Tag: shih tzu

Dog Breed Portraits from Ballard Design

Shih Tzu

I usually like to feature individual artists and handmade items here. But I am intrigued by this line of dog prints from Ballard Design, so I thought I would share. First, I think they are very charming. I like the "hand written" descriptions of the breeds and the neutral colored images against the black frame. I also appreciate the extensive list of breeds they offer, 98 in total. And, I am impressed that the artistic husband and wife team, Vivienne and Sponge, turned their artwork into a mass market product line, while still incorporating a cottage industry vibe — each print is hand colored.

I know a lot of artists read this blog, and becoming a "corporate" artist may not be for everyone, but it's inspiring to see dog art going mainstream and still looking good.

(Note: the images became a little blurry when enlarged. Visit Ballard Design to get a clearer picture. Also be aware that prints are available online only.)

Scottie

Basset Hound

Portuguese Water Dog

Cairn Terrier

P.S. Since many shipping deadlines are fast approaching, I am speeding up my 12 days of Christmas in order to get the whole gift guide completed by tomorrow (hopefully).

December 11, 2008
Oops! Top Dog Breed List Revised!

OK, now I know how the “Gray Lady” feels when she’s made a mistake…foolish. I spent the last 10 days counting down the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. only to realize this morning that I was working from an outdated list. So, after a momentary lapse in courage when I debated sweeping the whole incident under the virtual rug of the blogosphere, I decided to come clean and make a correction. Truth be told, the list wasn’t jibing with my perception anyway. I knew Yorkie’s were higher than 5th on the list. They’re actually 2nd! Here is the new rankng according to recent AKC dog registration statistics:

1. Labrador Retrievers
2. Yorkshire Terriers
3. German Shepherds
4. Golden Retrievers
5. Beagles
6. Dachshunds
7. Boxers
8. Poodles
9. Shih Tzu
10. Miniature Schnauzers

This is my old list:

1. Labrador Retrievers
2. Golden Retrievers
3. German Shepherds
4. Beagles
5. Yorkshire Terriers
6. Dachshunds
7. Boxers
8. Poodles
9. Shih Tzu
10. Chihuahua

As you can see, the poor Chihuahuas lost their spot to Miniature Schnauzers, who I owe a gift list and an apology. I take full responsibility for this error and deeply regret any harm I have caused to the above mentioned breeds or their owners.

I’ve reorganized the countdown below in the correct order, and I’ve added Miniature Schnauzers to the number 10 spot.

(Ashamed Dog photo courtesy of PetCareTips.net)

November 17, 2007
Shih Tzu Gifts

Shih Tzus are the 9th most popular dog breed in the U.S. Here are some great holiday gifts for the Shih Tzu lover in your life.

I made this photo collage for a Manhattan family who spends their days pampering their precious Shih Tzu. I call it “The Empress.” Seen here on a handy 5″x8″ journal. Of all the products I sell, the journals are the items I purchase the most for myself. They’re perfect for to-do lists or jotting down inspirations or both. And they’re a handy one-size-fits-all-and-fits-in-your-purse, too. I often give them as hostess gifts to my arty dog-loving friends.

See my whole line of journals here.

Cool graphic design Shih Tzu ornament from artist Karen Hocker. It comes with a silky red string for tree hanging.

A rare find, a Shih Tzu without a bow — not that there’s anything wrong with that. But if you’re looking for a more macho Shih Tzu gift, this gorgeous Shih Tzu print of an original watercolor by Rachelle Smith would be perfect.

If you’re Shih Tzu happens to be so macho he can pull off the bow look, this football topknot is for him.

Magnificent Shih Tzu black and white photo from Anderson Photography. East coasters, a photo session with Lee Anderson would be a gift that gives forever.

Obey The Shih Tzu Baby Onesie. Just so everyone knows who’s in charge.

November 5, 2007
Anderson Photography: Dog Love Squared

This week marks the one-year anniversary of Lee Anderson going to the dogs. Anderson worked as a professional photographer since 1980. His clients included USA Today, Christie’s and AOL. Over the years, his life evolved. He married graphic designer Donna Sicklesmith and he became a dad to Audrey and Ian.

Then in 2000 he got a dog. Dakota, a brown standard poodle, joined the family and stirred something in Anderson. The truth is, as a kid, he always wanted to be a vet. Dakota reignited this latent love for animals and when a few friends raved about his framed photos of him last September, his new dog photography business was born. Now, with his wife Donna as his manager and web designer, Anderson Photography is wowing clients up and down the East Coast.

Based in Alexandria, VA, but willing to travel, the couple has exploded into the competitive dog photography world with their passion for offbeat, perfectly presented photos (Lee likes to seamlessly enhance his images with his Photoshop expertise) and their brand of black and white square images.

Inspired by the Hasselblad format and committed to seeing the photos as not merely pretty snapshots, but works of art, Lee’s square dog shots are now frequently spotted as Anderson originals.

I love the gentle, yet crisp lighting and the obvious intimacy he has with the dogs, somehow capturing that awesome feeling you get when you hold your dog close and see yourself in their eyes.

I think Anderson would have made a good vet, but he seems more pleased that he’s come full circle as a photographer and an animal lover. This way he gets to enjoy the happy healthy dogs at their best and give their owners artwork they will cherish forever. Perfect!

September 24, 2007