I'm ready for my curtain call: From a drenched pooch in a shower to puppies at play, amazing images from Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year contest

By NICK ENOCH

Got any sham-pooch? This sopping wet hound was given special mention in the Dog Portrait category. It was taken by by Opal Seabrook

This soaking dog may not be smiling while peeking out from behind a shower curtain, but maybe it hasn't heard it's just received a special mention in the Dog Portrait Gallery.
The picture, taken by Opal Seabrook, was among the best of the Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year competition, which has recently announced its winners.
Held annually, the contest is open to both professionals and amateurs, young and old, from all around the world - and this year attracted 5,000 entries.

Let sleeping dogs lie... awkwardly: Third place runner-up in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Pam Langrish

On the scent of victory: This year's overall winner was Catherine Laurenson, from Glasgow, for her photo of a Border Collie

Intense? Sure I can do intense: Second place runner-up in the Dog Portrait category. Photo taken by Jason Banbury

Who let the tots out: Second place runner-up in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Catherine MacGregor

Sea looks a bit ruff... Winner in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Doug Jewell

It's spray time: Second place runner-up in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Ben Burfitt

Lots of cows and bow-wow-wows: Second place runner-up in the Dogs at Work category. Photo taken by Jon Oakey

The competition has six categories: Portrait, Man’s Best Friend; Dogs At Play; Dogs At Work; and I Love Dogs Because – a category specifically for those aged 16 and under. There was also a new category this year, Puppy.
This year's overall winner was Catherine Laurenson, from Glasgow, for her photo of a Border Collie set against a clear blue sky.

Let leaping dogs fly: Third place runner-up in the 16 and Under category. Photo taken by Joshua Carter

In addition to the new Dog Photographer of the Year trophy, she was awarded a glamorous Uggie collar and lead from Holly & Lil.
The pair's image will appear on the front cover of the Kennel Gazette and put on display at Discover Dogs and Crufts.
Meanwhile, Jessica Keating, winner of the Under 16 category, will receive a day at Crufts 2013.
The winning images will be on display at Discover Dogs, which takes place at Earls Court, London, on November 10 and 11.

And they call it poppy love: Third place runner-up in the Dog Portrait category. Photo taken by Sarah Brown

Bubble and sleek: Winner in the 16 and Under category. Photo taken by Jessica Keating

I've got this competition licked: Winner in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Emma Carter

Now that's setting the dog among the pigeons: Third place runner-up in the Dogs at Play category. Photo taken by Tracey Adams



How does your garden... growl? Winner in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Rhian White

I'm a puppy... get me out of here! Second place runner-up in the Puppies category. Photo taken by Tracey Jarvis

Best buddies forever: Third place runner-up in the Man's Best Friend category. Photo taken by Sarah Brown

Reflections in the forest: Winner in the Dog Portrait category, taken by Shane Wilkinson

source: dailymail