TV’s Top Dogs: The Most Beloved Canines on The Small Screen
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. In honor of the day, let’s take a look back on some of the most beloved dogs that have graced your television screens.
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 1969 starting with Scooby-Doo Where Are You! 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 – Lassie
John R. Hamilton/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection
Perhaps the most heroic and well-behaved dog of all time, Lassie was always helping Timmy when he got into trouble. Lassie starred June Lockhart and Jon Provost in the early years and aired on television from 1954-1974 but has become synonymous with the beautiful collie breed.
Rin Tin Tin – The Adventures of 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.
Dino – The Flintstones
Everett Collection
Everybody’s favorite high-pitched, yapping, purple pet snorkasaurus was owned by Fred and Wilma and made his way into our hearts on October 21, 1960, in episode 4, “No Help Wanted” and was originally broadcast in BW.
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 – Full House
Warner Bros./Courtesy: 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 (played by the Olson Twins). 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 – Little Rascals (Our Gang)
Everett Collection
Petey always protected the gang Little Rascals in all of their adventures ever since 1922. 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 – Fraiser
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).
Santa’s Little Helper – The Simpsons
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy: Everett Collection
The cute little racing Greyhound that was kicked to the curb for losing a race on Christmas Eve was adopted by Bart and Homer. He has been a member of the Simpsons family since he appeared in the very first episode on Dec. 17, 1989. Unlike Snowball the cat who has been replaced numerous times.
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?
Kid Stuff
June 2018
Unleash your inner child by reliving your favorite kids TV shows, cartoons, toys and more!
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