Mavs' Daniel Gafford Expands His Animal Kingdom with New Pup Ona

The NBA center's growing family of four-legged friends now includes six dogs, chickens, ducks, and a cat on his nearly five-acre Dallas-area property.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:19pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting a basketball player in motion, surrounded by a pack of lively dogs of various breeds, capturing the raw energy and movement of both the athlete and his animal companions.Gafford's growing animal kingdom reflects his passion for all creatures great and small, providing a source of joy amidst the ups and downs of his NBA career.Dallas Today

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has expanded his animal-loving household with the addition of a new black cane corso puppy named Ona, a gift from teammate Anthony Davis before his trade. Ona is the sixth dog in the Gafford household, which also includes chickens, ducks, and a cat on their nearly five-acre property in the Dallas area. Gafford, who met his wife DaShundra at the University of Arkansas, has welcomed a new canine companion at each major life stage, from college to his NBA career in Chicago, Washington, and now Dallas.

Why it matters

Gafford's passion for animals and his ever-growing household of pets reflects his down-to-earth personality and commitment to family, both human and four-legged. His animal kingdom provides a sense of stability and joy amidst the ups and downs of his NBA career, which has included trades and injury struggles. Gafford's devotion to his animal friends also highlights the role pets can play in the lives of professional athletes.

The details

Ona, the newest addition, is a black cane corso pup that Gafford named after a character from the anime series Black Clover. Ona joined five other dogs in the Gafford household: Melo, a Husky-Shepherd mix; Milo, a Pit Bull; Yoshi, a male French Bulldog; Snow, a female French Bulldog; and Peach, a Welsh Corgi. The Gaffords' property also includes chickens, ducks, and a cat. Gafford says he would even consider getting a monkey if it wouldn't "rip my scalp off." Each new pet has marked a milestone in Gafford's life, from college to his NBA career in Chicago, Washington, and now Dallas.

  • Melo, the first dog, arrived during Gafford's college years at the University of Arkansas.
  • Milo, a Pit Bull, came during Gafford's 2019-20 rookie season with the Chicago Bulls.
  • Yoshi, a male French Bulldog, joined the pack after Gafford got traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021.
  • Snow, a female French Bulldog, arrived soon after Yoshi.
  • Peach, a Welsh Corgi, preceded Gafford's trade from Washington to Dallas in February 2024.

The players

Daniel Gafford

A 6-10, 234-pound center for the Dallas Mavericks who has a passion for animals and an ever-growing household of pets.

DaShundra Gafford

Daniel Gafford's wife, whom he met at the University of Arkansas.

Anthony Davis

A former teammate of Gafford's who gifted him the new black cane corso puppy, Ona, before being traded to the Washington Wizards.

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What they’re saying

“I love any type of animal. Shoot, if I could have a monkey that wouldn't rip my scalp off if it got mad, I'd have a monkey. You know?”

— Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks Center

“It's the best. Of course we don't consider dogs as like kids, but I consider them as four-legged kids. So every time I go home, it's just like a big bundle of joy.”

— Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks Center

What’s next

As the Gaffords continue to expand their property, Daniel plans for some of the dogs to become "farm dogs" while the others remain primarily indoor pets.

The takeaway

Daniel Gafford's growing menagerie of pets reflects his down-to-earth personality and commitment to family, both human and animal. His animal kingdom provides a sense of stability and joy amidst the ups and downs of his NBA career, highlighting the important role pets can play in the lives of professional athletes.