Top 10 Most Famous Animated Dog Characters – Purebred Breeders

Canines are a big part of human existence. In fact, they seem to have a place in almost everything we do, experience, or enjoy. It is not surprising, therefore, that some of our favorite characters spanning decades are dogs, whether real of animated. Below is a list of the Purebred Breeders team’s 10 favorite animated dogs and some simple or strange facts we love about them.

1.    Snoopy from the comic strip “Peanuts” has been around since the 1950’s and is presented as a Beagle. He is the dog of Charlie Brown and a very good pilot who walks on his two hind legs. For this he has the tendency of pretending to be a person and sometimes forgets he is a dog. Because of his "fame" of being a pilot, Snoopy is the official mascot of aerospace safety, testing and the rebuilding of the Apollo Program.

2.    Scooby-Doo, from the Scooby-Doo Adventures, is created by Hanna-Barbara. He is presented as a Great Dane who speaks rough English. He is always running from ghosts as he is easily scared, but in the end proves to be a brave dog and a top detective.

3.    Pluto, who is the pet and friend of Mickey Mouse, is modeled on the English pointer breed. He is probably one of the oldest dogs presented here, and vocalizes in barks and grunts. He is loyal and tends to win over the hearts of other cartoon characters.

4.    Droopy was created by Tex Avery and has a sagging face, thus the name Droopy. He was first presented in 1943 as a Basset Hound. He moves slowly and speaks in a jowly monotone and seems content on being lazy. He has, in true tradition of cartoons, occasional flashes of super strengths.

5.    Underdog is presented as a superhero that has the head of a hound and the tail of a beagle. He is also presented as a humble and lovable “Shoeshine Boy,” and becomes Underdog when trouble is presented. He replenishes his power by taking an Underdog Super Energy Pill. When in action he uses the quote “There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!”

6.    Astro is the family dog of the Jetson’s. Like Scooby-Doo, he is presented as a Great Dane who also speaks rough English. He was found by another character, Elroy, and even though he was clumsy and dim-witted, he is very loyal to the Jetson’s.

7.    Brian Griffin, from The Family Guy TV Series, is presented as a Beagle. He is anthropomorphic, with the ability of walking on two legs, speaking intelligently and driving a car. He is also fond of martinis. However, he exhibits dog behaviors, like licking himself, and rolling around in trash. 

8.    Clifford the Big Red Dog is a scarlet Vizsla, and is one of the tallest cartoon dogs (about 8m tall), as well as one of the most famous. He first appeared in a Children’s book series in 1963. He is very adorable with a big, kind heart. However, he often gets into trouble due to his size.

9.    Spike is the arch nemesis of Tom in the Tom and Jerry cartoon. He is a grey American Bulldog that usually plays the over-aggressive bully. He has, however, been presented as a very intelligent character, who, in one episode, convinces Tom and Jerry to end the fighting among all three and signs a Peace Treaty. Of course, that didn't last long.

10.  Odie, from The Garfield Show, is not altogether smart (which acts as a part of his overall charm) and is presented as a Beagle. On occasions, he outsmarts Garfield, who often calls him a moron. He has a very long tongue with which he surprisingly uses to write.