The Five Most Famous People With Dogs

Let’s be honest: famous people may have fancy houses, expensive cars, designer clothes, and more glamorous vacations than the rest of us—but at the end of the day, they still have to deal with the same thing we do: a dog staring at them while they eat.

Celebrities and dogs have been best friends for generations. From presidents to movie stars, plenty of famous people have shared their lives with four-legged companions. Some dogs have even become famous in their own right simply by being lucky enough to live with a celebrity.

So, grab your favorite dog, a snack they will immediately try to steal, and let’s take a look at five of the most famous people who have had dogs by their sides.

1. George Washington

Before America had presidents arguing about politics on television, George Washington was apparently busy being a dog dad.

Washington was a well-known dog enthusiast and owned numerous dogs throughout his life. He particularly loved foxhounds and helped develop the American Foxhound breed.

His dogs were used for hunting, but they were also clearly important companions. Washington even gave some of his dogs rather impressive names, proving that apparently people in the 1700s also enjoyed giving their pets names that sounded much fancier than necessary.

Imagine calling your dog for dinner and yelling, “HERE, SWEETLIPS!”

Honestly, that sounds like a dog who would absolutely ignore you.

2. Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most famous dog owners in the world, thanks largely to her lifelong love of Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Her first corgi, Susan, was given to her as a teenager, and that started a relationship with the breed that lasted for decades. The Queen owned numerous corgis and became closely associated with the breed.

Her dogs famously accompanied her around royal residences and even appeared in official photographs.

Most people have to convince their dog to sit still for one picture.

The Queen had dogs who looked like they had been professionally trained to pose for portraits.

And somewhere, every corgi in Britain was probably thinking, “Yes, obviously. We are royalty.”

3. Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was known for his music, his legendary performances, and his unmistakable style. But the King of Rock 'n' Roll also had a soft spot for dogs.

Elvis owned several dogs throughout his life, including a Great Dane named Brutus and a Basset Hound named Sherlock.

One of the most famous stories involves Elvis giving a Basset Hound named Getlow to a girlfriend. The dog reportedly became part of the Elvis household and was among the many animals connected to the singer.

Of course, having Elvis Presley as your owner probably meant your dog had a pretty interesting life.

Most dogs get excited when the doorbell rings.

Elvis's dogs probably had to deal with screaming fans, recording sessions, fancy cars, and a human who could casually walk into a room wearing rhinestones.

Talk about setting unrealistic expectations for the neighborhood dog.

4. Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was one of Hollywood's biggest stars, but behind the glamorous photos and movie roles was a woman who loved animals.

Monroe owned a Maltese named Maf, short for Mafia Honey. The dog was reportedly a gift from Frank Sinatra and became a beloved companion.

Maf even traveled with Monroe and was photographed with her, giving him something most dogs could only dream about: celebrity status.

Imagine being a little white dog and suddenly realizing your owner is one of the most photographed women in the world.

You aren't just going for a walk anymore.

You're going to the grocery store and somehow ending up in a magazine.

5. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton has become almost as famous for her love of tiny dogs as she is for her glamorous lifestyle. Her Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, became a celebrity in her own right and was frequently seen accompanying Hilton during the height of the early-2000s celebrity craze.

Hilton's dogs have often been photographed traveling with her, appearing in social media posts, and enjoying a lifestyle that most dogs can only dream about.

Some dogs have a cozy bed in the corner of the living room.

Paris Hilton's dogs have had designer accessories, luxury travel, and enough attention to make most humans jealous.

And then there was the iconic image of Hilton carrying tiny dogs around in fashionable purses. Eventually, the dog purse became practically part of the celebrity-dog uniform.

At that point, you have to wonder who is actually taking whom for a walk.

The dog may have four legs, but the human apparently has the transportation department covered.

Famous People, Famous Dogs

From presidents and queens to movie stars and celebrities, famous people have been proving for centuries that life is simply better with a dog around.

And honestly, dogs probably don't care who their owners are. A president, a queen, a rock star, a movie star, or a celebrity who carries them around in a designer purse is basically the same thing to them.

They provide food.

They provide belly rubs.

They open doors.

And, most importantly, they are expected to understand that the dog absolutely deserves a snack whenever the human is eating one.

So while these famous people may have had impressive careers, historic achievements, and millions of fans, their greatest accomplishment may have been something much simpler: being chosen by a dog.