How the 'Dogist' turned canine photos into a social media phenomenon

WHEN Elias Weiss Friedman began the Dogist in 2013, he had no idea his street photography of pooches (and their people) would make him a leading dog influencer on social media.

- JOE HEIM

The name he chose for his dog blog was a sly nod to the Sartorialist, the popular photography blog dedicated to capturing street fashion.

The Dogist quickly found its audience. Twelve years later, the thousands of dogs he has chronicled are responsible for more than 11 million followers and just as many “awwwws”.

Weiss Friedman, who lives in New York with his wife and their dog, Elsa, spoke with The Washington Post about his new book, This Dog Will Change Your Life.

The interview has been edited.

When you ask people if you can photograph their dog, do they always say yes?