Famous Animals and Their Iconic Owners: From Warhol’s Dachshund to Swift’s Cats
Animals have always been more than pets. They’ve been muses, companions, and even style icons. From Andy Warhol’s dachshund to Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis, famous figures have shared their lives with beloved animals that became part of their legacy.
At Kiki’s Club, we wanted to celebrate these stories through our Poolside Summer Collection featuring fun animal-inspired paint by numbers kits perfect for summer creativity.
Andy Warhol and His Dachshund Archie
In the 1970s, pop art legend Andy Warhol adopted a dachshund named Archie, who quickly became his inseparable companion. Archie attended gallery openings, interviews, and even acted as Warhol’s alter ego as the artist was famous for redirect tricky questions to the dog instead of answering himself during interviews. Warhol later added a second dachshund, Amos, cementing his love for the breed.
Inspired? Try our Poolside Summer Dachshund kit to bring this loyal pup’s playful charm to your canvas.
Queen Elizabeth II and Her Beloved Corgis
Few animals are as iconic as the corgis of Queen Elizabeth II. The late monarch owned more than 30 corgis over her lifetime, making them symbols of both royal tradition and personal affection. These dogs appeared in official portraits, ran through the palace gardens, and even joined her during key cultural moments.
The 2012 London Olympics Cameo
One of the most memorable appearances of the royal corgis came during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. In a now-legendary short film, the Queen was escorted by James Bond (played by Daniel Craig) from Buckingham Palace to the stadium. As the cameras followed them, her beloved corgis trotted along the red-carpeted halls of the palace, stealing the show and delighting audiences worldwide.
Royal Companions Through the Decades
The Queen’s love of corgis began in her childhood, when she was gifted her first corgi, Dookie, in the 1930s. Over the years, her corgis became her constant companions, often photographed by her side during both public and private moments. They were known for their mischievous personalities, yet their loyalty and charm made them enduring symbols of the Queen’s softer, more relatable side.
These dogs appeared in official portraits, palace gardens and many interviews over the years, cementing corgis as part of Britain’s cultural identity. Capture their royal cuteness with our Poolside Summer Corgi kit.
Taylor Swift and Her Famous Cats
Pop superstar Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most famous cat owners. Her feline family: Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button often steal the spotlight on social media, in music videos, and even in commercials.
Cats as Part of the Swift Brand
Swift’s cats frequently appear on her social media, in music videos, and even in advertising campaigns. Olivia Benson, in particular, has starred in major commercials, reportedly making her one of the richest pets in the world. Their personalities are playful, dramatic, and affectionate and have become part of Taylor’s brand identity, loved by millions of “Swifties” around the globe.
From Home Companions to Pop Icons
For Taylor, her cats are more than mascots. They provide comfort on tour, companionship at home, and even creative inspiration. The bond she shares with Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin reflects how deeply animals can shape our personal and professional lives.
Walter Rothschild and His Zebra Carriage
In the early 1900s, eccentric British zoologist Lord Walter Rothschild stunned London by driving a carriage pulled by zebras through the city streets. While most people thought zebras were untameable, Rothschild set out to prove otherwise.
Challenging Expectations with Zebras
Rothschild’s zebra-drawn carriage wasn’t just a publicity stunt; it was a deliberate attempt to challenge assumptions about animals and domestication. His scientific curiosity led him to explore how even the wildest creatures could be trained. The spectacle became iconic, symbolising his passion for zoology and flair for the unusual.
An Eccentric Legacy in Zoology
Beyond the zebra carriage, Rothschild amassed one of the largest natural history collections in the world, much of which is now housed in the Natural History Museum at Tring. His adventurous spirit, paired with his unusual animal companions, cemented his place as one of Britain’s most eccentric figures — and ensured zebras had their quirky place in animal history.
We didn’t recreate this exact London scene in our collection but our Poolside Summer Zebra painting reimagines zebras in a far more relaxed setting: lounging by the pool, enjoying a well-deserved break.
Caesar the No Drama Llama
Not all celebrity animals are tied to movie stars or royalty. Caesar the No Drama Llama became famous in Portland for being a therapy llama. He attended community events, rode public transport, and was a calming, quirky presence wherever he went. Caesar’s fame shows how even unconventional pets can capture hearts and headlines.
Love Another Animal? Make It Your Own
While all these animals have had their moments in the spotlight, every animal deserves to be celebrated and immortalised on a canvas. You can create your own masterpiece with our Custom Paint by Numbers kits. All you need to do is upload your pet’s photo and turn it into art you’ll treasure forever.