A royal dog portrait works because of contrast: a dog, with all its goofy sincerity, painted with the gravity of a king. Get the costume right and the portrait looks as if it has hung in a country house for three hundred years. This guide explains how to choose the outfit that suits your dog's coat, build and personality.
Start with the coat colour
The costume is the frame around your dog's face, so it should make the coat colours look richer, not compete with them.
- White, cream and pale dogs: deep crimson, burgundy or royal blue. Strong, dark colours stop a pale dog from fading into the background. Ermine trim works, but keep it near the shoulders rather than the face.
- Black dogs: crimson velvet with gold embroidery, or an ermine cape. The white fur and gold catch the light and give the portrait shape.
- Brown, red and tan dogs: navy, forest green or slate. Cool colours make warm coats glow.
- Grey and blue dogs: burgundy, plum or mustard gold. Warm tones bring life to cooler coats.
- Brindle, merle and patched dogs: keep the costume simple and dark so the pattern remains the star.
Match the costume to the personality
Every dog has a role at court. Choose the one that fits.
- The monarch: red velvet, ermine and a gold chain of office. For the calm, dignified dog who accepts admiration as a matter of course.
- The general: a military jacket with epaulettes, braid and medals. For loyal guardians and confident, alert dogs.
- The duchess or duke: soft velvet, lace collar and pearls. For gentle, elegant dogs and sighthounds.
- The admiral: a navy coat with brass buttons. For adventurous dogs who love the beach or the water.
Breed ideas that work beautifully
Greyhounds and whippets have long, aristocratic faces that suit a hood or high ermine collar. Labradors and golden retrievers look splendid as generals. French bulldogs and pugs are wonderfully comic in full monarch's regalia. Dobermans and pinschers carry a military jacket with real authority. Dachshunds make perfect dukes, and rescue mixes deserve the crown most of all.
Taking the photo
The costume is painted in, so your dog never has to wear anything. All we need is a clear photo of the face:
- Shoot in daylight near a window, without flash.
- Get down to your dog's eye level.
- Hold a treat or squeaky toy just above the lens to lift the ears.
- Make sure the eyes and nose are sharp.
- Upload the original photo, not a screenshot.
Read our complete photo guide for more tips.
Not sure which costume to choose?
Leave it to us. Our artists choose the costume and colours that flatter your dog's coat, and you see a free preview within 24 hours. If you would prefer a different outfit, one revision is included before anything is printed. You can also read the history of royal pet portraits for inspiration.
Commission your dog's portrait
Printed on museum-quality canvas in the USA, ready to hang, with free US shipping. See our custom dog portraits or commission your portrait now.
