Classical Music & Dogs - Composers and artists with their cute, furry friends

1. Richard Wagner

This charming scene from a party at the Wagners' house clearly shows Tristan & His Owner (sorry).

2. Sir Arthur Bliss

Sir Arthur Bliss and author JB Priestly are enjoying the English summer - with a dog in the shade.

3. Igor Stravinsky

Look closely at this picture of the Ballet Russe... what's that in Igor Stravinsky's hand? Poochinella Suite, anyone?

4. Mstislav Rostropovich

Ah, what a charming scene at the home of Russian cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich. But who's that tinkling the ivories?! A tiny dog, everyone. A tiny dog.

5. Alban Berg

He might be better known for his atonal experimentation than his status as a dog-lover, but Alban Berg was evidently keen on both. We're assuming that the photo is blurred, otherwise there's something up with that collie.

6. Cole Porter

It's not just classical composers who love to have dogs by their side when they compose - maestro of Broadway musicals Cole Porter also enjoyed a bit of creative canine company at the keyboard.

7. Yehudi Menuhin

Violinist extraordinaire Yehudi Menuhin proves he's also a dab hand with dogs as well.

8. Benjamin Britten

This photo is literally incredible. Not only is Benjamin Britten chatting away to the legendary tenor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, he's also holding a dachshund. Oh, to be a fly on the wall.

9. Claude Debussy

A rather cheesed-off Debussy sits in the woods begrudgingly for a picnic. Looks like his dog isn't too happy about it either.

10. Franz Schubert

We're not too sure what's going on in this painting (Fresher's Week at the Vienna Stadtkonvikt?), but at least Schubert's got his faithful hound with him to protect him from the rabble.

11. Haydn Wood

Yorkshire-born composer Haydn Wood shows off his powers of dog levitation with his furry friend, Pete. Get a load of those socks, too.

12. Carl Orff

Carl Orff shakes hands with his dog.

13. Jules Massenet

French composer Jules Massenet shows he likes his dogs like he likes his moustaches - fuzzy.

14. Mstislav Rostropovich... again

More from the Russian cellist and conductor - this time the dog has thankfully been removed from the piano.

15. Katherine Jenkins

Taking us right up to date, here's KJ with the perfect accessory for a night out.

16. Alfie Boe

Showing his British credentials, Alfie Boe showed up at the Classic BRITs in 2007 with a bulldog. He's also the proud owner of a golden retriever named Guinness (not pictured).

17. Leonard Bernstein

Maestro Leonard Bernstein relaxes in the bar with some friends.

18. Leonard Bernstein... again

Still having a good time, Leonard Bernstein is at home this time. And with a different dog.

19. Malcolm Sargent

Legendary conductor Malcolm Sargent shows his softer side with this nuzzly little fellow.

20. Dame Ethel Smyth

Looking like more like Dame Maggie Smith in Downton, Dame Ethel Smyth relaxes at home with a gorgeous shaggy sheepdog. Aww.

21. And your furry friend

You might not pen symphonies or virtuosically smash out concertos in your spare time, but your pet still adores you. To make sure you've got their health and happiness covered, there's Pet Insurance from John Lewis Finance - head to johnlewisfinance.com/pet for more...