In the world of fame and global prominence, it’s easy to be associated with something materialistic; from fancy cars, mega-mansions, Avant-garden art collection to the flamboyant yachts. While these aren’t the only toys common with the rich and famous; some stretch beyond to adopt and care for their favorite pets.
From Hollywood celebrities, soccer stars to reputed statesmen, we’ve covered them all. Below are the ten individuals who join our list of top celebrities who can’t hide their love for dogs.
1. RYAN GOSLING
After losing his 17-year old mixed-breed named George, Ryan wore a T-shirt with the dog’s portrait while hosting one of his TV shows in memory of the four-legged family friend.
Back in 2019, Ryan Gosling and his wife, Eva Mendes adopted a Doberman puppy named Lucho. Talking of his past pet, Gosling mentioned something about George being an extra-ordinary dog that felt like being a pet was something beneath him. That he would bargain for attention and followed orders, only after a lengthy period of convincing him.
2. OPRAH WINFREY
Dabbed as the queen of all media, Oprah is one of the most inspiring figures of the 21st century. She has the pure American muscle, an icon of transformation, a symbol of survival and success. A lot can be said about this adorable mother-figure but here, we choose to focus on her love for dogs.
Oprah has had more than 20 dogs, most of whom she has sadly lost. Name all those eye-catching dog breeds, and Oprah has owned them all. Her devoted fans can easily recall the likes of Luke and Gracie- both golden retrievers, cocker spaniels- Solomon and Sophie; to mention but a few.
To date, Oprah still has many dogs under her care. In a super soul 2014 episode, Winfrey mentioned something about God’s love and the love from a dog having something in common. “…the love of God, really, I imagine that is what God’s love feels like- is the love that comes from your dog,” – Oprah Winfrey.
3. BARACK OBAMA
Perhaps one of the most recent U.S Presidents who made their love for dogs, public, without the fear of revolutionary criticism, is Barack Obama.
With two dogs enjoying the white house privileges, Obama’s family was then extended to six members. Bo, a male and Sunny, female, two Portuguese water dogs, and a super-smart dog breed was adopted by the Obamas during his time at the white house.
4. ARIANA GRANDE
While there’s no magic number on the number of pets you should have to be considered a hero or heroine- for this case, Ariana has probably surpassed that number. With a total of 10 dogs of different breeds in her home, she isn’t only a superstar but also a super animal lover who deserves to be on this list.
What’s even more interesting is that Ariana rescued all her dogs and has been very close to every one of them. In January 2017, Ariana and her then-boyfriend, Mac Miller adopted Myron, a pit bull mix who ended up being an iconic member of the family.
Before Miller met his sudden death in 2018, the two had separated and Ariana remained with Myron. She later got a “Myron” tattoo on her foot- and that is true love if not an obsession!
5. TOM HARDY
Tom Hardy is a renowned English actor who has taken his love for dogs to another new level. With his experience in the acting profession, Tom has co-starred with his favorite dogs, attended interviews with them and even posed shirtless with some.
When it comes to dogs, he doesn’t have a biased attitude of selection. He picks what catches the eyes, regardless of the breed. Besides being an astute dog lover, he’s a great ambassador who has driven several dog rescue campaigns and none-for-profit dog charities.
Tom’s popular dog was a mixed-breed; Staffie-Labrador named Woody who died at age 6 from an inflammatory muscle disorder. For Tom, dogs are more genuine, loving, loyal and faithful than humans.
6. KATTY PERRY
The “Firework” and “Roar” hitmaker is a big-time dog lover who has been spotted many a time hanging with her adorable teacup poodle.
Perry’s Nugget is probably one of the luckiest pets who has been to several high-profile auditions, interviews, and red carpet events than any other pet on this list.
7. LADY GAGA
Known for her unique and versatile looks, eccentric hairstyles and a highly-opinionated personality; Lady Gaga is probably the least of celebrities you expected on this list. Luckily enough, Gaga has the right to be named a dog lover. With three pet dogs who are as close to the mainstream media as the pop star herself, Gaga often makes her extended canine family part of her gigs.
Gaga’s favorite breed is the French bulldog and that’s where she has sourced all her three pets. Koji- male, Asian- female and Gustavo-male; are the three Frenchies enjoying a celebrity lifestyle. Asia is the most popular of the pack with a high-traffic Instagram account that ranks her among the top celebrity pets of all time.
8. MILEY CYRUS
Miley Cyrus, the controversial pop star has a close relationship with dogs and this was confirmed when she lost Floyd, an adorable Alaskan Klee kai who succumbed to the jaws of a starving coyote. That incident, didn’t, however, stopped her from keeping a new dog.
After three months of mourning the unnatural death of Floyd, she decided to adopt a collie puppy named Emu. She even took some time to address her fans on social media about her decisions to welcome a new member of the family.
9. EMMY ROSSUM
Known for her role as Fiona Gallagher in the TV series Shameless, Emmy Rossum isn’t only a dog lover, but a keen animal rights activist. She has adopted three pets, two dog breeds, and a cat. Cinnamon, is a teacup Yorkshire terrier while Pepper is a Terrier-Havanese mix.
Rossum believes that adopting a pet can change your life in many ways. She not only advocates for pets’ adoption but also runs independent dogs’ rescue campaigns and has partnered with several animal rights advocates.
10. LIONEL MESSI
Representing the soccer fraternity is none other than the Argentinian international whose spirit and skill set in the game are dabbed to be outside this world. He has been named the Greatest of All Time and soccer fanatics can easily narrate about his unrivaled reputation in the field. There’s so much to say about the legendary Lionel Messi, but today, let’s look at his beloved dog collection.
Despite the speculations that Messi owns at least 3 dog breeds, we can only confirm two pet dogs; a boxer named Facha and a French Mastiff named Hulk. The latter is Messi’s favorite and he occasionally takes to social media with some sneaky selfies inside their lively mansion.
Hulk was Messi’s gift from the then-girlfriend, now wife, Antonella Roccuzze, back in 2016. Considering the tainted reputation of the French Mastiff in Spain, Messi needs a permit to legally keep the dog.
