Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Paul McAuley & Nia Dalton

Iconic dog dresses up as RuPaul's Drag Race queens and stuns TV fans

One diva dog has proven they've got 'charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent' as they pose as RuPaul's Drag Race queens in replica outfits.

RuPawl, the eight-year-old chihuahua mix, is the latest drag queen to take over social media, with more than 50,000 online followers and recognition from The Vivienne herself.

Owners J.R. Lizarraga and Arturo adopted the rescue pup at just three-months-old, and it wasn't long before they'd developed an unbreakable bond, Liverpool ECHO reports.

Now, J.R. selects one costume a week to replicate from the latest series of the franchise, All-Stars Seven and creates a doggy alter ego based on it.

Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.

The 44-year-old designer said: "Our pooch loves people and children. We are a harmonious and extremely loving family of three; me, my husband Arturo, and our pooch.

"Though I think RuPawl is becoming increasingly aware of their diva status, we've been getting some free stuff and are so spoiled."

J.R. says they try to use the same materials as the drag queens on the show, but always make sure the fabric is suitable and comfortable for dogs.

To replicate The Vivienne's look, they opted for a satin fabric with real steel studs and spikes - and it successfully stunned the queen herself.

Former 'gay town' host and DJ, The Vivienne, retweeted RuPawl's finished look to tell her 127,000 followers she was "obsessed".

The Vivienne was 'obsessed' with RuPawl's outfit (RuPawl)

J.R. said: "We are such big fans of The Vivienne so we were so thrilled to be recognised by her on Twitter and on Instagram.

"She has such grace and beauty and we can't wait to meet her in person sometime. We support all the wonderful queens, but of course, we have a special love for The Vivienne.

"She is so talented, and beautiful, and brings a special kind of joy to the show."

RuPawl isn't just a diva dog with a passion for fashion - they also have a goal to make change.

J.R. explained: "People would constantly ask us the gender of our dog. [They] would get angry when we would say 'they haven't chosen their gender, yet.'

"This revealed that there is still a lot of compulsion to put people and even animals in gender boxes.

"We decided to use RuPawl as a platform to elevate the art of drag as a way to fight against the binary.

"Since then our pooch has become a public activist figure across different platforms."

When RuPawl poses for a five-minute photoshoot, they are made as comfortable as possible and always compensated with plenty of treats.

Other times, the tiny dog can be found on long walks, exploring wildlife and napping in the sun.

J.R. plans to create RuPawl a costume for every weekly episode of All-Stars 7, and they believe The Vivienne could take home the coveted crown.

They added: "She's got the resplendence, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to win."

Do you have dog advice to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.