The Young Kennel Club (YKC) has announced the winners of the 2025 Artist of the Year competition and launches a 2026 photography competition.
The popular art competition invited YKC members to express their creativity and showcase their dog artistry skills, with all entries required to feature a dog and fit the theme ‘celebrating the incredible bond between young dog owners and their dog/s and 40 years of the YKC’. Young artists were invited to showcase their talents and contribute to the YKC's milestone celebration.
The creativity and originality of all the entries impressed the judges (Jane Fullbrook and Fay Moore), and the joint overall winners were awarded to Rosanna Webb, 21, from Hampshire and Chloe Clarke, 20, from Somerset.
2nd place was awarded to Fenella Barker, 16, who drew her best friend’s Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) called Cora and third place went to Hannah Withey, 10 with an image of her Cocker Spaniel named Honey.
Speaking of her joint win Rosanna said: “I’m truly grateful for the recognition and honoured that my artwork of Darcy was selected. I hope that when people view the painting, they can sense my affection for dogs and connect with the character and emotion within the piece. When I paint or draw, I’m always fascinated by the subtleties of canine body language and behaviour. Much like people, every dog has a unique personality and expression, and exploring those individual qualities is what continually inspires me as a canine artist. No two are ever the same!”
Speaking of her joint win Chloe said: “It is incredibly rewarding to hear the news that I have come joint 1st for the YKC Artist of the Year 2025 competition and to have my work recognised by the Royal Kennel Club. It is really affirming for my work and artistic style, particularly as over the past year I’ve been taking my art into a professional space. I’m truly grateful to everyone who has shown support for my work.”
Helen Kerfoot, spokesperson for the Young Kennel Club added:
“Rosanna and Chloe have produced outstanding pieces of work, and we are thrilled to recognise their talent in this year’s competition. Their creativity, passion and ability to capture the unique bond between young people and their dogs truly shone through.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 competition, we hope budding young photographers will feel encouraged to pick up their cameras and share their vision with us. With such an exciting new theme and a fantastic judge on board, it’s the perfect opportunity for young creatives to explore, experiment and let their artistic voices be seen.”
The YKC have launched the 2026 photography competition where the judge will be Neil Freeman - Training Manager, Nikon School, Nikon Northern Europe. The theme is urban exploration and nature/natural world and the closing date for entries is 30 March 2026.
More information is available in how to enter the YKC Artist of the Year 2026 competition.
For young dog lovers who are interested in joining the Young Kennel Club, further information can be found by visiting the Young Kennel Club website.