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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.
Lead image: A warm welcome for a baby girl, as two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels lovingly gaze at her. Credit: Jacinta Smith
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.
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| A small white terrier runs joyfully across the grass, its hair blowing back in the wind. Credit: Peggy Man |
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.
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| A young boy and his chocolate oodle look like they're deep in conversation on the floor rug, perhaps plotting their next big adventure? Credit: Renee Hughes |
“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.
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| A proud dog mum smiles, surrounded by her six best friends. Credit: Dean Quinlivan |
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. A fully illustrated ‘dogalogue’ accompanies the exhibition.
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| An Australian Shepherd with its tongue curling towards its nose. Credit: Julie Brown |
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
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| This small dog is perfectly in its element, nestled among the rich colours of the autumn leaves. Credit: Emma Wood |
Upcoming dog-related 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
Additional information:
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)
Cost: Adult: $20 | Concession $17 (includes entry to Best in Show 2025 exhibition)
For more information and events, visit rochegallery.com.au
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