We are delighted to welcome the return of the Wilmington Kennel Club, and this year, they have a marvelous challenge!
The challenge: Capture your purebred dog(s) silhouette in a high‑contrast, low‑light setting—sunset, moonrise, or artificial backlighting. The dog’s breed should be clearly recognizable from its outline alone: headpiece, ear set, neck, topline, tail, and overall proportion. The winning image will combine strong artistry with obvious breed identity: a striking use of light and shadow, and a silhouette that leaves no doubt about what breed the judges are seeing.
The prize: $100 gift card to Fuzzywumpets, purveyors of high-quality, comfortable, and elegant dog collars – some adorned with Swarovski crystals!
The Dreaded Small Print You Must Read To Enter
•••• This contest happens on May 1 on our Facebook page. It is open to international participation;
•••• One entry per person; You may enter four different photo challenges,
•••• When submitting your photo entry on Facebook, you must indicate the name of this contest, “Low-Light Lines” Photo Challenge”
•••• Your entry must be for the 2026 contest. Photos submitted from previous years’ contests will be disqualified, and yes, we remember photos from one year to the next;
•••• Within the photo, your image must include a purebred dog and one of the following either downloaded from the link or handmade:
The “Happy National Purebred D♥g Day” sign
The “I L♥ve My Purebred Dog” sign
Any official National Purebred Dog Day item available here.
•••• No photoshopping, and no photoshopping the required sign over your photo entry. Be creative with how you use it, but our judges, David Frei, co-host of NBC’s National Dog Show, and veteran Westminster Kennel Club photographer, Jack Grassa, must see what you actually shot with your camera;
•••• Many people may help you take your photo, but the prize goes to the person submitting the winning photograph;
•••• Entering this contest implies consent that your photo may be shared on NPDD’s social media platforms and by the Wilmington Kennel Club;
•••• A full explanation of how, when, and where to submit your entry can be read here;
•••• Important! You and your dog should have safe fun when composing your entry!
•••• Judges’ decisions are final
PhotoContest2026
Photo of a Samoyed by BoValentino/iStock