Dogs have really hijacked our lives in the best of ways! They have inspired us to create many masterpieces centered around the companionship they offer to us humans. When it comes to comic books, TV, and film, there are several different dogs that appear to us.

We think that the faces on this list will be instantly recognizable for most of you, although you might have forgotten about or have never heard of a few. Below are 30 of the best cartoon dog characters in history.

The 30 Famous Cartoon Dogs from Comic Books, TV, & Film

1. Scooby Doo

Scooby Doo is likely one of the very first cartoon pooches you think of on the big screen. Scooby-Dooby-Doo is a big, goofy Great Dane with a scaredy cat persona—and he’s in the wrong line of business!

This frightened pup accompanies his pals—Shaggy, Daphne, Fred, Velma, and sometimes Scrappy Doo, to solve the most seemingly paranormal events in their van, the Mystery Machine. It has remained a timeless cartoon with generations of fans.

Scooby is a favorite for sure!

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2. Snoopy

Snoopy is certainly one of the most famous cartoon dogs in history. This Beagle from the classic hit Peanuts might not talk, but his presence speaks volumes. He’s in all the Peanuts cartoons, from “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” to every episode in between; Snoopy steals the show!

Peanuts is a beloved, family-friendly cartoon that features Charlie Brown, Lucy, Patti, Linus, and a slew of other little children, combining clean comedy with musical fun. These adorable little kiddos are always on to the next adventure.

We all could agree that the show wouldn’t be the same without Snoopy!

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3. Courage the Cowardly Dog

Courage the Cowardly Dog is a scared little pooch that just can’t handle life on the farm. He sees the oddest goings-on and has no one to believe him! While Muriel might be on his side, Eustace will grumble about everything from his rocker, waving that cane around!

A Cartoon Network favorite, many kiddos grew up with this show and it is among the most famous dog-featured animations of all time. Unlike Scooby Doo, Courage has real reasons to be afraid, and he shows it all the time.

How does this little bundle of nerves survive?

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4. Pluto

Pluto is a Disney favorite—and a peculiar one at that. Pluto plays a classic dog, walks on all fours, can’t talk, and is man’s best friend. However, Goofy is also a dog, but is for some reason anthropomorphic.

It might not even dawn on you how old the character Pluto is. Walt Disney created this character in 1930, modeling him after dogs he knew during his upbringing on his childhood farm. He certainly took hold, changing much over the passing years.

Pluto is certainly a character that Disney films just wouldn’t have been the same without!

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5. Goofy

Goofy is a face everyone can recognize! We talked a little bit about him above, but Goofy is another Disney icon. He is an anthropomorphic dog that has a fun-loving, well, goofy personality.

Goofy is a friend of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and many other Disney originals. He was even a star in his own films—like A Goofy Movie where he and his son Max hit the open road.

While his solo popularity soared most in the 90s, he’s still a popular pup today.

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6. Brian Griffin

Brian Griffin took the world by storm when Family Guy hit the screen in January of 1999. This is another anthropomorphic dog that has a rather dry sense of humor and realizes that he’s the smartest member of the family.

Brian and Stewie are the real duo, constantly getting into trouble. Brian is always getting everybody out of trouble, having to be the voice of reason in the home. Family Guy has quite a cult following and continues to be popular today.

According to a vote, Brian Griffin is the second most popular Family Guy character.

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7. Clifford

Clifford the Big Red Dog is the stuff of childhood nostalgia. This large red canine is a beginning reader tool for many children even to this day. It was so imaginative to see such a large dog in the pages of a colorful storybook, and eventually on our screens in TV shows and films.

A Bloodhound originally inspired Clifford but many speculate that he has characteristics of the Vizsla. However, the creator stated that he learned from all sorts of different canines to create this phenomenal character.

Clifford will forever stick in the minds of our inner child!

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8. Spike

Were any of you ever a Rugrats fan? If you watch Nickelodeon, chances are you have seen this fun-loving series. In the show, the family dog is Spike. He is a fictional breed called the Siberian Tiger Hound—though we certainly wish that were a real thing!

Spike was always the one hanging around to protect the children. He saw things even their parents did not and kept them out of danger. And they were certainly always getting into a bundle of toddler trouble.

You could always count on an old reliable Spike when times got tough.

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9. Droopy

Droopy—the dog with the classic slow drawl, typical of what you would imagine a Basset Hound would sound like. Droopy might be slow-moving, but he certainly was wildly entertaining. Droopy’s deadpan demeanor was modeled after the character Wallace Wimple.

Bill Thompson actually played both Droopy and Mr. Wimple, although there have been some voice-acting changes throughout the years. Droopy was the longest-lasting character in MGM history.

Who doesn’t love his saggy eyes and long draw?

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10. Odie

The classic Garfield is a timeless cartoon that has aged wonderfully over the years. Odie is the well-behaved, good-natured Beagle mix featured in films and comic strips alike. Despite all of Garfield’s shenanigans, he is always an enthusiastic pooch.

It might not be quite clear why Garfield, the fat pizza-loving cat, got to talk up a storm while Odie was silent—but his presence in the cartoon is no less relevant.

And did you know? Odie’s original name was ‘Spot,’ but we like Odie better—how about you?

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11. Gromit

Gromit is a wonderful Beagle that plays Wallace’s best pal in Wallace and Gromit. There are many films, and in each one, Gromit plays a key role. He might not have a voice, but his body language speaks volumes.

Wallace is known for being a little harebrained at times. Gromit is certainly the voice of reason. One thing is for sure, this loyal and devoted companion sticks by his master’s side.

Did you know that he also graduated from Dogwarts University?

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12. Slinky

Slinky is everybody’s favorite slow-moving, slinky-style wiener dog in the hit movie Toy Story. He’s a part of many children’s childhood memories, playing a vital role as Woody’s loyal companion. He is always a friend along for the ride, no matter the danger.

Slinky was actually, and possibly surprisingly, voiced by two different actors. The 1st is the late Jim Varney. When he passed away, the torch was passed to another great actor and comedian, Blake Clark.

There’s one thing for certain, everyone loves Slinky!

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13. Huckleberry Hound

Huckleberry Hound might look quite familiar—he is an anthropomorphic bloodhound with a darling southern drawl. The same man responsible for so many wonderful cartoon characters, Tex Avery, created the character—named after the famous Huckleberry Finn.

He also appeared in several other shows, including as an antagonist to the famous Droopy. Funny enough, Huckleberry was originally a very loud, chatty, and enthusiastic circus showman. As the show progressed, his voice changed tremendously, becoming much calmer and more drawn out.

Huckleberry Hound might have been tone-deaf, but he loved singing “Oh My Darling Clementine.”

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14. Astro

Astro is the loyal companion in the quirky futuristic cartoon The Jetsons. He is technically owned by the son, Elroy. Astro is an outgoing, attention-seeking pooch. He left his life of luxury living with a billionaire to come live with the Jetsons instead.

Astro’s favorite pastime is walking on the floating treadmill out in space. He also loves showering his father, Geroge, with affection every chance he gets.

Astro certainly tries to be a good boy!

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15. Balto

Balto might be a famous cartoon, but did you know that it was based on a true story? In 1919, an Alaskan sled dog named Balto became famous for leading the pack to the rescue in Nome, Alaska. Balto, along with his team, supplied diphtheria antitoxin serum to those in need.

In 1995, filmmaker Simon Wells produced the cartoon version of Balto to retell this amazing story. Balto was voiced by the famous actor Kevin Bacon and quickly turned into a 90s kid’s classic.

With a storyline like this, it makes us wonder if we even deserve dogs? They’re amazing!

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16. Blue

Blue’s Clues is such an adorable show that has really changed and developed over the years. The baseline story is that Blue hides things and then gives very specific visual cues so that her owner can figure it out.

Naturally, they have to sit in the thinking chair to give it a really good pondering before asking the audience to help them figure out what it all means. This is an uplifting, fun little mystery show that can be very interactive for small children.

Blue might not talk, but she has the cutest vocalizations!

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17. Jake the Dog

Jake the Dog is a shapeshifter/dog hybrid considered a magical dog. He is Finn’s companion and adoptive brother in the show Adventure Time.

As the story develops over time, in the film Adventure Time: Distant Lands special “Together Again”, Jake is reunited with his friend Finn who has finally died of old age. So, the two of them are together long after death.

Adventure Time just wouldn’t be the same without Jake, all fans could agree.

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18. Kyle

Kyle is the small, fierce little pup from the hit animation Despicable Me. He belonged to Gru long before the three girls ever entered the home, but winds up taking a shine to little Agnes. He might have been hard to convince at first, but the girls melted his hard heart.

It is rumored that Kyle is the cross of a piranha and a dog—and we can totally see it!  Kyle’s underbite displaying his vicious fangs certainly speaks for itself.

What you might not have noticed is that Gru and Kyle make a cameo at a dog park in the hit film The Secret Life of Pets.

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19. Peabody

Mr.Peabody is an anthropomorphic dog that was created in the late 1950s. Since then, he has appeared in many films, including Rocky and Bullwinkle. This dog is rumored to be the smartest being in existence, as he graduated Harvard when he was only 3 years old.

After his Rocky and Bullwinkle days, Mr. Peabody meets a child named Sherman, who he adopts. Peabody and Sherman go into the Wayback Time Machine to meet various historical figures to help them with modern-day troubles.

Mr. Peabody is still a recognizable face today.

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20. Copper

Copper is everyone’s favorite hound dog. Debuting in Disney’s The Fox and the Hound, little Copper is ready to be trained to be the best hunting dog in the world! He unsuspectingly meets the neighbor’s little fox named Todd.

The two of them share an irreplaceable friendship until it comes time for Copper to do what he was bred to do: hunt! It’s a real turning point in the story and can be a very heartbreaking tale, but in the end, friendship prevails.

This little movie can melt the hardest hearts.

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21. Dante

Dante is a Mexican Hairless dog, otherwise known as a Xolo. In the movie Coco, It might seem like he’s just a hair-brained street dog, but he turns out to be Miguel’s spirit animal. He helps him to navigate the afterlife, even though it seems like he’s not really doing much of anything.

This silly pooch looks at life with a glass-half-full approach. And despite Miguel’s family not wanting him to have Dante, he sticks around with persistence, and earns his place in the end.

He might not be as fierce as some of the other spirit animals in the movie, but he certainly protects Miguel on his journey to the afterlife.

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22. Pongo

101 Dalmatians really gave this breed a voice in the 1960s! Pongo was the father of the original litter alongside his wife Perdita. Together, they search for their lost pups and don’t give up the fight!

While it might seem like this was a positive thing, it led to the overbreeding and homelessness of many Dalmatians. Since this energetic, sometimes deaf breed did not meet the expectations of owners based on the film, they were placed in shelters.

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23. Muttley

Muttley is most well-known for his mischievous snicker. Alongside his villainous owner, Dick Dastardly, these two appear as a duo in films dating back to the late 1960s. According to sources, he is a mixed breed with hints of Bloodhound, Pointer, Airedale Terrier, and hunting dog.

His body shape was modeled after a tank-style vacuum cleaner, and we can really see the resemblance.

Muttley is often confused with another dog named Mumbly. They share many of the same mannerisms and physical traits, but they are very different dogs!

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24. Bolt

Bolt is the animated White Swiss Shepherd Dog that is the star of the show of the same name. When this little action actor leaves the set and gets lost by mistake, his world gets turned upside-down as he learns to navigate the real world.

Bolt changes tremendously throughout the show. He transforms from an egotistical, delusional dog to an authentic character and must learn the hard way.

You could say the movie is about humbling oneself.

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25. Dino

You might see the name Dino and think—what a minute! He isn’t a dog. Technically you’re right, but hear us out. This Flintstones star lives with Wilma and Fred Flintstone and takes on the role of the family pet. So, while he’s a Snorkasaurus, he’s a prehistoric version of a dog!

Dino is incredibly loyal and protective, but he can be a little overly emotional sometimes. He loves to jump all over Fred just like our canine companions would, licking his face all over. However, he’s quick to cry when Fred rejects his affections.

You could say Dino paved the way for modern-day pups!

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26. Santa’s Little Helper

Santa’s Little Helper is the fictional dog in the long-running show The Simpsons. He is a Greyhound, hence his bony, lanky appearance. He was first introduced to the show in “The Simpsons Christmas Special” in 1989.

Santa’s Little Helper is a frequent character in the show, and he’s even been the center of attention in some. The family hasn’t always treated him kindly, but they always seem to come around eventually.

Santa’s Little Helper was never supposed to be an original character but integrated so well, they kept him on!

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27. Zero

Zero is everyone’s favorite ghost dog, playing the main pal in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Zero is Jack’s right-hand ghost dog, always at his side at every turn. Zero might not have a voice, but his presence radiates throughout the film.

At the end of Zero’s snout, he has an adorable pumpkin-shaped nose that lights up the darkness. It makes him the light in the darkness of Halloween Town. He and the Pumpkin King are totally inseparable; he’s one loyal companion.

Zero is an unforgettable character, and many fans claim that he’s their favorite.

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28. Sparky Frankenstein

Sparky Frankenstein is a creation by Tim Burton for his hit film Frankenweenie. This adorable patched-together Bull Terrier gets a second chance at life thanks to his pal Victor. This strange sci-fi film surely didn’t let down Tim Burton fans.

Although most people are likely familiar with the new animated version of Frankenweenie, it was originally a 1984 film with a real dog. Essentially, Sparky is hit by a car, and Victor brings him back to life with the power of electricity.

Isn’t this little canine Frankenstein the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?

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29. Charlie

All Dogs Go to Heaven is a real classic with such a fun storyline. Charlie is the sly, cunning bad dog turned good thanks to the love from little Ann Marie. Initially, Charlie is killed by who he thought was his friend, Carface.

When Charlie makes it to heaven, he winds back the clock and re-enters his life on Earth. While it seems that he can never go back to heaven, his good deeds end up paying off and he earns his spot back.

It is a very heartwarming and fun-loving movie for the whole family.

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30. Ren

Did you know that Ren in Ren and Stimpy is a dog? Yes, we realize it’s difficult to recognize. But he is actually an “asthma hound” or Chihuahua. Even though he constantly refers to him as an “eediot,” Ren is always with his best pal Stimpy.

The difference between these two characters is pretty astronomical. Ren is certainly the more intelligent of the two. Well, Stimpy is a goofy pup that doesn’t catch on too quickly. While Ren is always slapping Stimpy around, you can’t have one without the other.

Ren and Stimpy was a Cartoon Network classic!

Conclusion

Most of these adorable cartoon canine faces will probably look extremely familiar to you! Some of them you might have forgotten about over the years and others you still might see daily.

One thing is for sure; dogs have certainly inspired us throughout history and given us prime entertainment. There are certainly a lot of famous dogs. Which of these classics are your favorite?

See Also:

• 10 Dogs in Literature That Are Famous from Books
• 13 Dogs in Animated Films: Famous Characters to Enjoy

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