For three years, Clair Clark and her miniature dachshund, Matisse, have called Ansley Park home. And while Clair may have chosen the neighborhood, it’s Matisse who has fully settled into its green spaces—an 11-year-old with a unique blend of sweetness, loyalty, and unintentional comic seriousness.

Matisse comes from a breeder in Richmond, Virginia, where her brother and sister went on to become show dogs. Clair likes to joke that Matisse was saved from a life of pageantry—a path that never would have suited her serious, discerning spirit.

Welcoming her into the family felt like a natural continuation of Clair’s upbringing. She grew up in a very dog-friendly household filled with miniature dachshunds, English and Irish labs, English bulldogs, and corgis. With at least three dogs in the house at all times, adding Matisse just before moving to Atlanta 11 years ago felt like second nature.

Her name was chosen well in advance—Clair’s favorite artist has always been Matisse—and fortunately, it matched her thoughtful, expressive personality. 

What makes Matisse truly stand out is her temperament: reserved and very particular, but deeply loyal and protective once she lets you in. She’s incredibly sweet—gentle, affectionate, and intuitively in tune with her people.

Her most remarkable skill is one she taught herself: answering yes-or-no questions. When the answer is “yes,” she spins in a tight circle. When it’s “no,” she delivers a pointed side-eye followed by a slow, deliberate turn of her back. It’s all done with total seriousness, which only makes it funnier. She’s also a sharp judge of character, offering her approval sparingly and with intention.

Matisse is happiest outdoors. She lives for chasing squirrels with laser focus and digging holes with professional-level commitment. Winn Park is one of her favorite neighborhood spots, though any patch of grass or trail will do. Indoors, she’s an enthusiastic snuggler—and surprisingly devoted football watcher.

If she could design her perfect adventure, she’d choose an all-day squirrel-hunting expedition, complete with endless opportunities to dig, explore, and trot around with purpose—exactly the kind of outing that fits this serious, spirited little dachshund.

 Breed: Miniature Dachshund
 Age: 11
 From: Breeder in Richmond, VA
 Fun Origin Note: Her siblings are show dogs—Matisse was “saved from a life of pageantry.”
 Name Inspiration: Named after Clair’s favorite artist
 Personality: Reserved, particular, loyal, protective, and incredibly sweet
 Unique Talent: Answers yes-or-no questions (circle = yes; side-eye + turn = no)
 Favorite Pastimes: Chasing squirrels, digging holes, and watching football
 Favorite Local Spot: Winn Park
 Dream Adventure: A full-day squirrel-hunting expedition