Euro Puppy BLOG

After having graduated from Bradford College 10 years ago, Darren Baker exhibited in London at the age of 23.



His painting is characterized by marvelous attention to detail, in addition to being left in a natural state. His preference is for Still Life. Darren Exhibits locally as well as nationally.

Initially bred as a gun dog, Golden Retrievers were bred to have soft mouths so as to bring back their prey undamaged. A love of water, and a gentle nature characterize their personalities.



Having studied art in Brighton, Carol Gillian loves to use oil paintings for her animal portraits. Often, she will stop dog walkers to get a photograph of their pets to use in her pictures.

In 2006, she won the DeMontfort New Artist competition. She likes to paint her subjects in such way that the viewer is engaged with the animal, and feels a response.

Alberto Giacometti- the famous surrealist sculptor- made a sculpture of a Saluki dog in 1951. It was simply entitled: "Dog". Yet the model itself is not as simple as one would believe. Many dog researchers believe, that the Saluki - an Egyptian hunting dog - is recognized as the oldest breed of dog in the world. In 1965, Giacometti recalled the genesis of the dog sculpture: " One day I was walking along the Rue de Vanves, in the rain, close to the walls of the buildings, feeling a little sad perhaps, and I felt like a dog just then. So I made that sculpture. The sad muzzle has a likeness to the Saluki."

Made of bronze and cast in 1957, it measures 18 x 39 x 6 1/8" (45.7 x 99 x 15.5 cm). It can be seen at the Museum of Modern Art in the US.


And the model? What does a Saluki look like? Its emaciated look, was ideal for Giacometti's sculpture!

George Rodrigue is a Cajun artist who became a famous artist worldwide. He is known for his creation of the Blue Dog, attributed to his deceased dog named Tiffany and influenced by the "Loup Garou" legend, which was a story of a devil dog in the Cajun tales. The Blue Dog was made popular by Absolut Vodka in 1992, when Rodrigue was honored as an artist for Absolut Vodka, joining famous artists such as Andy Warhol and glass artist Hans Godo Frabel. The Blue Dog was used by both Absolut Vodka and the Xerox Corporation through national ad campaigns. The blue-hued, ghostly spaniel/terrier is often featured with a white nose and yellow eyes.

If you come across stunning or artistic photos of Weimaraner dogs, chances are they are the works of the contemporary artist called William Wegman. Whatever your beliefs about Weimaraners, you cannot deny, that his photos are comical, and emotive. Many a time his Weims are dressed in tuxedos, baseball uniforms or even wedding gowns. For the sake of art it is amazing and can leave one wanting to see more of his awesome work (especially if you love a good combination of art, photography and dogs). I have been a fan of his for some time now, and feel he captures the surreal and funny side of that which is soooooo uncanine-like.

For all his genius, it was interesting for me to come across this statement, by someone who is very much against his art:

" I hope Wegman stays with his non-Weimaraner art. Wegman has HARMED this breed by making them a popular "fad" dog. People get one and THEN find out they are NOT easy dogs to own and required LOTS of exercise, time and attention. Thousands of Weims have been dumped on shelters and abandoned (and killed) by people who saw Wegman's photos and ran out and got a Weim. Weimaraners are not calm unless you give them hours of exercise or they are old."

Every coin has two sides. Thank goodness not everyone likes the same thing. It would be a boring world if everyone did. The same can be assumed about the Dalmatians. The "101 Dalmatians" created a stereotype about this breed, but in actual fact, they are also nervous dogs that need lots of exercise to be as calm and collected as the cartoon portrayed them to be.

Ultimately "To err is human; to forgive is canine." Please watch the two videos below and tell me your thoughts. I would love to hear your beliefs...If you are a proud owner of a Weimaraner and KNOW what this dog is like, would you say that art has indeed created a fad about this breed? Or no harm has been done and it remains comical and surreal to look at William Wegman's Weimaraner art which morphs that which is canine with that which is human?

For those Andy Warhol fanatics who love the pop art feeling that was created with Marilyn Monroe, you can now also have an awesome contemporary pop art painting of your favorite dog picture! You can choose something in the style of wacky Warhol, or simply something just a little bit off the wall and your dog can be the focus of attention!

From this:



To this:

Artist, Sarah Theophilus’ distinctive style as well as her passion for dogs take the contemporary approach to the tradition of pet portraits much further. Her dog paintings capture the candid, the intense, and the more quirky nature of our beloved companions. Her art can be seen at Pet Portraits in Pastel.



The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. The Springer is an affectionate and easy-going family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, and eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting. Although good with children, the Springer Spaniel tends to have a moderate to high energy level, so supervision is advisable. Its long-legged build makes it among the fastest of all the spaniels. In general, the breed is good with other pets, such as cats and ferrets, but in certain situations may not tolerate same sex dogs.This spaniel is an quite an old breed,since it already appeared in paintings as early as the 1600s.

Artist, Sarah Theophilus’ distinctive style as well as her passion for dogs take the contemporary approach to the tradition of pet portraits much further. Her dog paintings capture the candid, the intense, and the more quirky nature of our beloved companions. Her art can be seen at Pet Portraits in Pastel.



The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small spaniel with a coat of substantial silky hair of moderate length, often with a mild wave. Four colours are recognized: Black and Tan;Tri-colored; consisting of black, white and brown; Red or also known as Ruby colored, and a color classification called Blenheim, which is chestnut brown on white. The breed originated in the 20th century. Its roots can be found in the older King Charles Spaniel of the Restoration.The goal of the breeders was to get back the origianal longer limbs and straighter nose of the very first King Charles Spaniel. Over the years there were numerous crossings with Asian toy breeds like the pug, and the king Charles Spaniel developed a puggish muzzle. This puggish muzzle is what the breeders of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wanted to breed away. What came to be, was a stunning little dog, that resembled the first dog of King Charles and became a favorite pet worldwide.

Artist, Sarah Theophilus’ distinctive style as well as her passion for dogs take the contemporary approach to the tradition of pet portraits much further. Her dog paintings capture the candid, the intense, and the more quirky nature of our beloved companions. Her art can be seen at Pet Portraits in Pastel.



Rottweilers are one of the most misunderstood and noble of all dog breeds! Their dark looks and bad reputation caused by the media has made many fear them. Yet beneath the dark facade, they are highly devoted, loyal and lovable dogs that are very intelligent as well. Used by police forces worldwide for their high work-drive and intellignce, they have gained respect from all spheres. This is not a dog breed that sits back and lazes about. Assertive, clever- and at times domineering- it needs an equally assertive owner to be the alpha male. Otherwise a Rottweiler will take charge. They are good with children but need early socialisation and care as puppies. This beautiful dog achieves extremely well in Schutzhund and obedience training. Anyone who has ever had a Rottweiler can vouch for the fact that this is one of the best dog breeds around!

Artist, Sarah Theophilus’ distinctive style as well as her passion for dogs take the contemporary approach to the tradition of pet portraits much further. Her dog paintings capture the candid, the intense, and the more quirky nature of our beloved companions. Her art can be seen at Pet Portraits in Pastel.



The Doberman Pinscher, also called the Dobermann in many countries or just simply Doberman, is a popular breed of dog that originates from Germany. Dobermans are among the most popular of pet breeds, and the breed is well known for its intelligence, alertness and loyalty as a companion dog. Although in the 1970's-1980's, it was used more as a guard dog, a watch dog, or as a police dog, this is less common today. In many countries, Doberman Pinschers are one of the most recognizable breeds, in part because of their actual roles in society, and in part because of media stereotyping them as viscious creatures. Although they can be assertive, careful breeding and care has improved the temperament of this breed, and the modern Doberman Pinscher is an energetic and lively breed which is ideally suited for companionship and family life, making any family proud. Anyone who has ever owned a Doberman, can vouch for this fact!