Do you want to create a dog logo that stands out?
In this article we will get you all the essential design tips and examples to inspire your very own dog logo. These furry friends are a man’s best friend because they build trust and connect with you on an emotional level. That is exactly what a logo with a dog can also get for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Like real doggos, anything with a dog face or silhouette on it will evoke the same emotions in humans. This does not only benefit the usual suspects – businesses like pet stores and the likes- but also any other brand that wants to have a strong emotional connection with their audience.
- Dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, and so can dog logos. Keep it simple, elegant and align it with your brand’s values and goals. Do you want to get the message across that your business is messy and unclear? Of course not, so show this simple elegance by having a neat and simple dog logo design.
- This sounds like an open door, but, make sure to trademark your dog logo design. There are as many dog lovers out there as there are businesses, if not more, so you’re not the first one to come up with a dog logo. Make sure it stays yours, by trademarking it.
Why would I Design a Dog Logo?
Making the choice to use the icon of a dog in your business logo is not just trying to be cute. From the old days dogs have been a man’s best friend, and we have been building a trustworthy relationship with our pets. Dogs are loyal, friendly, protective… If you think of it these are all qualities any business would be delighted to be associated with!
Take this Pupsy logo for example, the design elements of a letter/image logo is done very cleverly here. The use of a rounded, serif font already gives the feeling of a fun and quirky company behind the logo. By using the negative space in this logo design you show off the creativity of the brand.
It doesn’t have to be hard, the negative space in this dog logo gives you the impression of a cute labrador puppy lying down into the letter ‘U’, while looking up expectantly at the letter P. Who doesn’t want to pet this cutie?!
Do not think your business has to be a pet store, or a veterinary service. While it may seem like the logical choice for these kinds of services to associate themselves with animals, we dare you to think a little further outside the box. For example the loyalty and trustworthiness of a dog, would that not be a great message for any, let’s say, law firm? Or notary business?
By using a dog logo design you send a message. And we can think of many businesses who want to be associated with the good qualities our four-legged pets have!
Like any real dog in the real world, the variety of dog logos out there are endless. So choose a dog logo design that stands out from the crowds. Choose design elements like the Pupsy Logo has, negative spaces, font types, colors, shadows, you name it. Customize it to fit your brand and, most importantly, your brand message.
The Perfect Dog Logo
But how do you create a dog logo that is unique? Just stick to the rules of any logo design; keep it simple and recognizable. If we ask you to think of the ‘swoosh’, what brand comes to mind? Exactly, it does not get simpler than that, and still Nike’s logo might just be the most recognizable one in the world.
Another benefit of keeping it simple, sizing. If you will print your logo on letter heads or in corners of small business cards, if the design is too intricate it becomes unidentifiable. That is the worst you can do to your company’s logo.
And speaking of business cards, also make sure the logo can be blown up to billboard size proportions. Your dog logo should be versatile enough to be used across different platforms and in different shapes and sizes.
Everything matters, the choice of your colors, the choice of your font. Do you use a slanted font or one with shadow? Keep in mind to always have your brand’s story in the back of your head when working on your dog logo design. A dog logo for a kiddie daycare can be much more playful than a company specializing in high-end marble kitchen counters, to just name a random example.
Top Dog Logo Ideas
Alrighty, but how do we decide on what to draw when coming up with a dog logo design. You can choose a silhouette of a dog, or perhaps a backdrop of a shadow. Maybe you want to make it slightly less on the (puppy) nose, and use dog related icons such as paw prints, bones or even a naughty dog’s grin we all know so well.
If only using a shadow, choose the color wisely, is this black? Or gold like a golden retriever? All these decisions have an impact on what message your logo will bring across.
Maybe consider using a few different colors in your typography as well as the doggie’s face or silhouette. For example the outline of the dog can be golden, making it look like he is shining.
To combine different elements in your logo will result in a logo that not only makes people be curious about the brand behind this logo, they will also want to know the story behind it.
Which brings me to the next point; recognizability. Do you bring your cute little labrador puppy to your shop where he comes to greet each customer as they enter the store? Then why not use this little guy’s face as the logo of your shop? Customers will recognize him and you immediately have something to link your pet and your shop to your loyal customers.
Create Your Own Dog Logo
The perfect dog logo is made by none other than yourself. Sure, while not all of us are graphic designers, once the choice of your logo comes from your personal connection to your brand and business, you cannot fail. If you’re not the best designer yourself, do bring your ideas to a professional who can help you mock up some sketches and create the dog logo design you have in mind. You can Google some dog logo makers in your area or use tools like Canva, Looka or other creative platforms for logo design.
Case Study: How Rabbit Created the Logo for Pupsy Company
Let’s take a look at the professionals and get back to the Pupsy logo design. Pupsy Company asked the designers at Rabbit to help them create a logo that conveys the message of their business; friendliness and loyalty.
The creatives at Rabbit Company took this to heart and came up with a design that shows simplicity, while still being endearing and attractive, exactly what Pupsy Company had in mind.
Branding with Dog Logos
Once you have designed your perfect dog logo, you can now proudly share it across your company. All your branding should be upgraded with this new logo, and do not forget to also change the look of your internal communications. Nothing as confusing as receiving an email from someone within your business who has a different logo in their email signature than the logo on their website.
Protecting Your Dog Logo
Not all logo designs are created equal. Make sure you protect your dog logo! What if the shop across the road also likes your labrador puppy and decides they want to lift along on your pet’s social successes? By law they actually can, unless you have trademarked your logo. Be ahead of your competition and do not give them the chance to steal your thunder.
Summary
To wrap it up, a dog logo can be an amazing way for your brand to stand out from the crowd. Like the thousands of different dogs, there are just as many dog logos waiting to be created.
Just as a real dog, dog logos send a message of friendliness, loyalty, happiness and fun.
When you choose the right typography, colors and design, you cannot go wrong with a dog logo.
Trademarking your dog logo will prevent it from being stolen by competitors, because let’s be honest, nobody wants to have their puppy stolen, right?!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I want a dog logo for my business?
Dogs are just the best. Simple as that. Nah, we’re kidding. Although the feelings most dogs invoke in people are very positive. Think of loyalty, trustworthiness and family values. Those are exactly the kind of emotions you want people to have when they see your brand’s logo.
What dog logo design is the best?
Simple, elegant and matching your brand. Quirky companies will do best with a quirkier design, while more serious or high-end businesses would do great with a more elegant dog logo design
How do I design my dog Logo?
Prepare yourself well by knowing what type of logo you like. Think about the colors, the font and the use of negative spaces. You can create some sketches yourself, or take your ideas to a professional to make some mockups for you.
How will a dog logo benefit my branding strategy?
When your logo matches your brand values and conveys a message that fits with your company’s message, your dog logo can last you a lifetime. Keep it simple, and it will not go out of fashion either.
How do I protect my dog logo?
Make sure to trademark your dog logo. This way nobody else is allowed to just use your dog logo, where you worked so hard for.
