In Honor of National Dog Day, a List of the Most Beloved TV Dogs
Today marks Dog Day (August 26)… although shouldn’t it be celebrated every day? As a dog lover myself, I certainly hug my pups tight every day. Did you know that hugging your dog or even looking them in the eyes can release a neurotransmitter called oxytocin? Oxytocin is often called the love hormone because it gives you feelings of happiness and love. National Dog Day was Founded in 2004 by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige to help bring awareness to dogs that need to be rescued.
In honor of the day, let’s take a look back on some of the most beloved dogs that have graced your television screens. Of course, there are many more that couldn’t make this list, so tell me your favorites and let us know if we should do another list for movies or cartoons!
Scooby-Doo
Everett Collection
Perhaps the most recognized cartoon dog of all time, Scooby-Doo proved that you can be both brave and scared at the same time. A crime-fighting pup who helps his human friends uncover the bad guys, he has been around since the 1960s and still continues to star in new movies and television shows today. “I would have gotten away with it too if it weren’t for you meddling kids and your darn dog too!”
Lassie
Everett Collection
Perhaps the most heroic and well-behaved dog of all time, Lassie was always helping Timmy when he got into trouble. Lassie aired on television from 1954-1974 but has become synonymous with the beautiful collie breed.
Rin Tin Tin
Everett Collection
All of these dogs may be very famous, but Rin Tin Tin is perhaps the first most famous dog in the world. He was a German Shepherd rescued from a World War I battlefield by an American soldier named Lee Duncan. Duncan trained Rin Tin Tin and got him cast in several silent films. After the original pup died in 1932, the name was given to several dogs on television, movies, and radio including the 1950s series The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin.
Wishbone
Big Feats! Entertainment/Everett Collection
Wishbone followed a dog by the same name who relives famous literature in the form of daydreams and adorable outfits. The show aired from 1995 until 1997 and inspired over 50 books. After the show’s cancellation, the TV movie Wishbone’s Dog Days of the West aired. Truly an adorable and educational show and being a dog and book lover since I was a little kid, of course, it was one of my favorites!
Comet
Warner Bros./Everett Collection
Golden retrievers are often considered the best family dog and Comet truly proved that on Full House. He was introduced during season three and became part of the family, often following around little Michelle. I will never forget the episode “Comet’s Big Adventure” where he runs away and as a ’90s kid, I was so anxious he would never return. Of course, Full House always had a happy ending so Comet came back home safe and sound to the Tanners. His offspring Cosmo appeared in Fuller House.
Petey
Universal Pictures/Everett Collection
Petey always protected the Little Rascals in all of their adventures. Best known for the ring around his eye, he was surely a loyal pup. He was often called a “nanny dog” because he followed the kids around and often entertained them.
Eddie
NBC/Everett Collection
Frasier Crane’s father Martin had a Jack Russell Terrier named Eddie. Frasier often got annoyed at the dog because he would only obey Martin and loved to stare at Frasier. Eddie was played by a famous dog named Moose (find out what happened to Moose and the rest of the Frasier cast).
Tell us about your favorite TV dog (or your dog) in the comments!
Kid Stuff
June 2018
Unleash your inner child by reliving your favorite kids TV shows, cartoons, toys and more!
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