Rescued Labrador becomes India’s first dog artist – and her paintings are selling worldwide

A talented Labrador is making waves in the art world – by creating stunning abstract paintings using custom-designed brushes and her paws.

Dali, a two-year-old female dog from Hyderabad, India, is believed to be the country’s first canine artist, producing unique works of art that have been sold to fans across the globe.

The pooch was rescued at just 50 days old after being found abandoned on the streets – but her owners say it was clear from the start she had a creative streak.

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Now, she spends her time painting with non-toxic watercolours on 300GSM handmade paper, often set to a soundtrack of jazz and fuelled by chicken treats.

Her owners, Hoi Choudhury, 38, and Snehangshu Debnath, 46, say Dali discovered her love for painting by constantly stealing brushes from their art studio.

“She used to sneak into the studio, steal brushes and even pee on the floor,” said Hoi. “At first we thought she was just being naughty – but really, she wanted to be involved.”

After giving her a dog-safe brush, the couple were shocked when Dali began tapping it on a blank canvas – creating what would become her first artwork.

“We jumped up and down like lunatics,” said Snehangshu. “It felt like a spark – that moment was electric.”

The labrador, named after the iconic surrealist Salvador Dali, now paints with a preference for blue and yellow – colours dogs can see more vividly – and has already completed 37 paintings.

One of her most popular pieces has been compared by fans online to a bird in flight.

“She paints on her own terms,” added Hoi. “Sometimes she stares at us like, ‘Not today’, and goes to the balcony. Other times she’s ready to go and doesn’t want to stop.”

Dali’s work has gone viral on social media, and she’s even helped raise money for charity – including a 2025 calendar featuring her art, with proceeds going toward veterinary care for rescue animals.

The talented pup has also painted live at public events, including on a beach in Goa and at Hyderabad’s Petex expo, unfazed by the crowds.

“She handles it all like a true professional,” said Snehangshu. “She’s calm, focused and loves the attention.”

Now the couple hope to take Dali’s art career even further, with plans for a gallery show, fundraising auctions, and even a painting retreat in the Himalayas.

As for critics who claim a dog can’t be a real artist, Hoi disagrees.

“Art doesn’t belong to just humans,” she said. “Dali has already changed people’s perspectives – one paw-stroke at a time.”

From abandoned pup to artistic prodigy, Dali is painting a new path – and proving that creativity really does come in all shapes, sizes, and species.

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