder and judge devoted to the Pointer since childhood, Des now faces the end of his breeding journey, capturing a moment of love, loyalty, and shared history.”
Co-judge and Australian animal photographer, Alex Cearns OAM said: “This photograph is very poignant, with a sombre colour treatment and excellent storytelling by emphasising a lifetime of memories in the background. It successfully creates an end of the era atmosphere. The composition is beautiful with the dogs almost circling their human. Technically it’s brilliant and combined with the emotional pull, it is very deserving of first prize.”
Young Photographer (12-18 years) First Prize $500
Mavis and Darcy 2025 by photographer Isabella Rogers of Adelaide.
Entry: “This photograph features my nana, Mavis and her dog, Darcy. I spent the day with my nana and wanted to capture the bond between her and her dog. Darcy is very special to my nana as she got her after the passing of her partner.”
Co-judge Robert Reason, Director of David Roche Gallery said: “There is a strong and emotional connection between the subjects, you immediately feel their love, connection and bond. A gentle soft light comes across from the right beautifully highlighting the moment between Mavis and Darcy.”
About Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize
As the nation’s only biennial art prize dedicated to domestic dogs, Best in Show 2025 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.
What: Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize exhibition
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
David Roche Fermoy House tours: 10am, 12noon, 2pm (must be prebooked online)
Cost: Adult: $20 | Concession $17 (includes entry to exhibition)