If you’re anything like us, then you probably have your own favorite heart-warming dog tale. Be it fictional or factual, the best dog stories are about canines who have done something extraordinary, have many endearing qualities or, usually, both. Since there are far too many famous dogs out there worthy of recognition, we’ve narrowed in down to just 6. Sorry if your favorite was left out!
1. Lassie
Lassie is probably the most timeless famous dog of them all. With something like 12 films and 3 television series staring the world’s favorite wonder-dog, it’s hard to think of a more popular animal in show business. Especially popular is the original incarnation of Lassie, actually named Pal, who stared in the first 6 films and is still the dog people picture today. There are also novels, short stories and picture books about her.
Young and old alike hold Lassie, the female collie dog, in high regard for her endless devotion to humankind. Stuck in the snow? Call Lassie! Stuck in a well? Call Lassie! In need of a pick-me-up after a long day? Call Lassie! The next time your heart is feeling cold, put on one of the many iterations of Lassie from over the years and it will be sure to warm your heart.
2. Canine Rescue Team, 9/11
The more than 400 search and rescue (SAR) dogs at Ground Zero are about as real as it gets. In the hours and days after the tragedy, these valiant animals surveyed the wreckage and assisted in finding at least 11 survivors. This was the largest deployment of SAR dogs in U.S. history, and these dogs worked 12-hour days while also serving as therapy dogs for the workers, an incredible feat that is worthy of our remembrance. When it comes to these superpups, we must never forget.
3. Rin Tin Tin
Before Lassie, there was Rin Tin Tin, a silent film star who appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Fun fact: Rin Tin Tin got the most votes for Academy Aware for Best Actor in 1929, but the Academy decided that a human should probably win the award. Also, if you own a German Shepherd today, it might have something to do with Rin Tin Tin, the dog who popularized them as a breed almost 100 years ago!
4. Laika, the First Dog in Space
In 1957, Laika became the first animal to orbit the Earth. Hailing and launched from the Soviet Union, Laika is still remembered today as “the space dog.” Her breed was a mongrel, and it is thought that she was possibly part-husky and part-terrier, among other breeds.
5. Scooby-Doo
Adults and meddling kids alike have been laughing at Scooby-Doo, the talking, crime-solving cartoon dog, since 1969. The original Scooby-Doo, Where are You! is most certainly a comedy classic, and anyone who says otherwise is a mystery.
When it comes to longevity, few cartoons can compete with Scoob. Check out these impressive numbers: 12 different television series, 2 live-action box office releases, 8 television specials, 2 live-action telefilms, 22 direct-to-video films, 3 stage plays and 17 video games! Jinkies, that’s a lot to digest!
6. Air Bud
As far as heart-warming cinema goes, not too many films can compete with the Air Bud series. From the wildly popular original to Golden Receiver to Seventh Inning Fetch, kids and sports lovers alike can’t get enough of everyone’s favorite golden retriever. Today, the Air Bud legacy lives on with the Air Buddies films focusing on Buddy’s puppies.
So there you have it – 6 informational profiles of 6 highly influential dogs! While your dog isn’t world famous or a movie star, you should still make sure it gets the care it deserves even when you’re not around. To ensure your dog gets the proper amount of exercise, let your local dog walking experts at Top Tails keep your dog mobile (with a healthy dog, you’ll spend less on veterinary bills!)during the day when you’re at work and when you’re on vacation. We’d love to hear from you!