The Journal

Photo tips, style guides and gift ideas.

The latest Art & style

Dogs in Art: 500 Years of the Dog Portrait

From Van Eyck and Titian to Velázquez, Hogarth, Gainsborough and Landseer: how the dog moved from a symbol at someone's feet to the subject of the painting.

November 10, 20264 min read

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Gift guides

Thoughtful gifts for every dog person, and the dates to order by.

Christmas Gifts for Dog Owners: Ideas and 2026 Order-By Dates
Thoughtful Christmas gifts for dog owners and dog lovers, our 2026 order-by dates (December 10 for US delivery), and what to do if you've left it to the last minute.
Oct 13, 20264 min read
25 Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers (2026 Edition)
An honest list of 25 gifts dog lovers actually use and love, from practical upgrades to sentimental keepsakes. Yes, a portrait is on it. So are 24 other good ideas.
Oct 12, 20265 min read
New Puppy Gift Ideas: What to Give a Brand-New Dog Parent
Practical, thoughtful gifts for a friend with a new puppy or a newly adopted dog: what they'll need in week one, what they won't think of, and a keepsake for later.
Oct 10, 20264 min read
Gifts for Dog Moms: Mother's Day Ideas She'll Actually Love
Thoughtful gifts for dog moms, for Mother's Day (Sunday, May 9, 2027) or any day: personal keepsakes, practical upgrades, gifts of time, and how to make it come from the dog.
Oct 9, 20264 min read

Photo tips

How to get a photo that makes a great portrait.

How to Take the Perfect Photo of Your Dog for a Portrait
The photo is the biggest factor in a great dog portrait. How to get a sharp, well-lit, eye-level shot on your phone, plus what to do with old or imperfect photos.
Oct 1, 20265 min read

Memorial

Gentle ideas for remembering a dog you love.

What to Write in a Pet Sympathy Card (With Examples)
Not sure what to say when a friend's dog dies? A simple three-part structure, example messages for every relationship, and the few things best left unsaid.
Oct 7, 20264 min read
Dog Memorial Ideas: 15 Gentle Ways to Honor Your Best Friend
Losing a dog is losing family. Fifteen memorial ideas, from quiet rituals to lasting keepsakes, to help you remember them in a way that feels right, whenever you're ready.
Oct 5, 20264 min read

Art & style

Portrait styles, and the art history behind them.

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Line Art: How to Choose a Portrait Style for Your Dog
A practical guide to dog portrait styles: what makes modern illustration, oil, watercolor and line art look the way they do, which suits your dog and your home, and which work best for gifts and memorials.
Oct 2, 20264 min read

Home & framing

Sizes, finishes and hanging, without the guesswork.

Canvas vs. Framed Print vs. Poster: Which Is Right for Your Dog Portrait?
Gallery canvas, framed print or unframed fine art print? An honest comparison of looks, durability, price and where each one works best, so you can choose with confidence.
Oct 6, 20264 min read
How to Hang a Canvas or Framed Print (Without Wrecking Your Wall)
A practical, step-by-step guide to hanging canvas and framed art: the right height, the right hardware for your wall type, and how to get it level on the first try.
Oct 4, 20264 min read
How to Choose the Right Size Art for Your Wall
The simple rules designers use to size art above a sofa, bed, console or desk, with real measurements, plus how portrait sizes from 8×10" to 24×36" work in actual rooms.
Oct 3, 20264 min read

Portraits by breed

Photo tips and style picks for your breed.

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