When it comes to choosing accessories for your dog, there are two schools of thought. You either grab the one that makes you go “ooh!” or you get stuck wondering, what actually suits my dog’s fur?
The good news? You don’t need a degree in colour theory to pick the perfect bandana, bow, or leash. You just need a few tips—and maybe a cuppa while you read this. Let’s match your dog’s coat colour with accessories that make them shine.
Black and Dark-Coloured Dogs
Bold and bright is your best friend. Think vivid reds, mustard yellows, teals, crisp whites, and rich florals. These shades pop beautifully against black or chocolate fur and make your pup stand out (especially helpful when snapping a photo of a black dog that usually blends into the background).
Avoid: Dark navy, deep green, or charcoal—these can disappear into their coat.
White and Cream-Coloured Dogs
You’ve got the freedom to play with contrast. Jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire look striking. So do deep, warm shades like rust, burgundy, or forest green. For something soft and pretty, pastel tones like lilac or dusty rose are gorgeous too.
Avoid: Super pale neutrals like beige or oat—these can wash out and look a bit bland.
Golden and Tan Dogs
Blues are your bestie here. Navy, teal, denim and sky blue create a lovely contrast with golden coats. Green tones (like sage or olive) are also beautiful, and warm terracotta or rust prints can tie into their coat for a more blended, earthy vibe.
Avoid: Yellow-based prints, which can compete with their natural golden tones.
Grey and Blue Dogs (like Weimaraners or Blue Staffies)
Muted, moody tones suit these pups perfectly—think forest green, mustard, plum, rust and taupe. You can also get playful with warm blush pinks or soft peaches, which look surprisingly chic against cool-toned coats.
Avoid: Super bright neons, which can feel too sharp against the soft grey.
Brindle Beauties
With so much texture and colour already in the coat, I recommend keeping things simple. Solid colours work really well, especially in earthy or rich tones like clay, wine, moss, or steel blue. That said, a small-scale pattern (like gingham or subtle florals) can be stunning if the colours are right.
Avoid: Busy patterns with too many colours—it can clash with all that natural brindle beauty.
Multi-Coloured or Spotted Dogs
Got a speckled or patchy pup? Lucky you—these dogs can pull off just about anything. Try picking one colour that complements their most prominent patch, or go all out with something fun and playful. Polka dots, retro florals, or anything with a mix of warm and cool tones will look fab.
Avoid: Nothing really—these dogs are the chameleons of the accessory world.
A Few Extra Tips:
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If you’re ever unsure, go with contrast. It almost always works.
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Consider your dog’s personality too. A chill pup in a bold bandana? Iconic. A bouncy dog in soft florals? Adorable.
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And don’t forget the season—deep tones for autumn, lighter hues for spring, festive colours for holidays.
Need a hand picking the perfect look?
That’s what I’m here for. I love helping people find the right vibe for their dog—whether you want to go matchy-matchy with your home decor or pick something that just feels like them.
Got a photo of your dog and not sure what would suit? Send it through. I’m always happy to help you pick the perfect piece.
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