Introducing 2025’s Fun Toronto Dog Photo Awards

/ Terri J Photography/

One of my favourite parts of photographing dogs and cats is discovering just how wonderfully unique each one is. The grins, the mischief, the soulful gazes—no two dogs ever show up the same way, and that’s exactly what makes their portraits so special.

For several years now, I’ve been celebrating pets with a set of playful awards from their photo sessions - my way of celebrating your dog’s personality through images—highlighting those little moments you know and love, and sometimes the ones you didn’t even realize were happening until you saw them captured forever.

This year, 12 dogs and a cat shine in their own way. Some bring elegance, some bring comedy, and some quietly steal your heart with a single look. These awards aren’t about competition—they’re about connection, joy, and celebrating exactly who your dog is in this moment of their life.

They’re meant to add a little smile, a little laughter, and perhaps even a happy tear or two.

Because one day, these photos won’t just remind you of how your dog looked—but of how they felt to love.

So with our further ado, here are 2025’s “Best Toronto Pet Portrait” winners!

 

Best Smile
Awarded to the pet whose smile lights up the frame—whether it’s a joyful grin, a cheeky smirk, or that unmistakable “this is my happy place” expression.

And the winner is… Mika. I couldn’t resist the smile that exudes sweetness! She even seems to smile with her eyes!

 

Best Action Shot

For the dog captured mid-movement at just the right moment. Flying ears, paws off the ground, pure energy—this award celebrates motion, excitement, and a love of life.

I had to give this award to Kona.

She perfectly embodies what it means to capture a dog in action—full of energy, movement, and unmistakable spirit.

 
Dog with lying ears, paws off the ground, pure energy

Best Ears
I looked for perfectly perky, or irresistibly floppy but in the end I chose ears that stole the show and showed Echo’s lively spirit.

Congrats Sweet Echo! Your ears are just as adorable as your cute face and definitely show your character!

Cute dog with lovely floppy ears sitting on a rock


Best Hairstyle
An award for the dog whose fur was fabulously groomed—this award celebrates coats with style!

Olie fits the bill perfectly with his perfectly coiffed, fluffy coat.

Small dog on a pathway at Richmond Green park, Ontario

Most Elegant
Some dogs simply exude graceful, calm and elegance. This award goes to the dog whose portrait feels refined and elegant, with a presence that makes an impact without trying.

Take a look at Martha - with that perfect posture and dignified gaze, she was the clear winner

Stunning poodle on a rock at Toogood Pond Markham

Smallest Star
A celebration of little pets with big personalities. This award honours the tiniest subject who made a lasting impression.

And the award goes to the smallest dog this year - 15 year old Miniature Pinscher, Toby! He may be tiny but he’s definitely spritely.

Happiest Expression
During a photo session we spend time trying to get your dog’s expression to show their personality and of course we want them looking their happiest. This award is for the pet whose image radiates happiness and joy.

Take one look at Luna’s happy face and you’ll see why I chose her for this award!

Dog with a happy face and flying ears during a Richmond Hill photo session

Most Stunning Cat
An award for the cat who effortlessly knows how to work the camera.

Kimchi was the clear winner, with a natural confidence and an undeniable presence in every frame. Some cats simply know their angles—and Kimchi is one of them.

Grey cat on a summers day in front of bright yellow flowers

Goofiest Moments
Photo sessions should always be fun. This award celebrates the dog who truly embraced the experience—playful, curious, and completely in the moment. It’s all about joy, freedom, and genuine personality - yes and looking a bit goofy too!

And Skyler did exactly that, clearly loving every second of his session during his candid moments.

 

Tongue Out Charm
Whether it’s a playful blep or a full joyful grin, this award celebrates that perfectly timed tongue-out moment we all adore.

So congratulations cute Marlow for an adorable “tongue charm” portrait!

Best Coat Colour
This award is for the image that brings a dog’s unique coat colouring to life, showing off its tones and textures at their very best.

Malone is the standout winner, with his rich golden tones that glow beautifully in every frame.

Golden Retriever with rich coloured coat relaxing

And last but definitely not least…

Toy Time Champion
Awarded to the dog whose favourite toy brought energy, personality, and irresistible expression into the frame—proving that sometimes the very best moments happen with a toy in tow.

I encourage dog parents to bring a toy to their photo session. Olive’s parents brought along her favourite toy, and she made it very clear it was the highlight of her session—her joy absolutely shines.

 

These fun awards are a joyful reminder that every dog brings something completely unique to a photo session—whether it’s elegance, playfulness, curiosity, or pure, unfiltered happiness. Long after the treats are gone and the toys are tucked away, these images become lasting memories of who your dog is right now.

Here’s to an upcoming year of dog photography sessions filled with wagging tails, joyful expressions, and dogs being wonderfully, unapologetically themselves.

If you’d love your dog to shine in 2026 while creating photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime, I’d love to chat.

Reach out to book your complimentary consultation, and together we can talk about your wishes for a pet and family photo session in Toronto.