Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Pet Portrait Buyers: Where to Start

You've been thinking about commissioning a custom pet portrait. Maybe you've seen one on a friend's wall, or you've been scrolling through our gallery and thinking: I want that for my dog.

But if this is your first time, you might be wondering: where do I start? Which style? Which size? And honestly — will my dog make a good portrait subject?

The answer is almost always yes. But some breeds do have a natural advantage. Here are the dog breeds that tend to produce the most stunning first portraits — and why.

1. Golden Retrievers & Labrador Retrievers

The classic choice for a reason. Golden and Lab coats have beautiful color variation — warm honey tones, rich chocolate, creamy white — that translate beautifully into both acrylic and oil. Their expressive eyes and open, friendly faces make them naturally photogenic. If you're ordering your first portrait and want a result that will genuinely take your breath away, a Golden or Lab is a safe and spectacular starting point.

2. Border Collies

Border Collies are among the most striking dogs to paint. Their black-and-white (or merle) coats create natural contrast, and their intense, intelligent gaze gives portraits an almost magnetic quality. They tend to hold eye contact in photos, which translates into portraits that feel like the dog is looking directly at you from the wall.

3. German Shepherds

The rich tan-and-black saddle pattern of a German Shepherd is a gift for portrait artists. The color transitions are complex and beautiful, and the breed's natural alertness and dignity make for portraits with real presence. German Shepherd portraits tend to look impressive at larger sizes.

4. Dachshunds

Don't underestimate the Dachshund. Their long bodies, expressive faces, and enormous personalities make them surprisingly compelling portrait subjects. Miniature Dachshunds in particular have a way of looking both regal and ridiculous simultaneously — which makes for portraits that make people smile every time they walk past.

5. Poodles (All Sizes)

Poodle coats — whether kept in a classic clip or a natural teddy bear cut — have a texture that watercolor and acrylic handle beautifully. The soft, cloud-like fur creates a painterly quality that suits our Art Nouveau and watercolor styles especially well.

6. Mixed Breeds

Some of our most beloved portraits are of mixed-breed dogs. There's something about a dog whose appearance is entirely their own — not defined by breed standards — that makes for portraits full of character. If your dog is a mix, don't hesitate. Their uniqueness is exactly what makes them worth painting.

The Most Important Thing

Breed matters less than you think. What matters most is a good reference photo and a dog with personality — and every dog has personality. Our artists have painted everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, from purebreds to shelter mutts, and every single one has been worth painting.