Dachshunds are full of character, with their distinctive shape, expressive eyes and often wonderfully curious expressions. Whether long haired, smooth coated or wire haired, each Dachshund has a unique presence that makes them a joy to capture in both portrait drawings and pastel paintings. Their alert gaze and subtle changes in posture can say so much, and conveying this personality is always at the heart of each piece I create.
The classic black and tan Dachshund has a beautifully rich contrast in colouring, with deep tones set against warm tan markings. In this Dachshund painting, I worked carefully to balance these tones while seeking to preserve the softness of the coat and the gentle expression in the eyes. Subtle layering of pastel allowed the darker areas to retain depth without losing detail.
Chocolate and tan Dachshunds have a slightly softer, warmer palette, which creates a different feel in a portrait.
In this pastel painting, the delicate blending of browns and lighter highlights helped to bring out both the structure of the face and the natural sheen of the coat, while maintaining a calm and lifelike appearance.
Below is a short 20 second timelapse showing how I created this Dachshund portrait from its initial stages through to the finished piece. Hopefully you can see how the work was built up gradually, with each layer of pastel creating depth, texture and realism.
…everyone agreed you had captured Jakes true character and features, and having the portrait reminds them that he was the very best family pet. Thank You once again.
Sharon Bull (Nottinghamshire)
Long haired Dachshunds are particularly rewarding to draw and paint, as their flowing coats add movement and softness to a portrait.
In this red long haired Dachshund painting, I focused on capturing the fine strands of fur and the gentle transitions of colour, using pastel to create a sense of light and texture throughout the coat.
Group portraits can be a wonderful way to bring multiple pets together in a single painting.
This portrait featuring two Dachshunds alongside two tabby cats was created from several photos of the owners pets. I carefully pieced these images together, placing the Dachshunds centre stage and the tabbies either side. Hopefully you can see how the composition allows each animal’s personality to shine while still creating a balanced and harmonious image. These types of paintings are especially meaningful for families with several much-loved companions.
You can see more examples of multi-pet compositions on my FAQ page.

Hi and welcome to my website! Dachshunds are such expressive little dogs, and I often find that it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference in their portraits — the tilt of the head, the alertness in the eyes, or the way their ears fall.
With over two decades of experience creating pet portrait drawings and paintings, I seek to approach each commission with fresh eyes, taking time to understand what makes each dog special. My aim is always to create artwork that feels personal, natural and full of life. Do you get in touch if you have any questions or would like to commission a portrait.
Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of painting many different breeds. If Dachshunds are a favourite of yours, you might also like to browse some of my other dog portrait galleries, including:
or browse my full gallery of dog portraits.
If you would like to commission a Dachshund portrait or painting, the process is simple and can be arranged wherever you are in the world.
I work from your photographs, helping you choose the most suitable images where needed. Each portrait is drawn entirely by hand in pastel, allowing me to build up layers of colour and detail to create a soft, natural finish.
Most paintings take around 3 to 4 weeks to complete, depending on size and complexity. Whether you are looking for a head study or a full composition with multiple pets, I would be delighted to discuss your ideas.
Please feel free to contact me to begin your portrait.
I truly appreciate when clients share their thoughts after receiving their portrait. Here are a few of the lovely comments they have left in their Google reviews.

• ask me a question by filling in this form
• Email your photos to find out which ones can become a portrait
• Feel free to ring me on (01243) 773123
• or commission a portrait here