https://www.rochegallery.com.au/bisprize/Prize
Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize
David Roche Gallery is excited to announce the inaugural Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize. Established as a biennial prize, this competition celebrates Australian dogs and pays homage to the legacy of our founder, David Roche AM (1930-2013).
From David’s famous Fermoy Kennels in North Adelaide his dogs won awards nationally and internationally from the 1950s to the early 2010s. Particularly known for his Afghan Hounds and Kerry Blue Terriers, David holds the record for having won more Best in Shows at Royal Shows than any other Australian.
An All Breeds dog judge from the 1950s onward, David was in demand internationally including appointments to Crufts in England and Morris & Essex in the United States. David’s archive includes photographic portraits of many of his champion dogs and now David Roche Gallery has created a prize opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which dogs continue to play a central role in our lives.
Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize is open to amateur and professional photographers with a first prize of $5000. The Young photographer category offers a first prize of $500 and the People’s Choice Award $500.
Important Dates
Entries open on 17 February 2025 and close at 5PM (ACDT) 19 May 2025.
Finalists notified 10 June 2025.
Delivery of Finalist work to David Roche Gallery, Adelaide 11-18 August 2025.
Announcement of First Prize winners 29 August 2025.
Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize Exhibition 30 August – 25 October 2025.
People’s Choice Award announced 17 October 2025.
We can’t wait to see your favourite furry friend photographs!
Image: David Roche with Wulfreda Rhapsody (Kerry blue terrier), late 1950s
Submit your entry
Co-judges
Co-judges of Best in Show 2025 are Robert Reason, Director of David Roche Gallery and Alex Cearns OAM. Alex is an internationally renowned animal photographer and respected judge. Commenting on her appointment she said: “I am honoured to serve as a co-judge for Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize. It is a privilege to celebrate the artistry and passion of photographers of all levels who share my love for capturing the essence of dogs. I eagerly anticipate viewing the submitted images that embody the spirit of this prestigious award.”
Image: Michael Trafford, photographer, Ch. Fermoy Holy Joe, Adelaide 1975-80
Awards
Categories
Entry Fees
How to Enter
Rules
Judges
Awards
Prize winners will be announced at David Roche Gallery on Friday 29 August 2025.
First Prize – Amateur or professional photographer – $5000 cash prize
First Prize – Young photographer (12-18 years) – $500 cash prize
People’s Choice Award – $500 cash prize
All entries submitted electronically and co-judged with up to 80 selected finalist works required for exhibition at David Roche Gallery, Adelaide. Final judging and prize winners selected from physical photographs (A3 size) prior to the opening of the exhibition.
Finalist works printed in the accompanying exhibition catalogue.
Finalists invited to attend the exhibition opening of Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize at David Roche Gallery.
Free exhibition entry for Finalists to Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize exhibition at David Roche Gallery.
Australian Competitions Club
