Dogs have a hallowed place in human history as man’s best friend, and nowhere better immortalizes them than our favorite films. Real dogs have always had a big place in cinema, but special effects and CGI have allowed us to fall in love with numerous more animated dogs. Let’s celebrate these famous film dogs down below with a bit about each and the impact they’ve made on us as fans.
The 13 Most Famous Animated Dogs in Film History
1. Scooby Doo From the Scooby-Doo Film Series
What else can be said about the famous scaredy-dog that hasn’t already been said except “Zoinks?” Famous for his loyalty, courage, and ironically, fear, Scooby-Doo is an easygoing talking Great Dane who’s always at his best friend Shaggy’s side. Scooby-Doo is one of the most prolific animated dogs in film history, with over 30 movies to date and more on the way.
2. Pongo & Perdita From 101 Dalmatians
Two of the most famous animated dogs are none other than the Dalmatian parents themselves, Pongo and Perdita. With their huge litter of puppies stolen by the villainous Cruella de Ville, these brave and devoted Dalmatians proved their daring with breathtaking escapades in the name of rescuing their pups. The Dalmatians have gotten two movies, spinoffs, and countless cameos across Disney IPs.
3. Goofy From A Goofy Movie
The lovable, clumsy Goofy always tops the charts of famous dogs, though his first major film role in A Goofy Movie was as a well-meaning clutz who struggled to connect with his son Max. Goofy’s dangerously hilarious shenanigans steal the show and cement his place in animated dog history forever. Sadly, Goofy hasn’t gotten any more movies of his own since.
4. Tramp From The Lady and the Tramp
The charismatic and carefree Tramp in The Lady and the Tramp was living his best life when a chance encounter with housedog Lady changed the trajectory of his life forever. Though the movie was made in 1955, Tramp and Lady’s romantic adventures so charmed audiences that they’re still famous to this day.
5. Odie From the Garfield Film Series
The bubbly but not-so-bright Odie always brings a smile to audiences, and this remained true even when Odie crossed animated film boundaries to star in live-action. Odie remains a thorn in the lazy, sharp-tongued Garfield’s side even after all these decades of lasagna-related mischief.
6. Copper From The Fox and the Hound
Copper the young hound makes friends with a fox named Tod in this enduring Disney animated classic, but bring tissues if you plan on this movie for family night! Copper and Tod’s friendship against all odds is a childhood staple for many, despite the tearjerker ending.
7. Zero From A Nightmare Before Christmas
The mysteriously whimsical Zero may not be any type of dog we recognize, but his easy charm and steadfast loyalty to Jack Skellington earn him a spot on this list. Zero is one of the ultimate Halloween costumes for dogs, too, so how could he not be included?
8. Clifford From Clifford the Big Red Dog
Everyone’s favorite big red dog is known for his books and TV show, but he’s made both animated and live-action films too. Clifford is always found with his owner Emily-Elizabeth, whose love magically made Clifford grow to his staggering size in the first place.
9. Dug From Up!
The electronically enhanced and vocal Dug from the bittersweet Up! is beloved for his earnest, happy-go-lucky antics, if not his brains. Dug is a newer but instantly recognizable animated dog that audiences instantly became smitten with after the film swept through the world.
10. Charlie From All Dogs Go to Heaven
No list of famous animated dogs in film would be complete without the daring, reckless Charlie B. Barkins, voiced by none other than legendary actor Burt Reynolds. In the film, Charlie breaks out of heaven to search for his former business partner but learns the meaning of love and family from a girl named Anne-Marie.
11. Max From The Grinch Steals Christmas
The faithful Max from holiday classic The Grinch Steals Christmas tries to steer his grumpy green master in a nicer direction but never gets the credit he deserves until the end. Max doesn’t speak but he doesn’t need to—his expressive actions make his heart of gold and love for his master obvious to everyone.
12. Dodger From Oliver and Company
The whip-smart, street-wise Dodger voiced by Billy Joel is an underrated animated dog film star, mainly remembered for his mustache and cunning skill as a pickpocket. Dodger is actually a lovable canine interpretation of a character from Dickens’s Oliver Twist: The Artful Dodger.
13. Krypto From DC League of Super-Pets
Krypto is a Kryptonian dog known as the dog of DC’s Superman, a dog imbued with similar powers to the caped hero himself. Krypto has been featured in countless Superman comics and TV shows over the years but became a film star in his own right when he was voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2022’s DC League of Super-Pets.
Final Thoughts
Dogs have been with humans since before recorded history, and we wager their place in Hollywood is far from over. From the most famous icons like Scooby-Doo and the less-appreciated good boys like Dodger, there’s a dog on this list that everyone has smiled and laughed at one time or another.
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Contents
- The 13 Most Famous Animated Dogs in Film History
- 1. Scooby Doo From the Scooby-Doo Film Series
- 2. Pongo & Perdita From 101 Dalmatians
- 3. Goofy From A Goofy Movie
- 4. Tramp From The Lady and the Tramp
- 5. Odie From the Garfield Film Series
- 6. Copper From The Fox and the Hound
- 7. Zero From A Nightmare Before Christmas
- 8. Clifford From Clifford the Big Red Dog
- 9. Dug From Up!
- 10. Charlie From All Dogs Go to Heaven
- 11. Max From The Grinch Steals Christmas
- 12. Dodger From Oliver and Company
- 13. Krypto From DC League of Super-Pets
- Final Thoughts
