Famous Dogs In History And Literature
Dogs hold a special place in the hearts of people from all walks of life, captivating celebrities, members of royal families, and even U.S. Presidents. Beyond being loyal companions, some dogs showcase exceptional talents, steal the spotlight in movies, and emerge as heroes in the crucial role of service dogs. In this exploration, we delve into the extraordinary stories of the most famous dogs in history and literature, uncovering what makes each of them truly exceptional and cherished by many.
Famous Dogs In Literature
- Napoleon and Snowball (“Animal Farm” by George Orwell): In this novella, Napoleon and Snowball are dogs who represent the power struggles and corruption within the ruling class.
- George (“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck): George Milton’s loyal and aging dog is a minor character in this classic novella, symbolizing the hardships faced by those who are considered expendable in society.
- Nana (“Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie): Nana is the nursemaid dog in J.M. Barrie’s play and novel “Peter Pan.” She takes care of the Darling children and has a maternal role in the story.
- Cujo (“Cujo” by Stephen King): In this horror novel by Stephen King, Cujo is a Saint Bernard dog who becomes rabid after being bitten by a bat. The story revolves around the terror caused by the once-friendly dog.
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (“The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle): While not a specific dog character, the legend of the supernatural hound is a central element in this Sherlock Holmes detective novel.
- Erebus and Terror (“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley): In Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel, Victor Frankenstein describes his childhood dogs, Erebus and Terror, as loyal companions.
- Clifford (“Clifford the Big Red Dog” series by Norman Bridwell): Clifford is a gigantic, friendly red dog who embarks on various adventures in this popular children’s book series.
- Bull’s Eye (“Oliver Twist”): Bull’s Eye is Bill Sikes’s loyal but mistreated bull terrier in “Oliver Twist.” The dog reflects the dark and violent nature of his owner.
- Dora’s Lapdog (“David Copperfield”): In “David Copperfield,” Dora Spenlow, David’s first wife, has a lapdog named Jip. Jip is a constant companion to Dora and is often carried around like a baby.
- Kep (“The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck”) by Beatrix Potter: Kep is a sheepdog who plays a crucial role in “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.” She is instrumental in saving the day when Jemima falls into the clutches of the fox.
- Timmy (“The Famous Five” series) by Enid Blyton: Timmy, short for Timothy, is the loyal and intelligent dog belonging to the group of young adventurers known as the Famous Five (Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy). Timmy often contributes to solving mysteries and is considered one of the family.
Famous Space Dogs
- Laika: Laika was the first living being to orbit the Earth. She was a Soviet space dog who became the first animal to journey into space in 1957.
- Stubby the Rocket Dog: Stubby the Rocket Dog was a stray dog who became the mascot for NASA’s Stubby rocket program in the 1950s. The program aimed to develop high-altitude research rockets.
- Belka and Strelka (Soviet Union): Launched on August 19, 1960, aboard Sputnik 5, Belka and Strelka were the first living beings to return safely from orbit. They became celebrated as Soviet space heroes.
Famous Royal Dogs
- Peritas: Peritas was the faithful dog of Alexander the Great. Legend has it that Peritas saved Alexander from an attacker, cementing his place in history as a loyal companion
- Dash (Queen Victoria’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel): Dash was Queen Victoria’s beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He was known for his charming personality and was a constant companion to Queen Victoria during her reign in the 19th century.
- Lupo (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s English Cocker Spaniel): Lupo, a Cocker Spaniel, belonged to Prince William and Kate Middleton. Lupo gained public attention and became something of a social media star.
- Porthos (King Louis XIV’s Toy Spaniel): King Louis XIV of France had a Toy Spaniel named Porthos. Paintings and portraits from the 17th century depict the king with his beloved dog.
- Nero (King Edward VII’s Wire Fox Terrier): King Edward VII of the United Kingdom had a Wire Fox Terrier named Nero. Nero was often seen in the company of the king and appeared in royal portraits.
- Willow Queen Elizabeth II Corgi : Willow was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi who was the last in a long line of Corgis owned by the Queen Elizabeth II. Willow was particularly special as he was the 14th generation descended from the Queen’s first Corgi, Dookie.
Famous Service Dogs
- Buddy: Buddy, a German Shepherd, gained recognition for his role as a search and rescue dog during the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. He worked tirelessly to locate survivors and comfort rescue workers.
- Stubby: Sergeant Stubby, a Boston Terrier mix, was a war hero during World War I. He served with the U.S. Army and was known for his ability to detect incoming gas attacks and locate wounded soldiers.
More about Sergeant Stubby:
- Chips: Chips was a German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix who served in World War II. He was awarded the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) for bravery after attacking an enemy machine-gun nest in Sicily.
- Gander: Gander, a Newfoundland dog, served during World War II and became a war hero for his actions during the Battle of Lye Mun in Hong Kong. He sacrificed his life to save the lives of Canadian soldiers.
- Smoky: Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier, served in the Pacific during World War II. She participated in 12 combat missions and survived over 150 air raids, providing comfort to wounded soldiers and boosting morale.
- Sully: Sully was the service dog for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. After the president’s death, Sully gained attention for his loyal and compassionate demeanor, as well as his work supporting veterans.
- Bamse: Bamse was a Saint Bernard who served aboard the Norwegian Navy minesweeper Thorodd during World War II. He became a symbol of Norwegian courage and loyalty and was even posthumously awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for his wartime service.
- Xxon: Xxon is a guide dog who received the Dickin Medal for his role in leading his blind owner, Audrey Stone, safely down 78 flights of stairs during the evacuation of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
- Sinbad: Sinbad was a mixed-breed dog who served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He became a beloved mascot on the USCGC Campbell and received multiple service ribbons for his contributions
Famous Movie And TV Dogs
- Rin Tin Tin: Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd who became an international star in silent and early sound films. He is often credited with popularizing the breed in the United States.
- Lassie: Lassie is a fictional Rough Collie dog who has featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and books. The character is known for its intelligence and loyalty.
- Uggie: Uggie was a Jack Russell Terrier who gained fame for his role in the Academy Award-winning film “The Artist” in 2011. He became the first dog to have his paw prints preserved at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
- Toto (“The Wizard of Oz”): Toto is Dorothy’s loyal Cairn Terrier in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Toto plays a significant role in the story and is known for being Dorothy’s faithful companion.
- Benji (“Benji” series): Benji is a mixed-breed dog who stars in a series of family films known for their heartwarming stories and the bond between Benji and his human friends.
- Jerry Lee: Jerry Lee was the German Shepherd dog in the film “K-9,” where he starred alongside Jim Belushi as a police dog. The character became popular, and the movie contributed to the positive image of police dogs.
- Eddie (“Frasier”): Eddie, a Jack Russell Terrier, was a scene-stealer on the sitcom “Frasier.” His deadpan stares and comedic timing made him a beloved character on the show.
- Einstein (“Back to the Future”): Einstein, a mixed breed, was Doc Brown’s faithful companion in the “Back to the Future” film trilogy. The dog also appeared in the animated series.
- Buck (“Married… with Children”): Buck Bundy is the family dog in the sitcom “Married… with Children.” Originally a Briard, Buck later becomes a soft-spoken, wise-cracking character after a supernatural event.
- Bullet (“The Roy Rogers Show”): Bullet, also known as the Wonder Dog, was a German Shepherd who appeared alongside Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in the Western TV series “The Roy Rogers Show.”
- Scooby-Doo (“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”): Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane who became a pop culture icon. He is known for his cowardly yet lovable nature and his role in solving mysteries with the Mystery Inc. gang.
- Snoopy (“Peanuts” comics by Charles Schulz): Snoopy is an iconic canine character. As Charlie Brown’s imaginative beagle, Snoopy has captured the hearts of readers for decades.
- Marley (“Marley & Me” by John Grogan): Marley is a Labrador Retriever and the mischievous, lovable companion of the author John Grogan. The film humorously chronicles the challenges and joys of life with Marley.
- Beethoven (“Beethoven” series): Beethoven is a lovable and mischievous St. Bernard who stars in a series of family comedies. The films follow the adventures and antics of the large, slobbery dog.
- Buddy (“Air Bud” series): Buddy is a Golden Retriever who becomes a basketball-playing sensation in the “Air Bud” series. The films showcase the bond between Buddy and his human companions.
- Hachiko (“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”): Based on a true story, this film follows the life of Hachiko, an Akita dog known for his remarkable loyalty to his owner.
- Max (“The Secret Life of Pets”): Max is a Jack Russell Terrier who is one of the main characters in this animated film about what pets do when their owners are away.
- 101 Dalmatians (Pongo and Perdita): Pongo and Perdita are the Dalmatian couple in “101 Dalmatians” (1961). They embark on a journey to rescue their stolen puppies from the villainous Cruella de Vil.
- Dodger (Oliver & Company): Dodger is a street-smart Jack Russell Terrier from “Oliver & Company” (1988). He befriends the orphaned kitten Oliver and introduces him to the world of New York City street life.
- Lady and Tramp: Lady, a refined Cocker Spaniel, and Tramp, a street-smart mutt, are the main characters in Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” (1955). The spaghetti dinner scene, where they share a romantic meal, is particularly famous.
- Hooch (“Turner & Hooch”): Hooch is a French Mastiff who teams up with Detective Scott Turner (played by Tom Hanks) to solve a crime in this comedy-drama film.
Famous Social Media Sensations
- Crusoe the Dachshund is a popular social media sensation known for his adorable looks and charming demeanor. His Instagram and YouTube accounts showcase his cute outfits and playful antics, making him a favorite among millions of followers. Crusoe not only brings joy to his fans but also uses his platform to support charitable causes.
- Doug the Pug: Owned by Leslie Mosier, Doug the Pug is a social media sensation with millions of followers. This adorable Pug is known for dressing up in various costumes and participating in pop culture trends.
- Jiff Pom: Jiff, a Pomeranian, is known for being the fastest dog on two paws and has appeared in music videos and commercials. With a massive Instagram following, Jiff Pom is owned by several celebrities, including Katy Perry.
- Marnie the Dog: Marnie, a Shih Tzu mix, was adopted from a shelter by owner Shirley Braha. Marnie, with her distinctive tongue-out expression, became an internet sensation and even met celebrities like Taylor Swift.
- Toast Meets World: Toast, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, gained fame on Instagram for her fashionable outfits and her signature tongue-out pose. She was owned by fashion influencer Katie Sturino.
- Maru the Shiba Inu: Maru, owned by Japanese comedian Atsushi Tamura, gained fame on social media for his round face and cute antics. He has a massive following on Instagram.
Famous Presidential Dogs
- George Washington – Sweetlips and Vulcan: George Washington, the first President of the United States, had several dogs. Sweetlips, a Greyhound, and Vulcan, a Dalmatian, were among them.
- John F. Kennedy – Charlie: President John F. Kennedy had a Welsh Terrier named Charlie. Charlie became quite popular and was often photographed with the Kennedy family.
- Lyndon B. Johnson – Him and Her: Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, had two Beagles named Him and Her. The dogs were frequently photographed with the president and his family.
- Richard Nixon – Checkers: Although Richard Nixon was not president at the time, his dog Checkers became famous during his 1952 “Checkers speech.” The speech addressed allegations of financial impropriety, and Checkers became a symbol of loyalty.
- Ronald Reagan – Lucky: Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, had a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky. Lucky was the Reagan family’s loyal companion.
- George H.W. Bush – Millie: Millie, an English Springer Spaniel, belonged to George H.W. Bush and his family. Millie gained fame as the author of a best-selling book, “Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush.”
- Bill Clinton – Buddy: Buddy, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever, was the pet of Bill Clinton and his family during their time in the White House. Buddy was known for his playful nature.
- George W. Bush – Barney and Miss Beazley: George W. Bush, the 43rd president, had two Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley. They were often featured in the White House Christmas videos.
- Barack Obama – Bo and Sunny: Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, became the First Family’s pet during Barack Obama’s presidency. Later, another Portuguese Water Dog named Sunny joined the Obama family.
- Joe Biden – Major and Champ: Joe Biden, the current president, has two German Shepherds, Major and Champ. Major made history as the first rescue dog to live in the White House.
This is missing some dachshunds in this list.. 😂 among Corgis, the Queen Elizabeth II also fancied the sausage (ive seen pictures of her holding them wierdly.. just by the front & the bum dangling down??)
Also- Crusoe the celebrity dachshund is pretty popular 🥰 or was, before he got his back surgery he kind of.. dissapeared for a bit
Oh sorry wrong queen it seems! Elizabeth II had corgis & corgi/doxie mix- the one I was looking for is Victoria (?.. im lost 😅 sorry mixing them up)
You’re right both Queens had Dachshunds and thank you for reminding me about little Crusoe, I will add him to the list. Thank you for stopping by.