The AKC National Art Contest encourages young artists to celebrate their love of dogs through creative expression. Youth ages 5-18 are invited to submit unique artwork that adheres to the guidelines below. The 2025 contest opens on May 12, 2025.
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Rules & Guidelines
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Download and print the flyer linked below to share with schools, summer camps, homeschoolers, art clubs, and other interested parties.
Requirements:
- Artists must be between the ages of 5 and 18 at the time of submission
- Art must represent the theme “dog shows”
- Artwork must be completed on a flat 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper
- Medium: Drawing, painting, or mixed media
- The art must be original and not have been entered into any previous or other current contests
- Age Categories: 5-8, 9-12, 13-15, and 16-18
- Entry must be completed online via Jotform by parent or legal guardian 18 years or older
- All entries are due by September 29, 2025 by 11:59 PM ET
- Judging Criteria: creativity (40%), fit to the theme (30%), quality of art (30%)
Winners & Finalists:
- First-place winners will receive a $50 gift card
- Finalists and first-place winners will have their artwork featured in an online exhibition on AKC.org
- First-place winners will have their physical artwork displayed at the Museum of the Dog in NYC
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View Past Winners
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Congratulations to the 2024 AKC National Art Contest winners!
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- Ivan de Paz 5-8
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- Shivi Choudhary 9-12
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- Diana Hurtado Febres 13-15
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- Cailyn Skiles 16-18
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View Past Finalists
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Congratulations to the 2024 AKC National Art Contest finalists!
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- Amara Visesio 5-8
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- Cadence McDonald 5-8
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- Emilia Herdliska 5-8
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- Alina Cortez 9-12
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- Eleanor Benni 9-12
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- Nisha Rahman 9-12
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- Camila Pimental Valencia 13-15
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- Ella Page 13-15
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- Emma Kuruvilla 13-15
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- Briana Delgado 16-18
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- Charlie Singleton 16-18
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- Madison Sexton 16-18
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Click here to access the entry form
If you have any questions, please email publiced@akc.org