The Best and Most Pawsome Dogs in Pop Culture

Originally published on August 26, 2026. This article lists the top 10 fictional dogs across pop culture.

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Dogs make everything better. That’s just a fact. Of course, they need to have a proper place in a story like any character. The best movies, television series, comics, and more include dogs as more than props. In a few instances, these dogs are also the protagonists themselves. So, with an abundance of furry friends and canine companions across pop culture, can we narrow down the best fictional dogs of all time?

And hey, we know they’re all good dogs, Brent. But only 10 of them can be the best. Learn more about them below.

10 Best Fictional Dogs:

• Scooby Doo
• Krypto
• Snoopy
• Pluto
• Toto
• Bluey
• Cujo
• Buddy
• Clifford
• Cinnamoroll

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Scooby Doo

• Brand: Scooby-Doo!
• First Appearance Year: 1969

The talking animated Great Dane named Scooby Doo has been in our hearts since the late ’60s. Alongside Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred, Scooby Doo solves mysteries and investigates supposedly supernatural happenings all over the world. Of course, Scooby is also a bit of a scaredy-cat. But that doesn’t stop him from making vital discoveries and helping the Mystery, Inc. Gang stay together. Just keep a few Scooby Snacks handy for when things get too serious.

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Krypto

• Brand: DC
• First Appearance Year: 1955

Our next entry is going pup, pup, and away! Krypto the Super-Dog has been Superman’s canine companion from Smallville and beyond. He has many of the same powers as Clark Kent and Kara Zor-El, including super strength, speed, and stamina. While this makes Krypto an awesome ally in battle, it can also make for an unruly animal. Good thing Krypto has an entire farm — and sometimes outer space — to fly around.

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Snoopy

• Brand: Peanuts
• First Appearance Year: 1950

Snoopy — or Esnupi, to the Spanish-speaking readers as well as meme-loving social media crowd — is a beloved beagle from Peanuts. Although Snoopy originated in a comic strip, he has since made his debut in film and television specials, as well as on tons of merchandise. While Charlie Brown technically owns Snoopy, Snoopy is anthropomorphic and has plenty of his own agency, as demonstrated by his constant antics and wonderful playtime scenes with his buddy Woodstock.

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Pluto

• Brand: Disney
• First Appearance Year: 1930

Pluto is a yellow-orange mixed-breed dog and Mickey Mouse’s pet. The dog was originally unnamed, and then called Rover, before becoming Pluto in 1931. He is also one of the “Sensational Six” Disney characters, meaning one of the biggest stars in the Disney universe; the others are of course Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy. All of the others are more human in appearance and personality. Pluto, however, is simply a dog with very expressive ears and eyebrows.

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Toto

• Brand: The Wizard of Oz
• First Appearance Year: 1939

Dorothy Gale isn’t the only one who followed the entire Yellow Brick Road. Toto, a feisty terrier, also made that journey. While Toto’s short legs could only take him so far, and he did have to rest in Dorothy’s basket, this lovable pup protected his owner as much as he could from Flying Monkeys and Wicked Witches. Toto was even such a nuisance to the Wicked Witch of the West that her famous threat ends with her swearing to get Dorothy — and her little dog, too!

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Bluey

• Brand: Bluey
• First Appearance Year: 2018

Bluey is a curious blue heeler puppy navigating the difficulties of growing up. Energetic, imaginative, and extroverted, this six-year-old lives with her mom, dad, and little sister Bingo. The animated series follows Bluey while she grows up in Australia, teaching young viewers valuable life lessons about family, friendship, and culture. While Bluey is mostly aimed at preschool children, its emotional resonance has gained the show a cult following with fans of all ages.

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Cujo

• Brand: Cujo
• First Appearance Year: 1983

Now, we did say they’re all good dogs. However, you might want to seek shelter if Cujo is anywhere nearby. One of Stephen King’s many horror icons, Cujo is a family St. Bernard whose sad transformation is triggered by a rabid bat bite. Cujo’s mauling, murderous rampage is visceral and unsettling to witness in both page and screen alike. And it could be especially scary for anyone suffering from cynophobia.

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Buddy

• Brand: Air Bud
• First Appearance Year: 1997

Golden retrievers are often referred to as ideal family pets. They have gentle dispositions and are easy enough to train. No wonder, then, Buddy the golden retriever has such incredible sportsmanship. Originally released in the late ’90s, Air Bud follows a runaway dog named Buddy who can play basketball. Subsequent sequels and spinoffs show Buddy mastering football and other sports, as well. This Disney live-action dog will return with a new comedy/drama/sports movie called Air Bud Returns, set for 2027 (announced at D23).

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Clifford

• Brand: Clifford the Big Red Dog
• First Appearance Year: 1963

We all know somebody who got a tiny puppy that grew into an enormous dog. Clifford, however, takes the cake (pun very much intended). The character began in a children’s book series about an eight year old, Emily Elizabeth, and her gigantic red dog Clifford with a heart overflowing with love. Later, Clifford and Emily featured in television shows and animated movies. Clifford also became so popular that he is the official mascot of the Scholastic Corporation.

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Cinnamoroll

• Brand: Sanrio
• First Appearance Year: 2001

Yes, Cinnamoroll is actually a dog. He is not a bunny rabbit, despite his floppy ears and white coat. One of Sanrio’s main characters (like Hello Kitty), Cinnamoroll is a shy puppy who loves to take long naps after playing. His big ears help him fly through the air — but extra balloons really make him buoyant! He lives at Café Cinnamon and is friends with the minor characters Milk, Mocha, and Chiffon.

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Woof! That’s a long list, and top 10 doesn’t even begin to cover all the adorable animals in our favorite fandoms. So, who’s your favorite pop culture pup? Did we leave them in the kennel? Share your furry faves at side.show/geekgroup and in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!