The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, invites youth artists nationwide to participate in the 2026 AKC National Art Contest, hosted by AKC Public Education. This annual summer contest is open to children ages 5 to 17 residing within the continental United States.
This year’s theme, “Dogs on Vacation”, encourages young artists to imagine where dogs would go, what they would do, and the adventures they would have on the ultimate getaway. Whether it’s splashing at the beach, hiking through the mountains, camping under the stars, or exploring a new city, artists are encouraged to bring their ideas to life through drawings, paintings, and/or mixed media.
Entries will be divided into four age categories and evaluated on creativity, alignment to theme, and overall artistic quality. One winner and four finalists will be selected from each age category. Winning and finalist artwork will be featured in an online gallery on the AKC Education website, and winning pieces will also be displayed at the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York City, where they will be showcased in a special exhibit for museum visitors to enjoy.
The entry window is now open and will close on September 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. For a printable flyer or questions about the contest, contact AKC Public Education at publiced@akc.org.
To learn more about the 2026 AKC National Art Contest, including contest rules, submission guidelines, and the online entry form, visit https://www.akc.org/public-education/national-art-contest/.