Growing up in Michigan, Devin Booker dreamed of more than just making it to the NBA. “I always wanted a dog my whole life, but my brother was allergic,” he tells Vogue. “Once I got to the NBA, my brother lived with me for a while. The day he moved out, I brought Haven home.”
That was six and a half years ago, and since then, the 6’6″ Phoenix Suns point guard and his 140-pound cane corso have been inseparable. They love hiking (Haven’s a fan of the Grand Canyon), relaxing at home (often by the pool or basketball court, but mostly in the cozy living room), and spending NBA offseasons on the beaches of Lake Michigan, just like they did for their Dogue photoshoot.
Haven certainly enjoys the perks of having a superstar athlete as an owner, but his biggest flexes might be these: In April 2024, Booker’s signature Nike Book 1 sneaker dropped in a new colorway—black like Haven’s glossy coat, with a brown marbled swoosh inspired by his eyes. The Nike Book 1 Haven sold out instantly. A month later, when Booker became a playable character in Call of Duty, Haven was included in the game too, complete with a “Sick ‘Em Haven” finishing move.
It’s surprising not to see Haven in the frame during Booker’s Zoom call with Vogue, since, as the proud dog dad says, “he’s never more than six or seven feet away from me.” (Booker happens to be on the golf course; they’ll reunite soon.)
Though their bond was unexpected, a dog with Haven’s loyalty, size, and love for adventure was exactly what Booker had in mind when he started looking for a four-legged friend. His preference didn’t go unnoticed: “Bro, are you still looking for a dog?” his former teammate Jamal Crawford texted one day. “He’d retired but remembered me talking about wanting a dog,” Booker says. Crawford, who owns Haven’s cousin, suggested he look into cane corsos. “Everything I read about them, I loved,” Booker recalls. “And yeah, the rest is history.”
Earlier this year, the Booker family grew with the addition of Hector, Haven’s son. “We’re still getting to know each other,” Booker says, but he now confides in both dogs about everything in his life. “They’re the only ones I tell everything to,” he shares.
So they know all the tea? “For sure.”
Below, Devin Booker answers the Dogue questionnaire.
Vogue: What is Haven’s best quality?
Booker: Loyalty. When I first got him, he was more of a guard dog. Even family members made him a little snappy. But he adjusted to all the moving parts and people, and now he makes everyone feel at home. He’s also the “whatever you want to do” kind of dog. He’ll play as long as you want, but if it’s a chill day and you want to sleep, he’s right there with you.
Do you use a special voice to talk to your dogs?
I talk to Haven like he’s a kid going to college, and Hector like a baby. So I kind of match my tone to their ages.
Do they have nicknames?
Haven has so many from my friends. I’ve heard Big Hungry, Big H. His full name is actually Grand Haven Booker, from Grand Haven, Michigan. So Haven’s technically his middle name, but that’s what everyone calls him. Hector’s nickname is Hector Holmes.
Where is one place you wish you could take your dog?
I’d love to see Haven in the city. I’ve taken him to every mountain town, and he loves hiking, but dropping him in New York would be pretty wild.
Where is the strangest place you’ve taken your dog?
I just threw the first pitch at Comerica Park for a Tigers game in Detroit. I don’t know how many people bring their dogs to a baseball game, but I thought it was special. I texted a picture to a friend, and he replied, “Bark in the park.”I thought that was hilarious.
What’s the most human thing your dogs do?
They love taking naps. They really enjoy sleeping.
What’s the most dog-like thing they do?
Hector is more playful and not as well-trained, so he’s unpredictable. He’ll bark randomly, and you never know why. But Haven is pretty laid-back. He doesn’t bark often, but when he does, it really gets your attention.
Do you know their astrological signs?
I don’t. I should look into that.
What are their favorite toys?
Honestly, I’ve tried everything, but they’ll ignore their toys and go find a stick instead. They also love those supposedly indestructible bones, but they always manage to destroy them.
Do they have a favorite meal?
I had Haven on a raw diet for a couple of years, so he was eating pretty much whatever I ate—my chef would save scraps for him. He loved all kinds of protein: salmon, steak, chicken. But I switched him back to kibble. He was raised on it, and when I tried the raw diet, his stomach didn’t handle it well. Still, I’m inspired by those TikTok videos where people make gourmet meals for their dogs.
Do they have any bad habits?
Haven gets spiteful when I leave him alone. I’ll make sure he goes outside to pee before I go, but he’ll still leave a little mark somewhere—a small pee stain. He doesn’t do it on furniture; he picks a surface he knows we can clean, but it’s definitely his way of telling me not to leave him.
If you could tell your dogs one thing, what would it be?
I tell them everything.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Devin Booker and his Cane Corsos designed to be clear concise and helpful
FAQs Devin Booker as a Dog Dad to Haven and Hector
Beginner General Questions
Q Who are Haven and Hector
A They are Devin Bookers two Cane Corso dogs Cane Corsos are a large Italian breed known for being loyal and protective
Q How did Devin Booker get his dogs
A He is a dedicated dog lover who sought out the Cane Corso breed specifically He brought them home as puppies to raise and train himself
Q What does being a dog dad mean
A Its a casual term for a pet owner who is deeply involved loving and responsible for their dogs wellbeing much like a parent is to a child Booker is often seen playing with walking and caring for his dogs
Q Why did he choose the Cane Corso breed
A While he hasnt given an exact reason the breeds traitsloyalty intelligence and protective naturelikely appealed to him as an athlete with a busy highprofile life
Advanced Practical Questions
Q What are the biggest challenges of owning a Cane Corso like Haven and Hector
A Their large size and strength require consistent firm training from puppyhood They also need extensive daily exercise and proper socialization to be welladjusted family members
Q How does someone with a busy NBA schedule manage to care for such demanding dogs
A It requires a strong support system likely including a dog walker or trainer It also highlights the importance of routine even on a tight schedule dedicated time for feeding training and exercise is nonnegotiable
Q What can we learn from Devin Bookers approach to being a dog owner
A His example emphasizes commitment Choosing a breed that fits your lifestyle investing in proper training and making time for your pets are the cornerstones of responsible dog ownership regardless of your job
Q Are Cane Corsos good for firsttime dog owners
A Generally no They are a powerful strongwilled guardian breed that requires an experienced owner who understands canine behavior and can provide confident leadership Their size and potential protective instincts can be overwhelming