Most dogs can sit, stay and even bark on command, but a pooch in California has a more artistic side. Ziggy the pekingese has been painting with the encouragement of owner Elizabeth Monacelli since last year, and has produced six works of art.

Monacelli, who is a section violinist with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra when she's not busy helping Ziggy paint, says she likes to keep her dogs occupied with artistic activities.

Elizabeth Monacelli, Ziggy's owner says:

"I always try to do interesting things with my dogs, little activities to just keep them busy."

Monacelli helps Ziggy by dipping the brush in the paint for him, and he holds it in his mouth attached to a cardboard cylinder.

And she thinks Ziggy finds art a satisfying activity.

Elizabeth Monacelli, Ziggy's owner says: "And I found him sitting in front of the painting, wagging his tail just staring at his painting, like he was admiring it."

And why shouldn't he admire it? After all, it's pretty dog gone good