Dachshund portraits

The long body problem

Our framed portraits hang in portrait orientation, taller than wide. A dachshund photographed from the side, nose to tail, does not fit that shape without shrinking to a stripe across the middle. So for a doxie, the photo that works is almost never the full length one.

• Sitting or begging photos are ideal. The body folds up and the face fills the frame.
• Head and shoulders from the front or a slight angle gives the eyes and ears room to carry the portrait.
• Lying on a cushion, facing the camera works too, as long as the face is the closest thing to the lens. Our sample dachshund, Noodle, started as exactly that kind of photo.

If your favorite photo is a full length side view, you can still try it, but expect the style to focus on the head and front of the body. You always see the preview before paying.

Coat types

Dachshunds come in three coats, and each asks for slightly different light.

Smooth. The short shiny coat reflects light, so direct sun creates bright patches. Open shade or a window gives an even tone.

Long haired. Noodle is long haired. The soft fringe on the ears and chest is the part people want to see, so photograph in good light and let the ears hang naturally. Royal and Storybook both make the most of a long coat.

Wire haired. The beard and eyebrows are the personality. Shoot at eye level so they are not lost in shadow.

Color matters as well. Red and cream doxies are straightforward. Black and tan dogs need more light so the tan points around the eyes stay visible, and dapple coats need focus sharp enough to keep the pattern. The photo guide covers dark coats in more detail.

Which style fits a dachshund

Royal is the classic choice and the one most dachshund people pick first. A dog with that much self importance belongs in velvet. Noodle's Royal portrait, the large image at the top of this page, shows how the long ears and chest fur turn into something close to a period painting. More examples are in the Royal style guide.

Pop Art suits a smooth coated red doxie, where the flat bright color and bold outline make the shape of the head read instantly. It is also the most fun option for a dachshund who is a local celebrity. See the Pop Art guide.

Storybook gives a warm illustrated look, as if the dog were the hero of a picture book. It is lovely for a puppy or for a portrait that will hang in a child's room.

Watercolor and Astronaut are both available too. Watercolor suits a cream or light red dog; Astronaut is for the doxie who is clearly in charge of the mission.

Gifts for dachshund people

Dachshund owners are a devoted crowd, and dachshund gifts are a whole category of their own: mugs, socks, ornaments, sweaters in the shape of the dog. A portrait of their own dog stands out from all of that because it is not a generic doxie, it is theirs.

A few things make it easier to get right:

1. Find a photo where the face is sharp. Their social media is the best source. Screenshots work if the photo is clear and fills most of the screen.
2. Pick the style for the person, not the dog. Someone with a classic home will love Royal. Someone who decorates with color will love Pop Art.
3. Leave time for delivery. Free shipping arrives in about 4 to 8 business days after you approve the preview. Our Christmas gift guide has a simple timeline for the holidays.

Sizes and frames

The 8 x 10 in framed size suits a desk, a shelf or a gift that needs to travel. The 12 x 16 in size suits a living room or hallway wall. For frame color, black sets off a red or cream coat in Royal, natural wood suits a dapple or wire haired dog, and white keeps Pop Art bright. The size guide has more on where each one fits.

Updated October 8, 2026