Charcoal
A long, noble head and soulful eyes make a grand drawing.
Custom Great Dane Portraits
A gentle giant who still thinks they're a lap dog.
Upload a photo of your Dane to see the portrait.
Shown: an example Charcoal portrait
Upload a photoPortraits of Great Danes
Great Danes were developed in Germany (not Denmark, despite the name) to hunt wild boar, and later became guardians of grand estates. Today they're famously sweet-natured, a little clumsy and convinced they fit on any sofa. The breed sits at No. 22 on the AKC's 2025 list.
A Dane's long, rectangular head, high-set ears and soulful eyes give a portrait real gravity, and their coat colors offer beautiful variety: fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin, mantle and merle. Harlequins and mantles have bold patches that need to land in the right places, so choose a clear, front-facing photo. A dog this stately suits a large piece: a Dane in oil or charcoal fills a wall.
Coat & color
Fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin, mantle and merle. Harlequin and mantle patterns are striking as a line drawing; fawn and brindle look rich in oil.Popularity
No. 22 on the AKC’s 2025 most popular breeds list.Top style pick
Charcoal · A black-and-white charcoal drawing.
Photo tips for your Dane
01Don't shoot down at them
Ironically, the usual mistake with giant dogs is standing up. Shoot from their head height so the face isn't distorted.02Map the patches
For harlequins and mantles, a straight-on photo in even light keeps the patches on the face where they belong.03Give the ears room
Cropped or natural, leave space above the head so the ears aren't clipped.
Styles for a Dane
Chosen for the breed's look and personality, best first.
Great Dane portrait questions
More answers in the FAQ.
What size portrait suits a Great Dane?
Any size works, since portraits are head and shoulders, but there's something right about a big dog on a big wall. Our largest canvas and framed sizes make a real statement above a sofa or console.
Which portrait style suits a Great Dane?
We'd start with Charcoal: A long, noble head and soulful eyes make a grand drawing. Oil is a close second: A dog this large suits a big canvas and broad strokes. You can try every style with your own photo and pick the one that looks most like your Dane.
What kind of photo of my Dane works best?
A sharp, close photo in soft daylight, taken at your dog's eye level, is the foundation. For a Dane specifically: Don't shoot down at them. Ironically, the usual mistake with giant dogs is standing up. Shoot from their head height so the face isn't distorted. Map the patches. For harlequins and mantles, a straight-on photo in even light keeps the patches on the face where they belong.
How much does a custom Great Dane 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.