Dogs seem to have an almost magical way of pawing their way into our hearts, whether in our homes or on the small screen. In fact, some dogs on TV have become regular household names!
There are plenty of well-known TV dogs who left their mark on showbiz who we couldn't possibly forget. Let's take a closer look at some of our memorable furry friends who have become just as (if not more) famous than their on-screen costars!
Famous TV Dogs
Lassie from "Lassie"
If there's one dog who epitomizes the term "hero," it's Lassie. This gorgeous Rough Collie starred in her own TV series (though she was always played on-screen by male dogs, go figure), saving lives and solving problems with extraordinary intelligence and bravery. Lassie's main on-screen adventures captivated audiences from 1954 to 1973, though she made a reappearance in the 2014-19 The New Adventures of Lassie. She was also the only animal star to make it on show business journal ‘Variety’s “100 Icons of the Century” back in 2005!
Santa's Little Helper from "The Simpsons"
Steering into the animated side of things, we have Santa's Little Helper. This derpy-eyed Greyhound star from The Simpsons has been a part of the family since the first season all the way back in 1989. He’s been one of only a few pets the Simpsons have kept their entire run, alongside Snowball the cat, and his antics have been absolutely legendary the entire time.
Eddie from "Frasier"
Eddie, the Jack Russell Terrier, was an absolute scene-stealer on "Frasier." Played by the talented dog actor Moose (and later his son Enzo), this playful pup was known for his comedic timing, which made him a clear audience favorite. He reportedly got more fanmail than most of, if not all, of the cast! From giving Frasier a stare-down over his favorite seat to causing a whole bunch of mischief throughout the apartment, Eddie was the perfect accompaniment to the already hilarious cast.
Comet from "Full House"
Comet, the Golden Retriever from Full House, was pretty much what comes to mind when we think of the perfect family pet. Always there to lend a paw or a comforting presence, Comet was an integral part of the Tanner family. The actor who played Comet, accurately named ‘Buddy’, was actually found as a stray. After starring in the Tanner household, he went on to be the star of Disney’s ‘Air Bud’ before passing away of synovial cell carcinoma when he was around 10 years old.
Brian from "Family Guy"
Now, we will be the first to say it... Brian, the talking dog from "Family Guy," is not your typical family pet. He’s got enough dry wit to compete with the Sahara (and keep up with Stewie), meaning the poor guy is often left to be the ‘voice of reason’ in the dysfunctional Griffin family. More than just a sidekick, Brian is a much-needed breath of fresh air when the whole family looks sort of like a tire fire.
Rin Tin Tin from "Rin Tin Tin"
Rin Tin Tin is another legendary name in the world of TV dogs. Even people who have never seen his show will at least recognize the name. The original Rin Tin Tin was rescued by an American soldier from a bombed-out German kennel and went on to star in over two dozen movies before passing away. His story, however, continued to grow, and various German Shepherds followed in his paw steps to star in The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, which was much beloved by people of all ages back in the 1950s.
Scooby-Doo from "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?"
No list of famous TV dogs would be complete without at least mentioning Scooby-Doo. This animated Great Dane, along with his human friends, solved a ton of different mysteries involving ghosts, ghouls, and all sorts of baddies from 1969 up until… well, current day! He’s been a huge symbol of childhood for so many people. You can probably count the number of times you've hummed along as soon as his theme song starts playing.
Wishbone from "Wishbone"
This Jack Russell Terrier had a total flair for the dramatic and brought classic literature to life in a way kids could understand and enjoy! Each episode of his titular show had the adorable pup imagining himself as the lead character in stories ranging from “Romeo and Juliet” to “The Odyssey” and everything in between. He helped make learning… actually fun, which we wish we could say about other things!
Blue from "Blue's Clues"
Another pup who helped teach us valuable lessons about life and friendship was Blue. Blue’s Clues continues to be an amazing popular television show where young viewers get to play along, solving all sorts of interactive puzzles with the pawprint clues she left behind. Her genuinely friendly nature and need to discover, explore, and learn makes her a huge hit with preschoolers (and their parents).
Bluey from "Bluey"
Finally, we couldn’t end this list without giving a nod to a more recent fan favorite that hit the screen with an absolute splash. Bluey is an insanely popular show due in no small part to its ‘lead,’ Bluey the Australian Cattle Dog. With a family willing to go all-in on her imaginative adventures, kids and parents alike can explore emotions in a way that's freeing, honest, and totally relatable. The show covers topics like infertility, depression, neurodiversity, and so much more in a way that allows parents to have actual conversations with their kids on their level, Bluey is a real gem!
These TV Dogs Will Never Be Forgotten
In the end, these famous dogs have entertained us time and time again over the years and decades. They’ve earned their place in our hearts and will continue to captivate viewers for years to come. Whether you grew up with Rin Tin Tin and Lassie or made new friends with Bluey and Brian, we think that everyone can appreciate these famous and precious pups.
