What the Little Reindeer style looks like
This is a painterly winter scene rather than a living-room Christmas scene. Snowflakes drift across the frame, pine trees fade into a soft, snowy distance, and the plaid scarf adds a warm splash of red against the cool palette. The antlers are soft felt, the cuddly costume kind rather than realistic deer antlers, which keeps the mood sweet and a little whimsical.
Because the setting is wintry rather than strictly about Christmas morning, it's the Christmas pet portrait that can stay on the wall the longest, from the first snow right through to the end of winter.
Which pets make the best reindeer
Dogs with upright or expressive ears frame the antlers beautifully: German Shepherds, Corgis, Jack Russells and Chihuahuas all look the part. Snow-loving breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds and Bernese Mountain Dogs look completely at home in the winter forest. Cats in antlers are irresistibly funny, especially tabbies and tuxedos whose bold markings stand out against the snow.
- The dog who sticks their face into every snowbank
- The pet who pulls on the leash like a one-dog sled team
- Tiny pets with big personalities: the smallest reindeer on the team
- Two pets painted side by side in the snow
Photo tips for a reindeer portrait
The antlers sit on top of the head and the scarf wraps around the neck, so pick a photo with the whole head, both ears and a little of the chest visible. A forward-facing pose or a gentle head tilt works well. Daylight shows the true colors of the coat, which matters here: against the cool, snowy background, warm fur tones like red, gold and chocolate really glow.
White and cream pets look lovely too; just choose a photo with good contrast so the face doesn't wash out. If you're unsure, try two photos and compare, since the preview is free. Our photo guide covers lighting and angles.
Sizes, products and where to hang it
Order Little Reindeer through the Christmas Pet Portrait as a digital download ($29.99), an art print from $39.99 or a hand-stretched canvas from $89.99, in sizes from 8×10 up to 24×36 inches. Print frames come in black, natural oak or white; canvas floating frames come in black, walnut or white. Walnut looks especially good with the forest greens.
The style is also offered on a 3-inch acrylic ornament, a sherpa blanket for the couch, a throw pillow, a mug and a jigsaw puzzle, a cozy family project for the quiet week between Christmas and New Year.
A gift for the whole winter
Little Reindeer is a thoughtful gift for a grandparent's cabin, a teacher who adores your dog, or anyone who prefers charming and wintry to full-on Santa. Add the year on the second line and it becomes a keepsake. Find more ideas in our Christmas pet gifts.
Order by December 10 for delivery before Christmas in the continental US. Choose Little Reindeer, upload a photo and see your free preview in seconds before you decide.
