If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Instagram over the last few years, you’ve probably seen a tiny, wide-eyed Yorkie perched on Justin Bieber’s shoulder or tucked into a designer bag. That’s Oscar. He’s basically a celebrity in his own right. But for a lot of people, the story of the justin bieber dog is a bit of a touchy subject.
There’s a lot of baggage here.
You see, before the era of "stable, married Justin," there was a string of pets that didn't exactly have a happy ending. Monkeys left in Germany. Hamsters given to fans. It was a mess. But things changed around 2018. Since marrying Hailey, the vibe shifted from "unreliable teenager" to "dedicated dog dad."
Meet the Current Crew: Oscar and Piggy Lou
Right now, the Bieber household is run by two tiny Yorkshire Terriers.
Oscar Bieber (often called "Oskie") joined the family in December 2018. Justin literally called him their "dogson." He’s a Maltese-Yorkie mix, often referred to as a Morkie, though many fans just call him a Yorkie for short. He’s the one you see in the "Popstar" music video and the one who has his own custom Louis Vuitton carrier.
Then came Piggy Lou.
She made her grand debut on Halloween in 2022. Hailey introduced her as "Oscar’s new baby sister." She’s also a Yorkie, and she frequently appears in Rhode skincare campaigns or draped over the couple during their downtime.
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It’s honestly kind of a "glow-up" story for Justin’s reputation as a pet owner. People were skeptical at first—rightly so—but Oscar has been with them for over seven years now. That’s a lifetime in "Bieber years" compared to his past pets.
The Complicated History of Justin Bieber's Past Pets
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the monkey.
To understand why people are so obsessed with the current justin bieber dog, you have to remember where he started. It wasn't great.
The Mally Incident
In 2013, Justin was gifted a capuchin monkey named Mally. He tried to bring it into Germany without the right paperwork. The monkey was seized by customs, and Justin... just never went back for him. Mally ended up in a German zoo. It was a PR nightmare and, frankly, pretty heartbreaking.
Sammy and Esther
Sammy was a Papillon that Justin loved deeply, but the dog lived mostly with his grandparents in Canada while he toured. Sammy passed away in 2014.
Then there was Esther. She was a Silky Terrier he got in 2015. For a while, she was everywhere. She even had her own Instagram account. But as Justin went through some of his most turbulent years, Esther eventually stopped appearing on his social media.
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The Todd Controversy
This one really stung. Todd was an adorable, fluffy Chow Chow puppy Justin got in 2016. Within six months, Justin gave him away to one of his dancers, C.J. Salvador.
Later, it came out that Todd had severe hip dysplasia and needed an $8,000 surgery to be able to walk. C.J. had to crowdfund the money. Justin didn't chip in, which sparked a massive wave of "irresponsible pet owner" headlines. To be fair, C.J. defended Justin, saying the dog wasn't Justin's responsibility anymore, but the optics were terrible.
Why Oscar and Piggy Lou Are Different
So, what changed? Basically, Hailey.
When Justin and Hailey got married, they seemed to make a conscious effort to build a "home base." Oscar wasn't just a touring accessory; he was part of their domestic life.
- Consistency: Unlike the pets of the early 2010s, Oscar and Piggy Lou are rarely seen without the couple.
- Travel: They don't get left behind. If Justin is in London or Paris, the dogs are usually there, too (thanks to private jets and those LV bags).
- Health: There haven't been any reports of neglect or "giving away" since Oscar arrived in 2018.
Honestly, the justin bieber dog narrative is a pretty good mirror for his personal life. It went from chaotic and impulsive to settled and intentional.
What Kind of Dogs are They? (The Breed Details)
If you're looking to get a dog like Oscar or Piggy Lou, you're looking for a Yorkshire Terrier or a Morkie.
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These aren't "easy" dogs just because they're small. Yorkies are notoriously feisty. They’ve got a "big dog" personality trapped in a 5-pound body. They require a ton of grooming—if you don't brush them, their hair mats almost instantly.
Justin and Hailey clearly have professional groomers on speed dial. Their dogs always have that perfect "puppy cut" look.
Actionable Tips for Aspiring Small Dog Owners
If the Bieber pups have convinced you that you need a tiny companion, keep these real-world facts in mind:
- Budget for Grooming: A Yorkie needs a professional cut every 4-6 weeks. That’s a recurring $70-$100 expense you can't skip.
- Watch the Health: Small breeds are prone to dental issues and "collapsing tracheas." You need to use a harness, not a collar, just like you see on Oscar.
- Socialization is Key: Tiny dogs can become "yappy" or aggressive if they aren't socialized. Justin’s dogs are around people and cameras constantly, which is why they seem so chill.
- Consider the Life Span: A well-cared-for Yorkie can live 15 years. It’s not a temporary accessory.
The story of the justin bieber dog is finally a positive one. It took a while to get there, but Oscar and Piggy Lou seem to have the best life a dog could ask for. If you’re following in those footsteps, make sure you’re ready for the long-term commitment that the "new" Justin has finally embraced.
Check your local shelters for Yorkie rescues before heading to a breeder—there are plenty of "Oscars" out there waiting for a home.