Dog paint by numbers is by far the most-requested category of custom kit we make, and for good reason — a hand-painted portrait of your dog is one of the most personal pieces of art you can put in your home.
But not every custom kit will give you a portrait that looks like your dog. This is a short, honest guide to choosing one that does.
Think About the Breed Before the Photo
Different breeds carry their character in different places. Spaniels and retrievers live in the eyes and the soft fur around the muzzle. Bulldogs and pugs live in the folds of the face. Border collies and huskies live in the contrast between dark and light markings.
When you choose the photo for your kit, choose one that emphasises whichever feature carries your dog's personality. A great spaniel photo is one with sharp eyes. A great bulldog photo is one with clear facial folds. A great husky photo is one with strong markings. If you're unsure which shot to send, our guide to the photos that work best goes through it in more detail.
Best Photos for Dog Kits
Eye level, not from above. Phone photos taken from standing height flatten the face. Crouch down.
Natural light, indirect. Soft window light, no flash. Avoid harsh midday sun on the face.
Sharp focus on the eyes. If the eyes are blurry, the painting will look wrong no matter how skilled the designer is.
Minimal background clutter. A simple wall, lawn or rug behind the dog is ideal.
Canvas Size by Use Case
Shelf or side table: 30×40 cm. Best for puppies and small breeds.
Above a desk or bedside: 40×50 cm. The default for almost any breed.
Above a sofa or fireplace: 50×70 cm or 60×80 cm. Best for larger breeds or pairs of dogs.
Memorial pieces: 40×50 cm in a soft, painterly style is the most common choice — large enough to feel meaningful, small enough to keep in a personal space.
Style Choices: Realistic vs Cartoon
Two main styles exist for dog kits. A realistic style keeps the painting close to the original photo — fur tones, lighting and expression all rendered carefully. A cartoon style simplifies the dog into a friendlier, more illustrated portrait — softer outlines, bolder colours, more personality.
Realistic kits are better for memorial pieces and formal living spaces. Cartoon kits are better for kids' rooms, kitchens, gifts and any space that wants to feel light and warm.
Multi-Dog Kits
If you have two or three dogs, a single canvas with all of them works beautifully — but only if you go up at least one size. Two dogs on a 30×40 cm canvas leaves no room for either face. Two dogs on a 50×70 cm canvas is one of the most rewarding kits to paint.
Always send a separate clear photo of each dog. Composite kits work best when the designer can use the best individual photo of each animal.
The best dog paint-by-numbers kit is the one made from a photo that genuinely captures your dog, at a size that suits the wall, in a style that suits the room. Get those three things right and the painting itself becomes the easy part. Our complete guide to pet paint by numbers covers the rest.
— Be Artistic Club