Most gifts for dog lovers are about dogs in general. Paw print socks, a mug with a random labrador on it, a sign that says the dog is the boss. They're cute, and they say nothing about the one dog that matters to them.

A clay figurine of their own dog does. Our studio sculpts each one by hand from a photo and paints it to match: the grey around the muzzle, the ear that never stands up, the white sock on one paw.

Here are 7 designs that dog people love, plus a simple option if you just want the dog as it is.

Royal dogs

1. Pet king

Crown, red throne, a smile that says he knows he's in charge. For the dog who sleeps in the middle of the bed and eats first. Pet King figurine, from $178.

2. Frenchie king

A crown, a blue royal cape and that tongue. Made for French bulldogs, and it works just as well for any dog with a big personality. Frenchie King figurine, from $119.

Dogs with jobs

3. The good boy on duty

A police cap and a little vest with a badge. For the dog who guards the front window all day and barks at the mail carrier like it's his job. The Good Boy on Duty figurine, from $119.

4. The dog as a doctor

Blue scrubs, a stethoscope and a little medical bag. A sweet gift for a nurse or doctor who loves their dog, or for the dog who has comforted everyone through a hard week. The Dog as a Doctor figurine, from $119.

5. The team dog, heading it in

A team shirt and a soccer ball at the paws. For the dog who never misses a Saturday game, or the family where the dog is the real star player. The Team Dog figurine, from $119.

Funny dogs

6. The wizard pug

A green hat and cape covered in gold stars. For the pug, or any small dog, who seems to know something you don't. The Wizard Pug figurine, from $119.

7. The spaghetti taster

A chef hat, a red apron and a bowl of spaghetti already half gone. For the dog who sits by the stove every single night. Spaghetti Taster figurine, from $119.

Just the dog, as it is

No costume needed? Our Pet Mini, from $119, is their dog on its own, no costume, sculpted from your photo. It's the simplest option, and for many owners it's the one that means the most.

Want the dog together with its person? Add a pet to any people mini for $89. A dog owner and their dog on one base makes a lovely birthday gift.

How to get a good photo of a dog

Dogs don't sit still for photos, so here's what helps:

• One clear face photo. Eye level, good light, ears and eyes in view. A treat held just above the camera works wonders.
• One full-body photo. Standing or sitting, so we can see the size, the legs and the tail.
• Close-ups of markings. A spot on the back, a white chest, a tail tip. If it matters to the owner, show it to us.
• Older photos are fine. If you want the dog as a puppy, send the puppy photos.
• Show us the collar. If they wear a favorite collar or bandana, send a photo of it and we'll paint it on.

If you're buying for someone else, look through their social media. Dog owners post their dogs a lot, and a screenshot is often enough.

Who gets this gift

• The new puppy family. The first month goes by fast. A mini keeps the puppy size forever.
• The friend whose dog is their whole world. You know the one.
• The house with two dogs. Order a Pet Mini of each, or add both dogs to a mini of their people for $89 each. Nobody gets left out.
• The dog walker, groomer or sitter. A thank-you they will actually put on display.
• Dog moms and dads at Christmas. For more holiday ideas, see our guide to gifts from a photo.

Shopping for a cat person too? Our gifts for cat lovers guide has designs for cats with attitude.

How it works

1. Send a photo. Pick a design and a size, and add your photos.
2. We sculpt it by hand. Real clay, shaped and painted by hand. No 3D printing.
3. You approve the proof. On Standard and Faster you get free proof photos, and we make changes until you love it. Nothing ships until you say yes.
4. It arrives in a gift box. Tracked to the door, ready to give.

Standard takes 10 to 14 business days at our studio. Faster (+$19 per mini) takes 5 to 7, and Fastest (+$59 per mini) takes 3 and skips the proof step. US Standard shipping is $14.95, free on orders over $249.

Questions people ask

Can you do any breed?
Yes, mixed breeds included. We go by your photos, not a breed chart, so your dog's own coat and markings come through.

Can I add the dog's name?
Yes. Type it under "Name on the base" when you order. It's free.

Is it safe around the dog?
It's a display piece, not a toy. Keep it on a shelf, away from curious noses and tails.

See all pet designs or start with your own photo and idea.