The Best Dog Photography of 2014

2014 was an incredible year for dogs. A giant mutant spider dog nearly broke the internet; we discovered our canines can smell cancer and feel jealous; and our pets took Instagram by storm. Their fashionable looks and poignant friendships melted even the coldest hearts out there in the blogosphere.

The world of fine art played a major role in the popularity of dogs. These beautiful and powerful images of our best friends exposed unseen corners of our dog’s experience, from the effects of aging to the vulnerability of bath time.

Rover.com rounded up five of the year’s best moments in dog photography. Read, learn, and rediscover your love of dogs with these spectacular images.

 

Pete Thorne, Old Faithful

In his series, Old Faithful, photographer Pete Thorne documents the stories, expressions, and wisdom of older dogs. In a society obsessed with youth—and, let’s face it, puppies—Thorne delves deeper into the phenomenal physicality of elderly canines. These portraits celebrate elderly dogs, and are sure to warm your heart.

See more of Thorne’s project here, and follow him on the Old Faithful Facebook page.

 

Sophie Gamand, Wet Dogs

It’s sometimes the darkest moment in a dog’s day…the dreaded bath time. With humor and love, photographer Sophie Gamand captures this fraught activity, exposing one of the difficult repercussions of domesticated doghood. Capturing dogs at this vulnerable moment exposes a wide range of emotions written across their wet and earnest faces.

Gamand also documents shelter pit bulls in her “Flower Power” series. Discover more of her work here, and follow her on Instagram.

 

Seth Casteel, Underwater Puppies

With his original project, Underwater Dogs, photographer Seth Casteel had a hit—dog lovers worldwide fell in love with the hilarious and memorable images he captured. This year, he followed his project up with Underwater Puppies, a charming collection of adorable pups swimming, diving, and clamoring for the ever-elusive tennis ball.

See more of Casteel’s photography here and follow him on Facebook for more underwater puppy updates.

 

Fred Levy, Black Dog Project

When photographer Fred Levy learned that black dogs are often overlooked in shelters, he developed the Black Dog Project to help reach greater audiences with black dogs’ stories. By placing these dogs in front of a black backdrop, he further underscores their invisibility in the eyes of would-be adopters and showcases the challenges these canines face when they’re up for adoption.

See more of Levy’s art here and learn more about the important work he’s doing with the Black Dog Project.

 

Lara Jo Regan, Dogs in Cars

There’s nothing quite like the joy of a dog with their head hanging out of the car window, tongue lolling, ears a-flutter. In that moment, the world is their oyster, and their happiness cannot be contained. Lara Jo Regan’s series captures that joy and shares it with dog lovers everywhere. Oh, to be a dog on a car ride…

See more of Regan’s work here, and check out the new Dogs in Cars book and 2015 calendar.