Royal Pets: “A Rough Dog,” by George Stubbs, 1790

A Rough Dog
George Stubbs, 1790
The Royal Collection

The Royal Family, historically, has always had great affection for their pets. King George IV was no exception. Though George also enjoyed the company of people (women, mostly), he also cherished his animal companions.


In 1790, George Stubbs was commissioned to paint this portrait of a friendly, but somewhat messy dog for King George IV. Stubbs was known primarily as a painter of horses, but showed a remarkable versatility with this painting which is not only a great portrait of the dog, but also a rather impressive landscape.