What Size Pet Portrait Should You Order? Complete Sizing Guide

One of the most common questions we receive — right after "how long does it take?" — is: "What size should I order?" It's a more important decision than most people realize. The right size transforms a portrait into a statement piece. The wrong size can make even a beautiful painting feel like an afterthought. Here's how to get it right.

Our Available Sizes

We offer portraits in the following sizes, across all styles:

• 8×10" — Our smallest option. Intimate and personal.
• 12×12" — Our most popular size. Versatile and impactful.
• 16×20" — Statement size. Commands attention on any wall.
• 20×24" and larger — Available for Museum Oil Series commissions.

Size by Room

Dorm Room or Small Apartment

Go with 8×10". It's compact enough to fit on a desk, shelf, or small wall without overwhelming the space. Easy to hang without damaging walls, and the perfect size for a meaningful personal touch in a small room. This is our top recommendation for graduation gifts.

Living Room or Bedroom Feature Wall

Go with 12×12" or 16×20". A 12×12" works beautifully as part of a gallery wall or as a standalone piece above a console table. A 16×20" is better suited as a solo statement piece — the kind that anchors a room and draws the eye immediately.

Open-Plan Space or Large Wall

Go with 16×20" or larger. Large walls need large art. A portrait that looks generous in a small room can disappear on a large wall. When in doubt, go bigger — you can always add surrounding pieces, but you can't make a portrait larger after it's painted.

Size by Pet

Smaller pets — cats, small dogs, rabbits — often look best in tighter compositions where their face fills more of the canvas. For these pets, a 12×12" can feel more impactful than a 16×20". Larger dogs with distinctive full-body poses (think a Great Dane mid-stride or a Golden Retriever at the beach) benefit from the extra canvas space of a 16×20".

The Rule of Thumb

Stand in front of the wall where you plan to hang the portrait. Hold up a piece of paper or a book at roughly the size you're considering. Step back. Does it feel right? Most people underestimate how large art needs to be to feel intentional on a wall. If you're between two sizes, go with the larger one.

Still Not Sure?

Tell us where you're planning to hang it and we'll recommend the right size. We've helped thousands of customers make this decision and we're happy to help. Contact us before you order.