Modern
A golden coat and a dark nose read warm and clear on soft white.
Custom Golden Retriever Portraits
Sunshine in dog form, with a coat to match.
Upload a photo of your Golden to see the portrait.
Shown: Modern, a Golden Retriever
Upload a photoPortraits of Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 1800s, largely through the breeding program of Lord Tweedmouth, to retrieve game across rough country and cold water. Today it's No. 3 on the AKC's popularity list and a strong contender for friendliest dog on any street. Goldens are gentle, people-focused and blessed with a face that seems to be permanently smiling.
That warmth is what a good Golden portrait captures. The details to protect are the soft, feathered ears, the dark eyes and nose set against a light coat, and the feathering on the chest that frames the face. Goldens range from pale cream to deep red-gold, and the shade matters: lighter coats suit watercolor and pastel, while deeper reds look rich in oil. Seniors with frosted muzzles make especially moving portraits.
Coat & color
Light golden, golden and dark golden, from near-cream to deep red. Darker coats look rich in oil; paler coats are lovely in watercolor and pastel.Popularity
No. 3 on the AKC’s 2025 most popular breeds list.Top style pick
Modern · A clean illustration on soft white.
Photo tips for your Golden
01Include the chest feathering
Frame from the top of the head down to the chest so the feathering and ears have room. It adds so much of their softness to the finished piece.02Shoot in golden hour (really)
Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the warm tones in the coat without blowing out the highlights.03Choose the expression
An open-mouthed smile reads joyful; a closed mouth reads calm. Pick the one that feels most like your dog.
Styles for a Golden
Chosen for the breed's look and personality, best first.
Golden Retriever portrait questions
More answers in the FAQ.
My Golden has a white face now. Should I use an older photo?
Use whichever photo feels most like them to you. Many people love a portrait of their senior Golden, grey muzzle and all; others prefer a photo from their younger years. Previews are free, so you can try both and compare.
Which portrait style suits a Golden Retriever?
We'd start with Modern: A golden coat and a dark nose read warm and clear on soft white. Pastel is a close second: Layered pastel suits a feathered coat, and it is kind to a frosted muzzle. You can try every style with your own photo and pick the one that looks most like your Golden.
What kind of photo of my Golden works best?
A sharp, close photo in soft daylight, taken at your dog's eye level, is the foundation. For a Golden specifically: Include the chest feathering. Frame from the top of the head down to the chest so the feathering and ears have room. It adds so much of their softness to the finished piece. Shoot in golden hour (really). Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the warm tones in the coat without blowing out the highlights.
How much does a custom Golden Retriever portrait cost?
Gallery Canvas from $59, Framed Print from $75, Fine Art Print from $35, Digital Portrait $29. US shipping is free on every order, and every print, framed print and canvas includes the hi-res digital file.