The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that serves as the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs and a leading advocate for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce the return of the popular AKC Meet the Breeds presented by Purina® Pro Plan® Art Contest for 2026, hosted by AKC Public Education.
This year’s art contest celebrates the creativity of young artists from across the metro New York City area with a meaningful theme: “400 Years of NYC Dogs,” honoring the 400th anniversary of New York City’s founding as an official municipality. The contest invites students in grades K-12 to submit original artwork inspired by the rich history and diversity of dogs in New York City. Participants will compete in four grade-level categories: Lower Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Middle School, and High School. One winner will be selected from each category, and multiple finalists will be recognized in every group.
All selected finalists’ artwork will be proudly displayed at the AKC Education booth during the event, with the winning pieces matted and showcased in a dedicated display area. After the event, all winning artwork will be exhibited at the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York City, offering young artists a unique opportunity to share their work with the broader community. Each category winner will receive a rosette and a gift card, and all finalists and winners will receive two complimentary tickets to attend the AKC Meet the Breeds event and enjoy all the exciting offerings.
AKC Meet the Breeds is a highly anticipated annual event that welcomes dog lovers of all ages to explore the world of purebred dogs and connect with fellow dog enthusiasts. Children and families will have the chance to meet, play, and learn about a variety of dog breeds and enjoy engaging activities in the Kids Zone, making it an educational and fun experience for all.
The 2026 AKC Meet the Breeds Art Contest entry form is now open, and submissions will be accepted through December 23, 2025. All entries require an image of the students’ artwork to be uploaded for consideration. All selected finalists and winners will be contacted by AKC Public Education to have the physical copies of their artwork sent in.
To learn more and submit an entry, please visit our website: https://www.akc.org/public-education/akc-meet-the-breeds-art-contest/. Questions may be directed to the AKC Public Education team at publiced@akc.org.
Join us in celebrating New York City’s rich canine history through the eyes of its young artists!