By Helena Madonna

The early 2000s were peak maximalism: fluffy boots, platform flip-flops and blinged-out keychains on LV monograms. But the ultimate accessory? Paris Hilton's chihuahua Tinkerbell (RIP) and Elle Woods' beloved Bruiser - pocket-sized status symbols turned fashion statements.

Today, the mall rat princess era has evolved but our devotion to pop culture pups has not. We may not be tucking teacup-sized dogs into designer bags anymore, but icons of dog motherhood - like a red-carpet ready Mikey Madison and her chic pup on a chic stroll - are just as glamorous.

Our four-legged friends shape our fashion, social feeds and handbag choices - so why not our hair?

Like a cute outfit, hair is an extension of personal style, and when it comes to colour, texture and effortless movement, dogs have been serving inspiration for years. Afghan Hounds practically invented glass hair, and Irish Setters rocked Cow Girl Copper long before it was trending.

So next time you’re searching for hair colour inspo, skip the doomscrolling – your perfect shade might just be wagging its tail.

The White Pitbull is the Calvin Klein model of the canine world: striking, sculptural and effortlessly powerful. Draped in clean, fresh linen with a muscular grace, its razor-sharp gaze is equally capable of melting hearts and demanding cuddles.

Glacier Blonde shares that same commanding presence, with a high-shine glow. But just like a Pitbull, pigment-free locks require special care and a little extra love. Regular trims, bond-shaper treatments and blonde-enhancing conditioners will keep this silver blonde illuminated.

Red is an undeniable power move in beauty, and the same goes for pups. Just look at the vermilion veil of an Irish Setter: rippling like a flame in motion, swaying with the elegance of a marabou robe.

For our locks, Rich Auburn channels that same level of luxury with strands of liquid amber and fiery passion. It’s a shade that roars with confidence, romance and just the right touch of rebellion.

The Belgian Malinois is never underdressed, forever sleek in a perfectly tailored suit that melts into molten bronze beneath the sunlight. Forever poised, they could be mistaken for a runway model mid-stride – you'll never catch their bad side.

Nothing showcases that same subtlety quite like a Shadow Melt Balayage. A seamless display of how nightfall blends to dawn, it is a gradient journey from dark roasted roots to barely-there blonde accents. Like a precision-tailored ensemble, it’s all about streamlined perfection.

Few creatures embody supermodel elegance quite like the Afghan Hound, forever runway ready in their flowing, silken locks. Their mane of cool champagne opulence always looks fresh from the salon.

Effortless, blown-out Silken Strands are achievable with shine treatments and a little TLC. Glass hair starts from within, so focus on bond-strengthening treatments to keep locks strong and resilient. Incorporate a high-shine treatment or gloss into your fortnightly routine for that luminous mirror-finish.

To know a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is to know that beneath all those muscles and wide grins lies a big, cuddly, silly goose. They come in all sizes and colours, but blue Staffies have a uniquely eye-catching hue. With coats of gunmetal satin, it’s hard not to feel a little hair envy.

Luckily, this shade of steel toned goodness is achievable, but a salon session is vital. Let the experts craft a perfect custom blend of charcoal and graphite undertones – so you can enjoy the silky silver finish without the guesswork.

No other pup wears an inky constellation quite like the Dalmatian – nature’s remarkable take on maximalism. Coats of chaos and precision collide in a beautiful graphic display, and while we might not be able to imitate their peppery polka dots, we can have fun with contrast.

An Ink-Dipped Platinum look is the perfect wearable balance of softness and structure. A luminous base will brighten your complexion, while deep, inky accents provide definition and a little drama.

Jet black, when done right, isn't just a colour, it's a statement. The Black German Shepherd understands this like no other pup: they're fluffy phantoms that radiate a regal intensity through their midnight coats and piercing eyes.

For a vibrant black that dominates rather than disappears, ask your stylist for a cool-toned booster. This adds dimension, richness and longevity, keeping your shade bold, glossy and unapologetic. For extra drama and movement, pair this raven hue with a choppy cut such as a shaggy wolf cut.

Have an event coming up but stuck for up-do inspo? The answer might be hiding in plain sight – and wagging its tail. Nothing says regal, swanlike elegance quite like a freshly groomed poodle.

A polished up-do inspired by a Poodle’s plush coat is a look designed to hold from the first champagne toast to last call. It commands attention through its flawless execution, but make sure to prime a smoothing product and lock it in with a strong-hold hairspray. Ready to sculpt something unforgettable?

Like a phantom on the runway, Weimaraner's don't strut or prance, they glide with Kate Moss-level poise. Picture them moving through a fog-drenched Parisian street at dawn: their ghostly coats would simply disappear into the mist.

The best way to mirror their cool, metallic sheen? Let your locks age gracefully. Natural greys may get a frizzy rep but with the right products, they can transform into manes of frosted chrome. Hydration is key for treating grey hair, but softening products are just as essential. Reach for Kevin Murphy's Young Again range for all your silver infused hair goals.

The Golden Retriever is the ultimate blonde bombshell – girl-next-door charm meets supermodel allure. Think Margot Robbie’s liquid-gold locks wearing perfectly tailored, candlelit cashmere.

This blonde isn't flat or artificial; it's all about lived-in luminosity. This hue is a dreamy blend of creamy gold, soft honey and barely there butter baby lights. Nothing complements multi-layered dimension quite like a bouncy blowout.

Imagine the tousled waves of Brigitte Bardot, lifted roots and airy volume, fluffed to perfection. Nothing a hot brush, full-bodied mousse and a few sprays of a strong hold hairspray can't handle.

From the side of a road in South Auckland to every couch, bed and lap he can squeeze onto, Lennox has had quite the journey. I couldn't tell you which exact breeds make up Lenny, but I can tell you he’s 52kg of brindle-wrapped cuddles, supersized zoomies and enough fluff to rival your cosiest winter furs.

While replicating Lenny’s unique mosaic of brindle swirls might seem tricky, it's not impossible. A seamless blend of deep espresso melting into golden undertones, with warm apricot accents, will have you looking just as cute as Lennox.