7 Favourite Sporting Dog Breeds in Amazing Realistic Oil Paintings

November 20, 2018

The Sporting Dog Oil Painting Series

The goal of this series of sporting dog oil paintings is to capture iconic hunting dog breeds in a realistic style. From the ubiquitous and hungry Labrador to my favourite “velcro dog”, the Brittany, I hope you enjoy this new series!

These paintings are available as Fine Art Prints from VanIsleDogArt.com.

Sporting Dog #1: The Labrador Retriever

Labs are the most popular breed of dog in Canada (according to the CKC), and have consistently held the #1 spot in the US for almost 30 years.

They’re smart, friendly, easy to train (especially with food), and have a great reputation as a lovable family dog. If you have food, you have a new best friend if you’re near a Labrador.

Labrador Retrievers make such good oil painting subjects, I have a whole gallery of Labrador Retriever Art Prints.

Sporting Dog #2: Two Springer Spaniel Paintings

These friendly hunting dogs first started appearing in art as early as the 1600’s. They were used to flush, or “spring” game out of hiding, and their loving, gentle personalities have made them popular pets since. They look soft, and they ARE soft. So soft. Pet one if you get the chance.

Sporting Dog #3: The Golden Retriever—Painted from the Front and 3/4 View

The friendly, gentle, trainable Golden has really earned its place as one of the most popular dog breeds in North America. Golden Retrievers have a great resume. They’re popular as a sporting dog, a family dog and as a disability assistance dog. They can be trained to be hunting dogs, detection dogs, and search and rescue participants. Oh, and they look great in oil paintings!

I was surprised to learn that this breed hails from Scotland, specifically at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth.

“Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. Tweedmouth’s breeding records from 1835 to 1890 show what he was aiming for with the Golden: A talented retriever — Tweedmouth was an ardent waterfowl hunter — with a superb nose, who would be more attentive to his human hunting companion than the setters and spaniels used at the time for retrieving.

He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home”. – Dogtime.com

Sporting Dog #4: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever in one Oil Painting

The Chesapeake is a sporting dog hailing from the Mid-Atlantic. Their loyal, upbeat, tireless nature (and nearly waterproof coat )makes them an excellent choice of retriever. If you see a lab that looks curiously curly… you might actually be looking at one of these lovelies!

This print is available in a variety of sizes, on canvas or paper.
>> Shop this Image

Sporting Dog #5: The Loyal Beagle

The Beagle is a talented hunting companion, bred around the 1930’s from more ancient beagle- or hound-type dogs to hunt hare. They’re smart dogs, but absolutely singleminded once they’ve caught a scent, and they do come equipped with an excellent sense of smell. The beagle’s even temper and gentleness with children has made it a popular family breed, though their strong-willed independent houndness makes them a challenge to train with commands.

This sporting dog art print is available in a variety of sizes, on canvas or paper.
>> Shop this Image

Sporting Dog #6: German Shorthair Pointer

The GSP is a versatile sporting breed and and enthusiastic, friendly companion dog.

I love the coat and build of the German Shorthair, which together make a sleek and elegant dog… soft to pet and fun to paint! These athletes need a lot of exercise, but are easy to train into new exercises and eager to please their people.

This painting is available as a fine art print in a variety of sizes, on canvas or paper.
>> Shop this Image

Last But Not Least: #7 the Brittany

Brittanys are affectionate, attentive companions originally bred for bird hunting. They love to be near their people and have earned the nickname “velcro dog” because a Brittany owner can’t go anywhere without this smiling ball of energy following close behind.

This sporting dog oil painting is available as a fine art print in a variety of sizes, on canvas or paper.
>> Shop this Image

Find More Sporting Dog Art

These paintings were created by Zann Hemphill out of her Canadian Pet Portrait Art Studio. If you’re interested in your own custom portrait, get in touch by email: [email protected]

You can see more of her work in the Pet Art Portfolio, which includes oil paintings of sporting and other breeds of dogs, as well as cats and horses. Pricing is available online here.