The statue is made of bronze and was commissioned by the City of Brussels to represent the 'Zinneke' or mixed-breed identity of the city's inhabitants.
It is the only one of the three famous 'Pis' statues in Brussels that is not a functional water fountain.
Tom Frantzen, the sculptor, chose a 'zonnestraat' or 'street dog' design to highlight the city's multicultural demographic.
The statue was originally placed at a different intersection before being moved to its current location on Rue des Chartreux.
The word 'Zinneke' historically referred to the Senne river, which once flowed through the city and was often home to stray dogs.
The Zinneke Pis is a bronze statue depicting a mixed-breed dog lifting its leg to urinate against a bollard. It is a whimsical companion piece to the more famous Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis statues in Brussels. The sculpture was created by artist Tom Frantzen and installed in 1998. The term 'Zinneke' refers to the historical nickname for residents of Brussels, as well as the city's diverse, multicultural population. Unlike its fountain counterparts, the statue does not actually dispense water. It is positioned directly on the sidewalk rather than being elevated on a pedestal. The sculpture is maintained as a symbol of the city's playful and self-deprecating humor. It is currently located at the intersection of Rue des Chartreux and Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains.
A low-angle shot from the sidewalk level highlights the statue's realistic posture against the urban street background.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Saint-Géry neighborhood, which is known for its architecture and cafes.
Because it is located on a narrow sidewalk, be mindful of passing local traffic and pedestrians while taking photos.
Check for temporary street festival decorations, as the statue is sometimes playfully dressed up by locals during city events.
Do not mistake it for a functional water fountain; the dog does not urinate water.
