Enter the 2026 AKC National Art Contest
Do you know a young artist, ages 5-18, who loves both dogs AND art? Here’s a way for them to put those two loves together and create some original art to win a prize. The 2026 AKC National Art Contest entry submission closes September 29, and FLCA would love to see our breed entered in this particular contest too!
First launched in 2024, the AKC National Art Contest garnered a lot of interest in that inaugural year, so the AKC decided to make it an annual event. The contest runs from late spring through early fall, but there is still time to submit an entry.
The past two themes were “Dog Shows” and “Canine Connection.” This year’s theme is “Dog on Vacation,” which we all know Lappies love to vacation!
“When choosing a theme, we try to come up with something that can be interpreted in [many] ways, so artists have plenty of room to be creative,” says Meghan Cutler, AKC Public Education Coordinator. With the Canine Connection theme, submissions included pieces showing the bond between babies and dogs, as well as rescue dogs serving and saving people. Young artists are encouraged to think big and be unique!
In establishing national initiatives such as this, the AKC hopes to spread awareness and help dog enthusiasts connect with one another all over the country. Programs like the Art Contest give young dog lovers a way to learn about and get involved with AKC.
“Our hope is that opportunities like this will introduce kids and their families to the many different ways they can become involved in the dog world,” says Cutler.
This year’s Rules & Guidelines are as follows:
Artists must be between the ages of 5 and 18 at the time of submission.
Artwork must represent the theme “Dog on Vacation.”
Artwork must be completed on a flat 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. Any artwork selected as a winner that doesn’t meet the dimension criteria will not be displayed.
Artwork 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 a parent or legal guardian 18 years or older.
All entries are due by September 29, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
Judging Criteria: creativity (40%), fit to the theme (30%), quality of art (30%).
Just about any medium is fair game for this contest. For past contests, the AKC has received paintings in watercolor, acrylic, oil pastels, markers, crayons, colored pencils, and more. Combining several different mediums is also common. “There is so much artistic talent among youth in this country, and we’re glad to provide a space for them to share it,” says Cutler.
This year’s judging panel includes several members of the AKC Education team. Each member contributes a different background and life experience to the mix, including working in education, communications, and the world of dog sports and events. Cutler says having these multiple viewpoints helps the judging panel look at pieces from many different angles, while still employing the established judging criteria.
The artwork of finalists and first-place winners will be featured in an online exhibition on the official 2026 AKC Art Contest page. First-place winners will receive a $50 gift card and their physical artwork displayed at The AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC.
The 2026 AKC National Art Contest welcomes artwork featuring all dogs, from purebred to mixed breeds. “Inclusivity is important to us,” says Cutler. “We want young artists to feel free to create a piece inspired by any dog that is meaningful to them.” She says they do see a lot of pieces featuring the more common breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Poodles, but a mix of less common ones and even unique mixed breeds show up each year as well.
Given the Finnish Lapphund is considered one of the less common ones to be depicted in artwork, the FLCA is encouraging our young Lappy owners to get their artistic game on and submit some pieces for consideration in this year’s contest. Please follow the guidelines listed above, or visit the official 2026 AKC Art Contest page for more information. You will also find images of 2025’s winners at that link. Download and print the flyer linked below to share with schools, summer camps, homeschoolers, art clubs, and other interested parties.
For more information or if you have any specific questions, please contact publiced@akc.org.
