10 Custom Pet Portrait Ideas That Are Taking Over 2025
The rise of the custom pet portrait
If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought, “You’d look smashing in a ruff and a crown,” you’re not alone. Custom pet portraits have become one of the most personal ways to celebrate our four-legged family members — turning everyday pets into timeless art pieces.
A custom pet portrait is a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted artwork created from your favourite photo of your pet. Unlike digital prints or filters, it’s painted by an artist using traditional oils on canvas, capturing the subtle glint in your dog’s eye or the curl of their fur with beautiful realism. At Dog Artists, each portrait is crafted by hand and tailored entirely to your brief — from grand Renaissance attire to contemporary chic.
So, what’s trending for 2025? Whether you’re commissioning your first painting or adding to your collection, here are ten custom pet portrait ideas that are set to inspire dog owners this year.
1. The Renaissance Royal
Classic, bold, and beautifully over the top. Renaissance-style pet portraits remain the most requested style at Dog Artists — and for good reason. Picture your spaniel as a Tudor noble or your pug as an Elizabethan queen.
📍 Explore our Renaissance Pet Portraits.
2. Dogs in Suits
A witty favourite. Dressing your dog in a sharply tailored suit or waistcoat turns personality into art. It’s equal parts humour and sophistication — and it looks incredible above a mantelpiece.
📍 See examples on our Dogs in Suit Paintings.
3. The Girl (or Boy) With a Pearl Earring
For pet owners who appreciate subtlety, this Vermeer-inspired composition is both elegant and instantly recognisable. Your dog’s soft expression against a moody background gives this piece quiet power.
📍 Discover our Dog as Girl with a Pearl Earring portrait.
4. The Heroic Military Portrait
Admirals, generals, and knights — all with wagging tails. These custom pet portraits transform your dog into a symbol of strength and loyalty, complete with medals, sashes and rich fabrics.
📍 Browse our Dogs in Uniform Paintings.
5. The Mythological Muse
This year’s creative commissions are leaning mythological — think Greek gods, Norse warriors or celestial canines among clouds and constellations. It’s dramatic, detailed and delightfully different.
📍 For name inspiration, explore our portfolio.
6. The Family Portrait
Why should humans have all the fun? Family commissions featuring pets alongside their owners are growing fast. Imagine a hand-painted scene of you and your dog together — the ultimate heirloom piece.
📍 See our Portfolio for ideas.
7. Minimalist & Modern
Not every wall calls for royal finery. Some owners prefer clean, contemporary portraits — muted tones, abstract backgrounds, subtle brushwork. These custom pet portraits blend effortlessly with modern interiors.
8. Historical Re-creations
From Napoleon Crossing the Alps to The Arnolfini Portrait, famous works re-imagined with pets remain playful conversation pieces — humour wrapped in fine-art mastery.
9. Seasonal Scenes
Festive portraits are huge right now. A custom pet portrait featuring a Christmas jumper, spring garden, or Halloween twist makes a charming annual gift — perfect for the person who already has everything.
10. The Regal Romance
Our newest commissions pair pets together — ideal for couples or best friends. Two dogs posed side-by-side in matching Renaissance attire? Unapologetically brilliant.
Why people love custom pet portraits
There’s something undeniably emotional about seeing your dog turned into fine art. Every brushstroke celebrates their quirks — the tilt of the head, the cheeky smirk, or the softness in their eyes.
A custom pet portrait isn’t just decoration; it’s a story. It becomes part of your home and, ultimately, your family history.
At Dog Artists, our team of painters — including Tom Lloyd and Sam Banks — hand-paint each portrait in oil on premium canvas. Every piece is approved by you before it’s shipped, and we offer free worldwide delivery for rolled canvases.
🎨 How to commission your custom pet portrait
- Choose your style – Renaissance, uniform or modern.
- Email us your pet’s photo – clear lighting works best.
- Approve the preview – we’ll send a high-res image of your pet portrait after painting.
- Receive your artwork – hand-painted, carefully packaged, and delivered free.
Ready to start your own masterpiece? Contact us to begin.
🐶 FAQs
What is a custom pet portrait?
A bespoke, hand-painted artwork created from your pet’s photo using premium oil paints on canvas — entirely unique to your dog.
How much does a custom pet portrait cost?
Prices start at £330 for a 12″ x 16″ painting. For details, see our Pricing Guide.
Are the portraits hand-painted or printed?
Every Dog Artists portrait is hand-painted in oil by one of our professional artists.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we offer free worldwide shipping for rolled canvases and custom quotes for framed delivery.
Final brushstroke
From playful dogs in suits to regal Renaissance hounds, custom pet portraits in 2025 are all about personality and storytelling. Whether you prefer grand historical drama or minimalist modernism, your pet deserves their place on the wall — as the icon they already are.
📍 Commission your custom pet portrait today at Dog Artists — where timeless art meets a touch of British wit.
