Dogs in real life are funny, loveable creatures. Animated dogs in cartoons are even funnier and more loveable (sometimes). With so many animated dogs to choose from, it was difficult to make a list of just ten, but here are some cartoon canines that really stand out.
Top 10 Animated Dogs From Cartoons (mostly)
10. Clifford – from Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford first appeared in a children’s book, making his debut in 1962. Although the books, written by Norman Bridwell, were popular, this animated dog leaped into superstardom with the PBS animated series, which ran from 2000 – 2003. As an homage to the original author, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth live on Birdwell Island. Norman Bridwell lives in Martha’s Vineyard.
9. Underdog – from The Underdog Show
Any animated dog that can change from the loveable Shoeshine Boy into a superhero with the speed of lightning and the power of thunder certainly deserves a place in the top 10 animated dogs list. Not to mention, Underdog almost always spoke in rhyme – how cool is that? Just to set the record straight, we’re talking about the cartoon Underdog, not the computer animated version from the movie. Underdog the cartoon series began as a cartoon created by ad men to sell General Mills cereal.
To watch an episode of Underdog, click HERE.
To watch and listen to the unforgettable Underdog opening theme song, click HERE.
8. Hong Kong Phooey – from Hong Kong Phooey
Hong Kong Phooey was a short-lived show, lasting only from 1974 – 1976, but if you ever got the Hong Kong Phooey theme song stuck in your head, you’ll know why he made the list. Hong Kong Phooey was a master of martial arts while posing as a janitor at the local police station. The whole show was this weird kind of homage to early 70’s martial arts and blaxploitation movies. Fan-riffic!
To watch a behind-the-scenes documentary on Hong Kong Phooey, click HERE.
To watch and listen to the Hong Kong Phooey theme song, click HERE.
7. Brian – From The Family Guy
Probably the smartest dog on the list, and the only dog who’s a member of Mensa, it’s Brian Griffin’s love of opera that earns him a place among the greatest animated dogs off all time. Brian’s ongoing substance abuse problems may have eliminated him from the list, but if I didn’t include him, my brother would kill me.
6. Droopy Dog – from Droopy
While many animated dogs are even more hyper and excitable than their real-life counterparts – Droopy is just the opposite. Meek and low-key, Droopy’s deadpan delivery combined with his occasional flashes of super strength earns him a place in the top 10.
5. Goofy – from Walt Disney Cartoons
Garsh! You can’t have a list of top 10 animated dogs without mentioning Goofy. Goofy was originally called Dippy Dog by the Disney team of animators. Perhaps Goofy’s greatest claim to fame lies in the series of “How To” cartoons beginning in the 1940s that featured Goofy trying to learn how to ski, play football or baseball. These were so successful that they continue as shorts today.
4. Tramp – from Lady and the Tramp
This loveable mutt was the epitome of 1950s cool twenty years before the Fonz. The spaghetti eating scene is still priceless today. As a cartoon, Lady and the Tramp was the first animated feature to be filmed in Cinemascope.
3. Scooby Doo – from Scooby-Doo
Ruh-row, Raggy! Grab a handful a Scooby Snacks and get ready for some supernatural thrills that never turn out supernatural. One of the best-loved cartoon dogs on the planet, he may be a scaredy-dog with a speech impediment, but he’s still loveable.
2. Gromit – from Wallace and Gromit
Okay, so he’s technically not a cartoon dog, but he’s still animated. Gromit is living proof that silence is golden, and his priceless expressions and handiness with power tools make Gromit truly man’s best friend. By the way, Gromit is supposed to be a beagle.
1. Snoopy
Was there really ever any doubt? Any dog who can take on the Red Baron, and still pursue a writing career is a great dog in my book. Even when he’s not Joe Cool, Snoopy is just so good at everything he does – makes me think he should run for president.
Snoopy was born at the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm and was originally owned by a little girl named Lila. But when Lila’s parents moved to an apartment that didn’t allow dogs, she had to give him back to the farm. Charlie Brown’s parents bought Snoopy to cheer up Charlie Brown after a kid threw sand at him.
Some Honorable Mentions
With so many great animated dogs to choose from it was hard to pick just ten. So I didn’t. Here are a few honorable mentions who narrowly missed the cut:
Astro — from The Jetsons
Huckleberry Hound – From Huckleberry Hound
Blue – from Blue’s Clues
Copper from TheFox and the Hound
Ren from Ren and Stimpy
