Brussels has a weird obsession with public urination. Most people know the Manneken Pis, that tiny bronze boy who has been watering the city for centuries. Then there is his sister, Jeanneke Pis, tucked away in a dead-end alley. But if you keep walking toward the Sainte-Catherine neighborhood, you’ll find the real star of the show. It’s the statue of the peeing dog, known locally as Zinneke Pis.
It isn't a fountain. No water actually comes out of this bronze mutt. It’s just a life-sized dog with its leg hiked up against a bollard at the corner of Rue des Vieux Marché aux Grains and Rue des Chartreux.
Why does it exist? Honestly, it’s mostly about the Brussels spirit. The city has this specific type of humor called zwanze. It’s self-deprecating, a bit cheeky, and totally unimpressed by its own importance. While tourists are busy elbowing each other to see the boy statue, locals walk past the dog every day without a second glance.
The Story Behind Zinneke Pis
Tom Frantzen is the guy you can thank (or blame) for this. He’s a Flemish sculptor who specializes in "Street Animation," which is basically a fancy way of saying he makes art that interacts with the city rather than sitting on a pedestal. He created the statue of the peeing dog in 1998.
Frantzen didn't just want to make a joke. He wanted to represent the multicultural, "mutt" nature of Brussels. The word "Zinneke" actually has a pretty interesting history. It refers to the Kleine Zenne, a small branch of the river that used to run through the city. Back in the day, people would drown stray dogs there. Eventually, the term started being used for the dogs themselves—mixed breeds that hung out by the water.
Over time, the meaning shifted. Today, a Zinneke is a true Bruxellois. Someone with mixed roots. Someone who belongs to the city but doesn't necessarily fit into one neat box. The dog is a tribute to that messy, beautiful identity.
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It’s Not Just a Prop
Some people think these statues are just for Instagram. They aren't. In 2015, the Zinneke Pis was actually hit by a car. It was a whole thing. The poor bronze dog was dragged and damaged, and for a while, the corner looked empty and sad. The city didn't just toss it; they sent it back to Frantzen for a full restoration.
When you look at the statue closely, you’ll notice it’s not particularly "pretty." It’s gritty. The texture of the bronze looks like matted fur. The pose is aggressive yet casual. It captures a fleeting moment that happens on every street corner in the world, yet here it is, immortalized.
Why People Actually Love It
People visit for the "trifecta." You’ve got the boy, the girl, and the dog. It’s like a scavenger hunt through the cobblestone streets. But the dog feels different because it’s at ground level. There are no fences. There are no security guards. You can pet its head or take a photo right next to it.
I’ve seen people leave actual dog treats near its paws. It’s weird. It’s Brussels.
Finding the Statue of the Peeing Dog (Without Getting Lost)
Brussels is a labyrinth. If you’re looking for the statue of the peeing dog, don't just follow the crowds toward the Grand Place. You need to head West.
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Walk past the Bourse (the old stock exchange) and move toward the trendy Dansaert area. This part of town is full of independent boutiques and great beer bars. The dog is just sitting there on the sidewalk. It doesn't have a sign. It doesn't have a gift shop nearby.
Pro tip: If you reach the canal, you’ve gone too far. If you find yourself in a shop buying a 15-euro waffle covered in whipped cream, you're definitely in the wrong spot.
The Sculptor’s Larger Vision
Tom Frantzen has other work scattered around the city, and honestly, it’s all worth seeing if you like the vibe of the Zinneke Pis.
- Vaartkapoen in Molenbeek: This one shows a "sewer rebel" tripping up a policeman. It’s hilarious and arguably more famous than the dog.
- The Pieter Bruegel Statue: Located near the Church of Notre-Dame de la Chapelle, it features the artist at his easel with a weird, multi-limbed creature jumping out at him.
Frantzen’s work is a reminder that art doesn't have to be serious to be meaningful. The statue of the peeing dog isn't trying to change the world. It’s just trying to make you smirk while you’re walking to get a coffee.
Misconceptions and Local Truths
A lot of travel blogs claim the dog was built to complete a "set" with the Manneken Pis. That's a bit of an oversimplification. While Frantzen was definitely playing on the theme, the Zinneke was a private initiative, not a government-mandated project to increase tourism. It was about neighborhood identity first.
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Also, despite what some tours tell you, the dog doesn't have a name other than Zinneke. Some people call it "Het Zinneke," but it’s not like "Rex" or "Fido." It’s an Everydog.
How to Visit Like a Local
If you want to do this right, don't just take a photo and leave.
Grab a beer at La Belladone or a coffee at one of the spots on Rue des Chartreux. Sit outside. Watch the tourists realize the dog isn't "doing" anything. There is a specific look of confusion on people's faces when they realize there's no water. It’s the best part of the experience.
Brussels is a city that rewards those who look down as much as those who look up. The architecture is stunning, sure, but the soul is in the bronze dog on the corner.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your "Pis" tour, start at the Manneken Pis early in the morning to avoid the heaviest crowds. From there, it is an easy 10-minute walk to the Jeanneke Pis, which is located near the famous Delirium Café—a perfect spot to grab a Belgian Tripel. Finally, head toward the Sainte-Catherine district to find the Zinneke Pis. This route takes you through three distinct neighborhoods, giving you a much better feel for the city than any tour bus ever could. Check the local weather before you go; the bronze looks particularly striking (and realistic) when it’s raining, which, let's be honest, happens a lot in Belgium.