World Dog Press Association (WDPA) Celebrates 25 Years and reveals Winners of the 2026 Professional Dog Photo Competition
Bologna, Italy – June 7th, 2026
The World Dog Press Association (WDPA) marked a major milestone during the World Dog Show in Bologna, Italy, celebrating 25 years since its foundation while also announcing the winners of its prestigious annual professional dog photography competition.
Founded during the World Dog Show in Milan in 2000, the WDPA has spent a quarter of a century bringing together photographers, journalists, editors, and media professionals dedicated to promoting excellence in dog-related journalism and visual storytelling. This year’s celebrations provided the perfect backdrop for the announcement of the winners of the association’s ninth international professional dog photography competition.
The 2026 competition attracted 24 photographers from 15 countries, who submitted a total of 80 photographs across four categories. The overall standard impressed both judges and organizers, showcasing exceptional creativity, technical excellence, and emotional storytelling.
A notable addition this year was the introduction of the new “Documentary” category, created to recognize authentic, unedited moments that capture everyday life with dogs. The category reflects the WDPA’s ongoing commitment to documenting the unique relationship between dogs and people through diverse photographic approaches.
All 80 entered images were exhibited throughout the World Dog Show in Bologna, offering visitors an inspiring visual journey through the many ways dogs enrich human lives around the world.
The competition was open exclusively to WDPA members, with photographers permitted to submit one image per category. All entries were presented anonymously to a panel of three professional judges, ensuring an impartial evaluation process.
The WDPA board has unveiled the winners at the World Dog Show (WDS) in Italy.
The WDPA is proud to present the winners of each category:
“On the Move” Category:
- Jaroslaw Wojtecki, Poland
- Theresa Subertova, Czech Republic
- Vivien Sestinova, Slovakia
“Portrait” Category:
- Katerina Mumzhynska, Ukraine
- Madalina Ungureanu, Italy
- Dina Untersee, Switzerland
“Pets & People“ Category:
- Frida Slotte, Finland
- Gill Batson, United Kingdom
- Grzegorz Gebik, Poland
“Documentary“ Category:
- Meri Fox, Finland
- Madalina Ungureanu, Italy
- Yurii Orlyk, Italy
Coup du Cour:
- Dina Untersee, Switzerland
- Paul Scanlon, Ireland
Expert Judging Panel
The 2026 competition was judged by an international panel of professionals:
– Alan Walker (United Kingdom, Professional Dog Photographer and long time WDPA member, retired)
– Alice van Kempen (Belgium, Professional & Awarded Photographer)
– Dan Sayers (United Stated of America, Showsight Magazine Chief Editor)
WDPA Media Award 2026 Presented to the Italian Kennel Club
During the celebrations, the WDPA Board also presented the WDPA Media Award 2026 to the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI), represented by Dino Muto.
The award recognizes ENCI’s longstanding commitment to supporting the international dog media community and its continuous cooperation with journalists, photographers, and canine publications around the world.
Celebrating 25 Years of the WDPA
Later this year the WDPA will publish a commemorative booklet documenting the association’s 25-year history. The publication will feature highlights from the organization’s development, memorable moments, and a complete archive of previous photography competition winners.
The WDPA extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, judges, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s event.
Special thanks go to the competition’s principal sponsors, Birdbrook Rosettes and Dr. Costanza de Liedekerke Ferraris di Celle & Count Louis de Liedekerke, whose continued support made the competition and awards possible.
The WDPA in Short
The World Dog Press Association unites more than 200 members from over 80 countries, including photographers, journalists, editors, and media professionals who share a passion for dogs and high-quality canine journalism. Through international cooperation, education, and professional recognition, the WDPA promotes excellence in dog-related media worldwide.
Media Information
Media outlets, dog organizations, and enthusiasts are invited to share the winning photographs and celebrate the talent of photographers who continue to document the remarkable bond between dogs and humans.
For interviews, high-resolution images, or further information, please contact:
Mak Đodan
Email: mak.dodan@worlddogpress.org
Website: www.worlddogpress.org
