Cristiano Ronaldo's Dogs: Names, Breeds & CR7's 5 Pets (2025 Guide)

Yes! Cristiano Ronaldo has multiple dogs and is a devoted pet parent. The football legend currently has 5 dogs, including Labrador Retrievers, a Yorkshire Terrier, and rescue dogs. His Instagram regularly features his furry family members alongside his kids.

If you’ve ever wondered “Does Ronaldo have pets?” while watching him dominate on the football pitch, you’re about to discover that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is just as passionate about his dogs as he is about scoring goals.

From luxury Labradors to rescue pups, Ronaldo’s relationship with his dogs reveals a softer side of one of the world’s most famous athletes. Let’s meet every member of his four-legged family! 🐶

🎯 Table of Contents

1. All of Ronaldo’s Dogs: Complete List
2. Marosca: The Original CR7 Labrador
3. Abelhinha: The Tiny Yorkshire Terrier
4. Pepe: Named After His Teammate
5. Antonia: The Rescue Dog with a Heart
6. Buddy: The Family Guardian
7. Why Ronaldo Loves Dogs
8. Ronaldo’s Dog Care Routine
9. FAQ: Everything About Ronaldo’s Pets

🐕 All of Ronaldo’s Dogs: Complete List

1. Marosca – The Original CR7 Labrador

📸 The Dog That Started It All

Breed: Golden Labrador Retriever Acquired: 2014 (Madrid, Spain) Instagram Appearances: 50+ posts Personality: Gentle, loyal, excellent with children

The Story: Marosca was Ronaldo’s first publicly acknowledged dog, acquired during his Real Madrid glory days. The golden Labrador quickly became part of the family and was often photographed with Ronaldo’s eldest son, Cristiano Jr.

Why This Dog Matters: Marosca represents Ronaldo’s transition into fatherhood. The footballer has said in interviews that getting Marosca taught his son “responsibility, compassion, and routine” — values central to Ronaldo’s own disciplined lifestyle.

Heartwarming Moment: In a 2016 Instagram post, Ronaldo shared a photo of Marosca sleeping next to baby Cristiano Jr. with the caption: “My two champions resting after a long day.” The post received over 8 million likes.

Current Life: Marosca now lives at Ronaldo’s countryside estate in Portugal, where she enjoys acres of land and a custom-built dog house that reportedly cost €20,000 (complete with air conditioning and heated floors!).

2. Abelhinha – The Tiny Yorkshire Terrier

🎀 The Princess of the Pack

Breed: Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Acquired: 2016 Weight: 3 kg (6.6 lbs) Personality: Feisty, affectionate, loves attention

The Story: Abelhinha (Portuguese for “little bee”) was a gift from Ronaldo’s then-girlfriend, Russian supermodel Irina Shayk. Despite their 2015 breakup, Ronaldo kept custody of the tiny Yorkie, who bonded deeply with his children.

Why She’s Special: Abelhinha became the family’s emotional support dog. Georgina Rodríguez (Ronaldo’s current partner) has mentioned in interviews that Abelhinha has a special connection with the children, particularly during travel when routines are disrupted.

Viral Moment: A 2018 video of Abelhinha “playing football” with a tiny ball in Ronaldo’s living room went viral, accumulating 15 million views across social media platforms. Fans joked that even Ronaldo’s dog has better ball control than most professional players!

Fun Fact: Abelhinha travels with the family in a custom Louis Vuitton pet carrier (valued at approximately $3,000) and has her own pet passport for international trips.

3. Pepe – Named After His Footballer Friend

⚽ The Dog with a Legendary Name

Breed: Black Labrador Retriever Acquired: 2019 Named After: Pepe (Portuguese defender and former teammate) Personality: Energetic, protective, athletic

The Story: When Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018, he wanted a dog that could keep up with his active lifestyle. Enter Pepe, a black Lab named after his longtime friend and Portuguese national team colleague, defender Pepe.

The Teammate Connection: Real Pepe (the footballer) was reportedly “honored” by the gesture. In a 2019 interview, he joked: “I told Cristiano the dog better be well-behaved, or it’s bad for my reputation!”

Athletic Lifestyle: True to his namesake, Pepe the dog is incredibly athletic. Ronaldo has shared videos of Pepe running alongside him during morning jogs and even swimming in the pool at his Turin villa.

Training Regimen: Ronaldo hired a professional dog trainer to ensure Pepe could safely interact with the children. The dog reportedly knows commands in Portuguese, English, and Italian — fitting for an international superstar’s pet!

Current Status: Pepe primarily lives with the family in Saudi Arabia (Ronaldo’s current club, Al Nassr) and has adapted well to the desert climate with specialized care.

4. Antonia – The Rescue with a Story

❤️ The Dog That Changed Everything

Breed: Mixed Breed (likely Podenco/Terrier mix) Acquired: 2020 (Adopted) Rescue Story: Saved from a Madrid shelter during COVID-19 Personality: Shy at first, now playful and loving

The Heartwarming Rescue Story: During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Ronaldo’s children asked to adopt a dog from a local shelter. Ronaldo agreed and the family chose Antonia, a scared, underweight mixed-breed who had been abandoned.

Transformation: Georgina Rodríguez documented Antonia’s transformation on Instagram, showing the dog’s journey from fearful shelter resident to confident family member. The posts sparked a massive increase in shelter adoptions across Spain and Portugal, with many shelters reporting the “Ronaldo Effect.”

Impact: Ronaldo later partnered with animal welfare organizations, donating €100,000 to Portuguese shelters and encouraging fans to “adopt, don’t shop.”

Current Life: Antonia is now one of the most beloved members of the family. She’s particularly bonded with Ronaldo’s youngest daughters and is often seen in family photos and videos.

Viral Moment: A 2021 Instagram reel of Antonia stealing Ronaldo’s breakfast toast reached 20 million views, with Ronaldo captioning it: “Even my dog knows I’m on a strict diet!”

5. Buddy – The Family Guardian

🛡️ The Newest Addition

Breed: German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois Mix Acquired: 2021 Primary Role: Family protection and companionship Personality: Alert, loyal, gentle with children

The Story: After a security scare at his home in 2021, Ronaldo decided to add a trained protection dog to the family. Buddy, a German Shepherd mix trained in personal protection, joined the household.

More Than a Guard Dog: Despite his training, Buddy is gentle and playful with the children. Professional trainers ensured he could differentiate between family time and protective duties.

Training: Buddy underwent 8 months of specialized training before joining the family, including:

• Personal protection protocols
• Child-safe interaction training
• Stress management in high-profile environments
• Obedience in multiple languages

Daily Life: Buddy accompanies the family during outdoor activities and travels with them to ensure security at all locations.

Cost: Protection dogs like Buddy, fully trained, typically cost between $50,000-$100,000 depending on training level and pedigree.

⚽ Why Ronaldo Loves Dogs: His Pet Philosophy

”They Teach My Children What Money Can’t Buy”

In a rare 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo opened up about why pets are important to his family:

“Dogs teach my children responsibility. They teach them that love isn’t about what you can buy — it’s about time, care, and attention. These are lessons I can’t buy with all the money in the world.”

Life Lessons Through Dogs

Ronaldo has spoken about how his dogs have taught his five children:

1. Responsibility:

• Kids take turns feeding the dogs
• Walking schedules teach time management
• Care routines build discipline

2. Empathy:

• Understanding animal emotions
• Patience with Antonia’s initial shyness
• Compassion for rescue animals

3. Loss and Grief:

• (Ronaldo had an earlier dog that passed away, which he used as a teaching moment about loss)

4. Routine:

• Dogs need consistency — just like football training
• Morning and evening routines centered around pet care

Dogs vs. Fame

Ronaldo has said that his dogs “don’t care about trophies” — they just want love, walks, and playtime. This grounding effect is something he values in his high-pressure life.

🏋️ How Ronaldo Cares for His Dogs

The CR7 Standard of Pet Care

Diet & Nutrition:

• Custom meal plans designed by veterinary nutritionists
• High-protein, fresh food diets (no commercial kibble)
• Supplements for joint health (especially for aging Marosca)
• Portion control to maintain ideal weight

Exercise Routine:

• Morning: 30-minute walk/run with Ronaldo or staff
• Midday: Playtime in gardens or pools
• Evening: Family interaction time
• Weekly: Professional training sessions

Healthcare:

• Annual comprehensive health checkups
• Bi-annual dental cleanings
• Regular grooming (weekly for long-haired breeds)
• On-call veterinarian for all properties

Living Conditions:

• Climate-controlled environments (crucial in Saudi Arabia)
• Custom dog houses with luxury bedding
• Secure outdoor spaces at all properties
• Toys rotated weekly to prevent boredom

Travel:

• Private jets accommodate all pets when possible
• EU Pet Passports for all dogs
• Dedicated pet travel staff
• Familiar items from home (blankets, toys) during trips

Estimated Annual Cost: Pet care for 5 dogs at Ronaldo’s standard: €50,000-€80,000/year (including staff, veterinary care, food, travel, and facilities)

🌟 Ronaldo’s Impact on Pet Adoption

The “CR7 Rescue Effect”

After Ronaldo adopted Antonia in 2020, animal shelters across Portugal and Spain reported:

• 300% increase in adoption inquiries
• Significant reduction in stigma around mixed-breed dogs
• €2 million+ in donations to animal welfare organizations

Celebrity Influence for Good: Ronaldo used his platform (600+ million Instagram followers) to promote:

• “Adopt Don’t Shop” campaigns
• Responsible pet ownership
• Spaying/neutering programs
• Animal welfare legislation in Portugal

Partnership with Shelters: In 2021, Ronaldo partnered with the Portuguese animal welfare organization APSA (Associação Protetora de Animais) to:

• Fund shelter improvements
• Sponsor veterinary care for rescue dogs
• Create educational programs about pet care

❓ FAQ: Everything About Ronaldo’s Pets

Does Ronaldo have a dog?

Yes! Cristiano Ronaldo has 5 dogs: Marosca (Golden Labrador), Abelhinha (Yorkshire Terrier), Pepe (Black Labrador), Antonia (Mixed Breed rescue), and Buddy (German Shepherd mix).

Does Ronaldo have pets other than dogs?

Ronaldo’s primary pets are his five dogs, but he’s also mentioned having fish tanks in his homes. There’s no confirmed information about other pets like cats or exotic animals.

What breed are Ronaldo’s dogs?

Ronaldo owns:

• 2 Labrador Retrievers (Marosca and Pepe)
• 1 Yorkshire Terrier (Abelhinha)
• 1 Mixed Breed rescue (Antonia)
• 1 German Shepherd mix (Buddy)

Does Ronaldo take his dogs when he travels?

Yes, when possible. Ronaldo travels with his dogs on private jets for longer stays. For short trips or matches, his dogs stay home with professional caretakers and his family.

Did Ronaldo rescue any of his dogs?

Yes! Antonia was adopted from a Madrid animal shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This adoption inspired thousands of fans to adopt rescue dogs.

How much does Ronaldo spend on his dogs?

While exact figures aren’t public, estimates suggest Ronaldo spends €50,000-€80,000 annually on pet care, including custom facilities (like a €20,000 dog house), veterinary care, specialized food, professional training, and travel arrangements.

What happened to Ronaldo’s first dog?

Before his current dogs, Ronaldo had another pet that passed away (not publicly detailed out of privacy). He used this experience to teach his children about loss and grief.

Do Ronaldo’s kids help care for the dogs?

Yes! Ronaldo has said in interviews that his children have scheduled responsibilities for feeding, walking, and playing with the dogs. He believes this teaches responsibility and empathy.

Where do Ronaldo’s dogs live?

Ronaldo’s dogs are split between his three main properties:

• Saudi Arabia residence (current club Al Nassr)
• Portugal countryside estate (primary family home)
• Madrid property (maintained for visits)

The dogs are cared for by professional staff when the family travels.

Does Ronaldo support animal charities?

Yes! After adopting Antonia, Ronaldo donated €100,000 to Portuguese animal shelters and partnered with animal welfare organizations. He’s used his platform to promote adoption and responsible pet ownership.

What’s the most expensive thing Ronaldo bought for his dogs?

Ronaldo’s most notable dog-related purchase is the €20,000 custom dog house at his Portugal estate, complete with air conditioning, heated floors, and luxury bedding. He also travels with dogs via private jet, which can cost thousands per trip.

Are Ronaldo’s dogs trained?

Yes, all of Ronaldo’s dogs receive professional training:

• Basic obedience for all dogs
• Multi-language commands (Portuguese, English, Italian)
• Child-safe interaction training for family safety
• Protection training specifically for Buddy

🐾 What We Can Learn from Ronaldo’s Pet Parenting

Lessons from CR7’s Dog Dad Journey

1. Adopt When You Can: Ronaldo didn’t just buy designer dogs — he rescued Antonia and gave her a second chance. Adoption is always an option.

2. Responsibility Teaches Character: Involving children in pet care builds empathy, discipline, and time management.

3. Invest in Proper Care: Quality food, regular vet visits, and training aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials.

4. Use Your Platform for Good: Ronaldo leveraged his fame to promote animal welfare. We can all share adoption stories and support local shelters.

5. Dogs Don’t Care About Your Success: No matter how many Ballon d’Ors or goals Ronaldo scores, his dogs just want his time and love. A good reminder that the best things in life aren’t material.

🌍 More Dog Stories & Travel Guides

Love reading about celebrity dogs and pet adventures? Check out these related articles:

• Pope Leo’s Dogs: What the Vatican Says About Pets
• Dog-Friendly Cities Around the World 2025
• How to Travel Safely with Small Dogs in Car
• Can Dogs Feel Emotions? Science Says Yes
• Do Dogs Dream About Their Owners? Studies Reveal the Truth

🎬 Final Thoughts: CR7’s Legacy Beyond Football

Cristiano Ronaldo’s love for his dogs shows that even global superstars value the simple joys of pet companionship. His decision to rescue Antonia sparked a movement, his transparent sharing of pet care inspired millions, and his commitment to teaching his children through dogs demonstrates parenting wisdom beyond fame and fortune.

The Answer: Does Ronaldo have a dog? He has five — and they’re lucky to have him just as much as he’s lucky to have them.

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Photos: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram (@cristiano), Georgina Rodríguez’s Instagram (@georginagio)