Quick Verdict: Does Drake have dogs?
Yes, Drake is a certified dog lover. While his hectic tour schedule makes “dog parenting” a challenge, he currently owns (or has recently owned) a famous Akita named Diamond and a luxury American Bully named Winter. He also famously rehomed a puppy named Reuben to ensure the dog had a stable life.
Drake is known for many things: chart-topping hits, “Certified Lover Boy” energy, and his massive Toronto mansion. But behind the scenes, the Champagne Papi has a soft spot for four-legged friends. With the release of his 2023 album For All The Dogs, fans became more curious than ever about the real canines in his life.
The connection between Drake and dogs goes deeper than just pet ownership—it’s woven into his personal brand, his music, and even his choice of breeds. From luxury grooming sessions to responsible rehoming decisions, Drake’s relationship with his dogs reveals a side of the superstar that rarely makes headlines but speaks volumes about his character.
1. Diamond: The ‘Views’ Superstar (Akita)
Source: Official Instagram Drake
If you’ve been a fan since 2016, you’ve definitely seen Diamond. This black-and-white American Akita isn’t just a pet; he’s part of Hip-Hop history. Diamond represents more than canine companionship—he’s become an extension of Drake’s carefully curated image and lifestyle.
The American Akita breed itself tells a story. Originally from Japan, Akitas were bred as guard dogs for royalty and nobility. They’re known for their unwavering loyalty, calm dignity, and protective instincts—characteristics that mirror Drake’s own public persona of loyalty to his inner circle and his protective nature toward his private life.
- The Debut: Diamond appeared in the digital booklet for the album Views, looking majestic next to Drake’s Rolls Royce. This wasn’t just a random photo shoot—it was a deliberate statement about luxury, loyalty, and the lifestyle Drake embodies.
- Luxury Lifestyle: Reports surfaced of Diamond receiving “gold standard” grooming in Houston, including keratin treatments and nail buffs. While many celebrities spoil their pets, Diamond’s grooming regimen reportedly rivals that of show dogs, with professional handlers and premium products.
- Symbolism: Akitas are known for their loyalty and dignity—traits that align perfectly with Drake’s public persona. The breed’s reputation for being selective with their affection and fiercely protective of their family parallels Drake’s own approach to relationships and friendships.
- Continued Presence: Unlike some celebrity pets who fade from the spotlight, Diamond has maintained a steady, if private, presence in Drake’s life for nearly a decade—a testament to the rapper’s commitment to his canine companion.
“Drake doesn’t just own dogs; he ensures they live the OVO lifestyle—complete with luxury accommodations, premium care, and the kind of attention to detail that has made his brand iconic.”
Why Akitas? Understanding the Breed Choice
Drake’s choice of Akitas isn’t random. These dogs require experienced owners who can handle their independent nature and provide firm, consistent leadership. They’re not beginner dogs—they’re for people who understand canine psychology and can invest time in proper training and socialization.
The breed’s rarity and prestige factor also play a role. Akitas aren’t as common as Golden Retrievers or Labradors, which aligns with Drake’s preference for exclusivity in all aspects of his life. Owning an Akita is a statement—these dogs command respect and attention wherever they go.
2. Winter: The $20,000 American Bully
In late 2016, Drake’s pack grew with the addition of Winter, a snow-white American Bully. Winter wasn’t just any puppy; he was a high-end gift from the famous MVP Bullies breeder, one of the most prestigious American Bully breeders in the world.
The American Bully breed, developed in the 1990s, combines the loyalty and stability of the American Pit Bull Terrier with a more family-friendly temperament. Despite their muscular appearance, well-bred American Bullies are known for being gentle, affectionate, and excellent with children. The breed has become increasingly popular among celebrities who want a dog that looks imposing but has a sweet disposition.
| Dog Name | Breed | Estimated Value | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | American Bully (XL) | $20,000+ | Snow-white coat, MVP Bullies bloodline |
Winter’s price tag reflects more than just the dog’s appearance. Premium American Bullies from top breeders like MVP Bullies come with extensive health testing, championship bloodlines, and genetic guarantees. These aren’t backyard-bred dogs—they’re the result of careful breeding programs designed to produce healthy, stable, beautiful animals.
Winter is often seen in rare, candid social media clips, showing a softer side of the rapper—napping on the bed or playing at the Toronto estate. These glimpses reveal Drake’s genuine affection for his pets and his willingness to share his living space with them, despite his mansion’s luxury and pristine condition.
The American Bully Trend in Hip-Hop
Drake isn’t alone in his love for American Bullies. The breed has become increasingly popular in hip-hop culture, with artists like Ice-T, The Game, and others owning and breeding these dogs. The combination of intimidating appearance and gentle temperament makes them ideal for celebrities who want a protective-looking companion without aggressive behavior.
Winter’s snow-white coat makes him particularly rare and valuable. While American Bullies come in many colors, pure white specimens with proper pigmentation and no health issues command premium prices due to their striking appearance and the difficulty of breeding them correctly.
3. Reuben: A Story of Responsibility
Being a global superstar has its downsides, particularly when it comes to puppy training. In 2022, news broke about Reuben, an Akita puppy Drake briefly owned in 2016. This story stands out not because of the dog’s luxury lifestyle, but because of Drake’s mature decision-making when faced with the reality of his touring schedule.
During the “Summer Sixteen” tour, Drake realized he couldn’t give Reuben the attention he deserved. Akita puppies, in particular, require consistent training, socialization, and boundaries during their critical developmental months. Missing this window can lead to behavioral problems that are difficult to correct later. Drake understood that his months-long tour schedule would mean Reuben would be raised primarily by staff—not an ideal situation for a breed that bonds so strongly with one primary person.
Instead of letting the dog suffer or develop behavioral issues, he hired celebrity trainer Cheri Wulff Lucas, known for her work with difficult and high-value dogs. Lucas worked with Reuben during Drake’s tour, and the bond between trainer and dog grew strong. In a move praised by animal lovers and veterinary behaviorists, Drake eventually agreed to let the trainer keep Reuben permanently, prioritizing the dog’s happiness and stability over his own ownership.
Why This Decision Matters
Drake’s choice to rehome Reuben demonstrates emotional maturity that many celebrity pet owners lack. Too often, high-profile individuals acquire trendy dogs as accessories, then rehome them quietly when the reality of pet ownership becomes inconvenient. Drake’s transparency about the situation and his prioritization of Reuben’s welfare over his ego set a positive example.
Animal welfare experts consistently emphasize that a dog’s needs must come before owner pride. Drake’s willingness to make the difficult decision—and to do so publicly—helped normalize the conversation about responsible pet ownership and the reality that sometimes, rehoming is the most loving choice.
The ‘For All The Dogs’ Irony
Despite naming his 2023 album “For All The Dogs,” the biggest pet star of that era was actually a cat! Drake introduced Crodie, his pet cat, who stole the limelight during the album’s promotion.
The album title “For All The Dogs” serves as a double meaning—referring both to his actual canine companions and to his close friends and collaborators (his “dogs” in hip-hop parlance). Yet the promotional campaign heavily featured Crodie the cat, creating an amusing contradiction that fans quickly noticed and memed about across social media.
Drake’s Approach to Pet Ownership: What We Can Learn
Drake’s relationship with his dogs reveals several important lessons about celebrity pet ownership and responsible animal care:
Investment in Quality Care
From premium grooming to professional training, Drake doesn’t cut corners on his pets’ welfare. This investment ensures his dogs remain healthy, well-adjusted, and happy throughout their lives.
Breed Research and Selection
Both Akitas and American Bullies require experienced owners. Drake’s choice of these breeds suggests he did his homework and understands the commitment required for each breed’s unique needs.
Willingness to Make Difficult Decisions
The Reuben situation demonstrates that Drake prioritizes animal welfare over ego. He recognized when he couldn’t provide what a dog needed and made the responsible choice, even though it meant giving up a pet he cared about.
Privacy and Protection
Unlike some celebrities who constantly post their pets for engagement, Drake keeps most of his dogs’ lives private. This protects them from unwanted attention and allows them to live relatively normal lives despite their owner’s fame.
Curiosity •
Social Media & Dogs
One curious detail stands out in Drake’s relationship with social media: a photo he published back in 2016 featuring his dog still receives likes and heart reactions today. Nearly a decade later, users continue to discover, save, and engage with that image. Is this the enduring power of ’s global reach, or something else entirely?
The answer is likely both — but dogs play a bigger role than many realize. Drake’s profile guarantees visibility, yet dogs have a unique advantage on social platforms: they are timeless. Unlike trends, outfits, or album cycles, a calm dog image doesn’t age. New fans scroll back, algorithms resurface emotionally neutral content, and a loyal Akita beside a superstar feels just as relatable in 2025 as it did in 2016. Drake may bring the reach, but the dog brings the longevity.
The Logistics of Celebrity Dog Ownership
Owning dogs as a touring musician presents unique challenges that most pet owners never face. Drake’s situation illuminates the complex logistics behind celebrity pet ownership:
- 24/7 Professional Care: With his unpredictable schedule, Drake likely employs full-time pet care professionals who live on-site or visit daily to ensure Diamond and Winter receive consistent care, exercise, and attention.
- Veterinary Access: Celebrity pets often have veterinarians on call or retainer, ensuring immediate medical attention without the wait times regular pet owners experience.
- Security Considerations: High-value dogs like Winter face theft risks. Drake’s security measures likely extend to his pets, with controlled access to his property and careful vetting of anyone who interacts with his dogs.
- Travel Complications: International touring makes it nearly impossible to bring pets along. Drake must choose between leaving his dogs at home with caretakers or limiting his tour schedule—a sacrifice many pet-loving performers face.
The Cost of Celebrity Pet Care
Beyond the initial purchase price, maintaining dogs at Drake’s level involves substantial ongoing costs:
- Professional grooming: $150-500 per session for specialty breeds
- Premium nutrition: $200-400 monthly for high-quality food and supplements
- Full-time pet care staff: $40,000-80,000+ annually
- Veterinary care and preventive medicine: $5,000-15,000+ annually
- Training and behavioral consultation: $100-300 per hour
- Pet insurance for high-value breeds: $200-400 monthly
While these costs are manageable for Drake, they illustrate why expensive breeds often end up in shelters when owners underestimate the financial commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Drake’s dog Diamond?
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Diamond remains Drake’s most consistent canine companion, though he is kept largely out of the public eye to ensure his privacy and safety. The Akita continues to live at Drake’s Toronto estate and occasionally appears in carefully selected social media posts, but Drake has consciously chosen to keep Diamond’s day-to-day life private to protect the dog from unwanted attention and potential security risks.
How many dogs does Drake have?
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Publicly, Drake has been linked to three main dogs: Diamond, Winter, and Reuben. Currently, Diamond and Winter are his primary pets, both residing at his Toronto mansion. Reuben was responsibly rehomed to his trainer in 2016. Drake may have other dogs that he keeps completely private, as he’s known for maintaining strict boundaries between his public image and personal life.
Why did Drake choose Akitas specifically?
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Akitas align with Drake’s values and lifestyle in several ways. The breed is known for fierce loyalty to their owner, dignity, and a reserved nature with strangers—traits that mirror Drake’s own approach to relationships and public life. Akitas are also relatively rare compared to more popular breeds, fitting Drake’s preference for exclusivity. Additionally, their impressive appearance and historical association with Japanese nobility add to their appeal as status symbols, though Drake’s long-term commitment to Diamond suggests genuine affection beyond image.
Does Drake take his dogs on tour?
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No, Drake does not typically take his dogs on tour. International touring involves complex logistics, quarantine requirements, and constant travel that would be stressful for dogs. This reality contributed to his decision to rehome Reuben—he recognized that a touring schedule is incompatible with the consistent care and training that puppies require. Diamond and Winter remain at his Toronto home with professional caretakers when Drake travels.
How much did Drake spend on Winter?
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Winter, the snow-white American Bully, reportedly cost around $20,000 from the premium breeder MVP Bullies. However, the initial purchase price is just the beginning. High-end American Bullies require premium food, regular veterinary care, professional grooming, and often specialized training. The lifetime cost of owning a dog like Winter can easily exceed $100,000 when factoring in quality care, unexpected medical expenses, and the professional staff needed to care for him during Drake’s frequent travel.
Is the album ‘For All The Dogs’ about his pets?
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While the title ‘For All The Dogs’ references his canine companions and his inner circle (his ‘dogs’ in hip-hop slang), the era was ironically marked by the debut of his pet cat, Crodie. The album title works on multiple levels—celebrating both his actual dogs like Diamond and Winter, and his loyal friends and collaborators. The cat’s prominent role in promotion created an amusing contradiction that became a talking point among fans and media.
Are Akitas and American Bullies good pets for regular owners?
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Both breeds require experienced owners. Akitas are independent, strong-willed dogs that need firm, consistent leadership and extensive socialization. They’re not recommended for first-time dog owners. American Bullies, while generally more social than Akitas, still require proper training, socialization, and an owner who understands bully breed needs. Neither breed is suitable for casual pet owners or those without time for training and exercise. Drake likely has professional trainers and handlers who work with his dogs regularly—resources most owners don’t have access to.
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Final Thoughts: Drake’s Dogs and Celebrity Pet Culture
Drake’s relationship with his dogs offers a more nuanced picture of celebrity pet ownership than the typical Instagram-famous pet account. While he certainly enjoys luxury and exclusivity—evident in his breed choices and grooming expenditures—he’s also demonstrated genuine care for his animals’ wellbeing, particularly in his decision to rehome Reuben when he couldn’t provide adequate care.
The fact that Diamond has remained with Drake for nearly a decade, rarely appearing in public but consistently mentioned in interviews and occasional posts, suggests a genuine bond rather than a fleeting celebrity pet trend. Winter’s continued presence similarly indicates commitment beyond the initial novelty.
As Drake continues his career, his dogs remain a grounding force—a reminder that behind the platinum records and sold-out arenas, there’s someone who comes home to wagging tails and unconditional canine affection. For all the dogs in his life, and for the one he loved enough to let go, Drake’s pet ownership story reveals character traits his music sometimes only hints at: loyalty, responsibility, and a willingness to prioritize another’s needs above his own desires.
