A Red Goldendoodle Duke Greets Everyone in His Blue Velvet Coat

Soft red curls frame the kind face of a Goldendoodle duke, who wears a deep blue velvet coat fastened with two rows of round gold buttons. A crisp white cravat sits at his throat, and behind him pale drapery and a hazy gray-blue wall create a quiet, airy room. His brown eyes are warm and a little shy, and the little cracks in the paint make the portrait feel like it has hung in a grand hallway for generations.

Goldendoodles combine the friendly nature of a Golden Retriever with the curly coat and smarts of a Poodle. Most are social, playful and eager to learn, which makes training enjoyable. Their curls can mat quickly, so brushing several times a week and regular grooming are a must. Because every Goldendoodle is a mix, coat type and energy level vary, so it helps to ask your vet or a trainer what suits your own dog.

The red coat is a lovely color against the deep blue, a bit like a copper kettle in a dim kitchen. The painter made the velvet look soft enough to touch and gave every gold button its own bright highlight. The duke's expression is gentle rather than stern, which makes him feel approachable, the sort of nobleman who would greet every guest at the door and then lead them straight to the best sofa.

Dukes may inherit titles, but this one earned his place by being truly kind.