With how long the history between dogs and humans runs, it’s no surprise that dogs have been featured in many forms of art and entertainment. The 1970s produced many memorable and iconic TV shows and sitcoms. Several of these shows have cast adorable dogs to play all kinds of roles. Our list of dogs on ‘70s TV shows will remind you of this feel-good era of television and leave you feeling nostalgic.
The 10 Dogs on TV Shows From the ‘70s
1. Lassie – Lassie
| Air Date: | 1954–1973 |
| Seasons: | 19 |
| Dog Breed: | Rough Collie |
Lassie is one of the most recognized and successful TV dogs. This beloved character was first developed in a short story by Eric Knight in 1938. Her popularity rose quickly, and a TV series surrounding Lassie’s adventures first aired in 1954.
The show ran for 19 seasons and had 591 episodes. Two movies were also filmed and released while the TV show aired. A total of six dogs acted as Lassie throughout the run of the show.
2. Tiger – The Brady Bunch
| Air Date: | 1969–1974 |
| Seasons: | 5 |
| Dog Breed: | Bearded Collie |
Tiger was the Brady family’s pet and starred in the first two seasons of the show. It’s speculated that he would play a more prominent role in the show, but his time was cut short when he died in a car accident.
A replacement dog was filmed for one episode, but they didn’t act well on the set. Eventually, the dog was used only in necessary scenes and was written out completely by the end of the second season.
3. Boot – Emergency!
| Air Date: | 1972–1977 |
| Seasons: | 6 |
| Dog Breed: | Mixed breed |
Boot is the first mascot of Fire Station 51 and made his first appearance in season two. He was a stray that wandered into the station and eventually grew on everyone there. He remained the mascot until the fifth season, when he died from natural causes.
Boot left a strong impression, as a new dog named Henry was introduced in the sixth season. Similar to Boot, Henry also walked into the station on his own. Henry was a Basset Hound.
The dog that played Boot had an acting gig before starring in Emergency! He was featured in an episode of The Virginian.
4. Flash – The Dukes of Hazzard
| Air Date: | 1979–1985 |
| Seasons: | 7 seasons |
| Dog Breed: | Basset Hound |
Flash is Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane’s Basset Hound. He was first introduced in the third season of the show and is portrayed as a lazy dog. Rosco loves and dotes on Flash and gives him the nickname “Velvet Ears.”
Flash was first referred to as a male dog but was changed to female in later episodes. She seems to be a judge of good character. Even though Rosco is constantly at odds with Bo and Luke Duke, Flash seems to like the Dukes. Flash also doesn’t like Rosco’s boss, Boss Hogg, and will bark at him frequently.
5. Spunky – Happy Days
| Air Date: | 1974–1984 |
| Seasons: | 11 |
| Dog Breed: | Fox Terrier |
Spunky is a Fox Terrier who appeared in two episodes of Happy Days. Spunky is Fonzie’s dog, and this dog has had writing inconsistencies similar to Flash in The Dukes of Hazzard. Spunky has been portrayed as a female dog in one episode and a male dog in another episode.
Even though Spunky was only featured in two episodes, the dog left a strong impression with the endearing scenes they shared with Fonzie and his friends.
6. Mrs. Chase’s Dog – Fawlty Towers
| Air Date: | 1975–1979 |
| Seasons: | 2 |
| Dog Breed: | Shih Tzu |
Fawlty Towers follows the lives of Basil Fawlty and his hotel staff as they run a dysfunctional hotel together. Each episode usually circles around comedic complications and setbacks that get in the way of Basil Fawlty’s goals of upscaling his hotel.
The episode “The Kipper and the Corpse,” features a feisty and spoiled Shih Tzu that belongs to one of the hotel guests. The plot is filled with the signature slapstick and dark humor that Fawlty Towers is known for.
7. Scooby-Doo – Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
| Air Date: | 1969–1978 |
| Seasons: | 3 |
| Dog Breed: | Great Dane |
The 1970s are known for featuring many iconic cartoon dog characters. One of the most widely recognized cartoon dogs of this era is Scooby-Doo. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! is the first of many cartoon series and movies featuring Scooby-Doo.
Scooby-Doo provides a friendly and silly presence to the cartoon episodes. Although he’s loyal, he’s quite cowardly, and he and Shaggy provide much-appreciated comedic breaks throughout each episode.
8. Underdog – Underdog
| Air Date: | 1964–1967 |
| Seasons: | 1 |
| Dog Breed: | Beagle |
While Underdog originally aired from 1964 to 1967, it continued to be a syndicated show on TV until 1973. This animated series began as an advertising campaign to sell General Mills breakfast cereal. Underdog experienced the classic underdog story trope and rose to unexpected popularity, and the series ran for 62 episodes.
Underdog is the superhero alter ego of Shoeshine Boy the Beagle. He’s a parody of Superman, and like Clark Kent, he will run to a telephone whenever a supervillain appears.
9. Spike – The Tom and Jerry Show
| Air Date: | 1975 |
| Seasons: | 1 |
| Dog Breed: | Bulldog |
Spike the Bulldog first appeared as an unnamed character in 1942 in the Tom and Jerry cartoon short. He was the antagonist in this short, and Tom and Jerry had to work together to evade him.
Spike’s relationships with Tom and Jerry would change depending on the short, but he’s been Jerry’s ally most of the time. He doesn’t particularly enjoy Tom because Tom often unintentionally interrupts his moments of indulgence and leisure or quality time with his son Tyke.
10. Snoopy – Peanuts
| Air Date: | 1965–Present |
| Seasons: | Multiple |
| Dog Breed: | Beagle |
Snoopy is a beloved cartoon character who’s recognized worldwide. This Beagle made his comic strip debut in 1950 and was one of the four original Peanuts characters. He’s been in many TV shows and movies over the decades, with the most recent holiday special being released in 2023.
Snoopy is known for his loyal and good-natured personality, and he’s most known for his imaginative fantasies. He’s had many alter egos, including The World War I Flying Ace, Masked Marvel, and Cheshire Beagle.
Summary
Many dogs have been featured in ‘70s TV shows. Some made guest appearances, while others played a more central role in a series. Although they may not have speaking roles, they’re still capable of leaving a significant mark on a show with their canine charisma. So, if you’re looking to watch a new TV show, consider going back in time and watching a ‘70s show that features a dog. You won’t be disappointed with any episodes that include a dog in them.
Featured Image Credit: Property of Peanuts. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
The 10 Dogs on TV Shows From the ‘70s
