Dagger II the dog is the greatest canine artist of his generation.

A black Labrador in Long Island in the US has already made a name for himself as the foremost dog painter in the art world.

He has also taken the prestigious title of 'DogVinci' for himself and wears and classic red beret, reports Mashable.
 

With his owner Yvonne Dagger, who is a fine artist herself, Dagger paints nearly every day.

His brushstroke work has been found to be colorful, exciting and surprisingly varied. 

"Some of Dagger's works are very abstract and some seem to have hidden images in them. It's very interesting," Yvonne told Mashable.

Dagger developed his dexterity during his training to become a service dog for people with disabilities, when "he learned how to push drawers and doors closed and hold objects in his mouth," said Yvonne.

After a short career as a service dog, Dagger was released from his training and returned home with Yvonne when she noticed he still responded to the commands from his training very well.

"Very often Dagger II would come into my studio and lay next to me when I painted," Yvonne said.

"Then one day, Dagger II began nudging me. I stopped painting and said, 'Dagger, do you want to paint'? His tail immediately started to wag like crazy."

From then on, Yvonne used modified versions of the commands Dagger learnt in training to paint with him. "Instead of 'push' it was 'paint,'" she said.

Dagger now uses his painting skills to contribute to the society and has already sold a few pieces, the proceeds from which are going to Canine Companions for Independence.

Yvonne also hopes to contribute to local animal shelters and rescues.

It is certain to say that Dagger aka DogVinci has secured his place in the annals of art history.