A Guide to Finding the Most Flattering Color for Your Pup
Your dog deserves to look their best—follow this style guide to make it happen.
If you travel back through time, dogs were lucky to even have a collar. Today, the world of doggy fashion is endless—and amazing! The dogs of today are living in an age where many of them are dressing better than the average person. Some dogs prefer simple accessories, while others are more interested in full fashion. We support dogs in all levels of fashion, from simple bows to stunning dresses.
Of course, no matter how simple a dog’s fashion choices may be, they still deserve to wear something that looks great on them. For that to be possible, they need to find accessories and outfits that are the right color. Let’s explore everything you need to know about choosing the best colors for your dog’s ‘fits!
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Does Color Really Matter for My Dog?
It might be silly to think that the colors our dogs wear matter, but the truth is that they really can. This isn’t just a matter of opinion or fashion. This is science—color science that is. The truth is that there are all kinds of reasons that we choose the colors that we do for certain things, and they all come down to color science.
In the same way that you might love the way you look in blue but hate the way that you look in red, these elements can really apply to dogs too. It isn’t like the doggy fashion police are going to pull up and write you a ticket (though it would be adorable), but you will find that certain colors are a lot more flattering for your pup than others. Knowing what colors really work for them can help them to look their best every single day.
Coordinating Fur Color to Accessory Color
As humans, we generally consider some degree of color science in what we wear. We might look at things like our skin tones, the flush of our skin, or even our hair or eye color. All of these things come together to help us pick outfits that don’t wash us out—and you can do the same for your dog. Finding the right outfit coordinated to a dog’s fur color can have amazing results. A color that compliments your dog’s coat will always look great.
With dogs, you are going to coordinate for fur color. Since every dog has a different fur color, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some colors look better on them than others. You will find that by making choices that support your pup’s fur color, you can make them look absolutely wonderful. Choosing accessories based on fur color is the best way to make decisions that will flatter your pup and help them to show off their style.
What Color Looks Best on My Dog?
Your dog is unique, and there is a very likely chance that they have a completely unique color to their fur. For dogs that are not purebred, there is a lot more variety—but don’t worry. Even the most complicated fur pattern can be balanced with style as long as you choose colors that match their fur color in some way.
Many dog parents choose to focus on their pet’s most prominent fur color, but that isn’t your only option. In fact, you can make an amazing look and pop of color by focusing on your pet’s less dominant coloring if you want to. The results can be simply stunning!
Colors for Black Fur
Dogs with black fur might seem tricky to shop for, but as long as you follow one golden rule, you will have no trouble at all. For dogs with mostly black fur, you always want to choose accessories and outfits in bright colors. The darkness of their fur can mute or eat up darker colors, so brighter colors are the way to go.
What makes this approach so special is that it kind of highlights the accessories on your pup. A dark blue collar will disappear on a black dog, but a yellow collar will shine against their fur, making them receive this perfectly adorable pop of color that people will go crazy for.
Black dogs are so lucky because pretty much any bright color will look brilliant on them. You can go with the classics—like yellow or orange—but don’t hesitate to try something more exciting. Neon colors of all kinds look stunning on darker dogs.
Colors for White Fur
Dogs with black fur might seem tricky to shop for, but as long as you follow one golden rule, you will have no trouble at all. For dogs with mostly black fur, you always want to choose accessories and outfits in bright colors. The darkness of their fur can mute or eat up darker colors, so brighter colors are the way to go.
What makes this approach so special is that it kind of highlights the accessories on your dog. A dark blue collar will disappear on a black dog, but a yellow collar will shine against their fur, making them receive this perfectly adorable pop of color that people will go crazy for.
Black dogs are so lucky because pretty much any bright color will look brilliant on them. You can go with the classics—like yellow or orange—but don’t hesitate to try something more exciting. Neon colors of all kinds look stunning on darker dogs.
Colors for Brown and Tan Fur
Brown and tan fur are interesting when it comes to choosing colors. If your dog is a deep and rich, dark brown, you will find that many of the rules for black fur will apply. However, for this type of fur color, people tend to go for bolder colors more than something like neon. Neon on the wrong dog can look a little disruptive.
One color that really suits brown and tan dogs is red. In all shades, red is a color that blends beautifully with brown fur and stands out. A lot of dog parents choose bold, fire engine red for their brown dogs because it can play to the red hues that are already present in their dog’s fur. However, many pawrents find that pink is another color that looks just as great. A light pink collar on a brown dog is a match made in doggy heaven!
Tan dogs tend to have a little more versatility with their fur color choices. They tend to be a better fit for some of those deeper and bolder colors. Tan dogs look amazing in deep and cool colors—like dark blue or deep violet.
Colors for Grey Fur
Gray fur is a unique shade, and it is one that some dogs age their way into. A lot of dog parents are shocked when their pup's once dark muzzle begins to get spattered with shades of gray as they grow older. For some dogs, this can even mean a need for new accessories or outfits.
Gray fur, unlike black fur, does not usually blend well with bright colors. Since gray is a naturally cool color, it helps to stick to other cool colors as well. Gray dogs tend to look their best while wearing blacks, deep blues, rich purples, and darker shades of green. Colors like yellow and orange tend to really clash with this fur color.
Colors for Red Fur
Red fur, like red hair, is something that can be distinctive when it comes to accommodations. The truth is that some colors will stick out on red fur like a sore thumb. Fortunately, other colors look stunning.
Dogs that are a combination of red and another color can look incredible in shades of red, pink, or even burgundy. These colors tend to highlight the red fur of the dogs making their fur look that much brighter and better.
Greens are another color family that really blends well with red fur, giving your pup a woodland look. For dog parents who want something a little more neutral, deep shades of green can give a beautiful and earthy tone. Like brown and gray dogs, red dogs don’t look good in neon colors. It can be best to avoid yellow, but some shades of orange—especially darker orange—look great on red fur.
Depending on the shade of your dog’s fur, darker versions of cool colors—blues and purples, and greens—can really look amazing.
Colors for Tri-Color Fur
Tri-color fur is a very special blend of white, red or brown, and black fur. It can present in several different ways, and there are so many unique patterns. Some dogs look like adorable little cows, while others look like mythical creatures from deep within a magical forest. However, this pattern can give you plenty to work with.
For tri-color dogs, you can either choose to focus on their dominant color or some of the others. If your dog has darker fur around their neck, you can follow the rules set out for black and dark brown dogs. If they are whiter and redder, you will want to follow those rules for the best results.
With tri-color dogs, red is one color that is almost always a good choice. No matter how much brown or red your dog has in their fur, red tends to be a great look for them. Even though red clashes with a lot of humans, it is a color that really blends well into a tri-color dog’s fur, offering a perfect hint of color.
Remember: There Are No Rules
Any time that you take fashion advice, it is important to remember that there really are no rules. Even though these color guidelines can help you to pick colors that flatter your dog by normal standards, that doesn’t mean that you must follow them. Fashion is a way to express yourself—and a way to let your pup express themselves.
If your dog is into vibrant hues or wild patterns, don’t let anyone tell you that their fur doesn’t match. You should always pick outfits and accessories that you love on your dog, regardless of what anyone else says (yes, even us)! Choose fashionable dog clothes that you love and remember to have fun!
5 Amazing Outfits for Super Cute Dogs Who Want to Look Their Best
You know that doggy fashion is our passion, which is why we always offer you new opportunities to make your furbaby look gorgeous. We provide outfits that look great on all kinds of dogs and blend with all kinds of fur colors. What clothes should you get for your dog? Below, you can find a few of our favorites for helping your dog to look their absolute best!
Pineapple Hawaiian
DOG SHIRT
Now your pup can finally get a little r&r in this tropical dog shirt ready for their next adventure.
A classic Hawaiian shirt is something that every pup should have in their closet (or pawset), and we firmly believe that. This is why our adorable Hawaiian shirt is available in two different color patterns to accommodate dogs of all fur colors.
Chinese Cheongsam
DOG DRESS
Silky soft traditional mandarin dog dress available in 5 vibrant colors: Jade, Azure, Sapphire, Slate and Orchid.
This adorable dress strikes the perfect balance between classy and comfortable. We know that dog parents love this design, which is why we offer it in six different color schemes to accommodate the fashion needs of every dog!
Cute But Psycho
DOG TEE
Now your pup can cuddle up in the softest doggy tee perfect for chillaxin.
Sometimes you just have to say it how it is—and let’s be honest, some of our furbabies are absolutely wild. If you have a dog that likes to walk on the wild side, we recommend this comfortable tee. Available in six different colors, there is something for every dog!
Rainbow
DOG TEE
Fun and colorful dog tee bursting with color and pride 🏳️🌈
Pride is a year-round event, not just something that should be celebrated one month out of the year. Let your pup show off their style with this adorable rainbow dog shirt that has something for every dog’s fur color.
Tropical Bird
DOG COSTUME
Made from felt fabric, this adorable dog costume is lightweight & breathable, perfect for Halloween or any day! 🦜🐶.
Some dogs were born to stand out, and we fully support these efforts. This vibrant tropical bird costume lets your dog show off their feathers—even if they aren’t all-natural.
The Takeaway
Picking accessories and outfits that match your dog’s fur style can help you to instantly elevate their style. We encourage dog parents to explore all kinds of fashion options to choose what looks best on their pups. While color science is fun, that doesn’t mean that it is a requirement. The most important thing is that you have fun with it—and that your dog is comfortable!
Until next time, thank you for reading!
About the author: Gabrielle is the loving pawrent to adorable pups Willow and Dilla. Growing up surrounded by dogs, she always dreamt of having her own. Willow and Dilla came into her life and changed everything. Now, she's crazy about pampered pooches, and her perfect day involves dancing with her husband, dressing up her furbabies, and cuddling them to sleep. For Gabrielle, life is all about spreading love and joy with her adorable canine companions by her side.
