Elliott Erwitt's fascination for dogs dates back to the forties when he was a lonesome teenager wandering the streets of Hollywood with his camera. Years later, while revisiting his archives, he realized the extent to which dogs occupied an important place. These unconventional portraits became his atypical way to address the human condition, the pooches acting as mirrors for mankind. 

The photographer developed a surprisingly close relationship with his canine friends, revealing their personalities, marked by independence, loyalty and, at times, silliness… In Erwitt’s universe, dogs do not fear embarrassment. Pure breeds or mongrels, family members or strays, Elliott Erwitt celebrated all dogs as models of the devoted and kindhearted companion. After all, in this dog's life, man becomes an accessory.