Here’s a fun look back at one of my favourite pet caricature commissions from 2023—a digital portrait of a unique and much-loved Mexican Hairless Dog. Also known as the Xoloitzcuintli, this breed is famous for its striking appearance, minimal fur, and deeply soulful expressions. This particular project was commissioned by a client based in the USA who wanted to celebrate their beloved companion with something both humorous and heartfelt.

The Hairless Dog is an iconic breed with a rich history dating back to ancient Mexican civilisations. For this reason, I wanted to make sure the final artwork paid tribute not only to the dog’s personality but also to the distinctive physical traits that define the Mexican Hairless Dog. Capturing the breed’s famous skin folds, sleek musculature, and those characteristic tufts of fur on the head and tail was an enjoyable artistic challenge.

Working entirely in Photoshop, the entire piece took around four days to complete. Each day focused on a different element of the dog’s unique anatomy and character. On day one, I concentrated on the basic composition and pose, making sure to highlight the breed’s proud, upright posture and expressive face. The Mexican influence remained front of mind throughout the process, as I aimed to reflect the spirit and history behind this remarkable dog.

The second day focused on refining the linework and blocking in base colours. The dog’s skin has a beautiful range of subtle tones, with areas of darker shading that help define its muscular structure. I used a combination of soft and hard digital brushes to capture the way light reflects off the skin—a hallmark of this breed.

On the third day, attention turned to the finer details—particularly the dog’s large, alert ears and soulful eyes. These are two of the most recognisable features of any Mexican Hairless Dog and were key focal points throughout the caricature painting. I enhanced the highlights in the eyes and added delicate texturing to the skin to give it that semi-realistic feel while still keeping the overall artwork playful and stylised.

The final day involved careful colour grading and background work. I wanted the Mexican Hairless Dog to really stand out, so I opted for a warm, earth-toned backdrop that complements the natural skin tones typical of this Mexican breed. Subtle gradients and soft lighting effects helped to create depth without distracting from the subject.

Blending stylised caricature with semi-realistic pet portraiture is always an exciting process, and this Mexican Hairless Dog commission was no exception. Striking the right balance between exaggeration and anatomical accuracy was key. I pushed certain features for character but was careful not to lose the distinctive traits that make the Mexican Hairless Dog so instantly recognisable.

This project holds a special place in my portfolio because it demonstrates how much storytelling can happen through a single image. The finished piece became a cherished tribute for the client, giving them a permanent reminder of their Mexican Hairless Dog’s unique charm and spirit.

Pet caricatures like this one allow me to celebrate both the animal’s personality and the cultural history behind certain breeds. The Mexican Hairless Dog, with its ancient roots and visually striking features, offers endless inspiration for any artist working in digital portraiture.

If you’re a fan of unique breeds or have your own Mexican Hairless Dog you’d like to commemorate, feel free to get in touch. Capturing the essence of these amazing Mexican companions is always a rewarding experience.

Stay tuned for more pet caricature projects, digital art showcases, and behind-the-scenes insights from my studio. Whether it’s another Mexican Hairless Dog or a completely different breed, each new commission brings fresh creative possibilities.