“Man’s best friend” has been a faithful companion to humans throughout history but some of the most famous dogs have really made a name for themselves.
Whether as service dogs, involved in war efforts, giving blind people their freedom, or loyal sidekicks and entertainers, certain dogs deserve their place in the spotlight.
Some are famous because they have been admired by millions on the silver screen, others because they belong to a major celebrity, politician, or royal. Some are the stuff of fiction, but their characteristics are so rooted in canine history that we know and love that we fall for them anyway. And some are renowned because they’ve forged their place in the history books through what they have achieved.
Let’s take a look at some of the world’s most famous dogs.
Famous dogs
1. Greyfriars Bobby
If ever there was an award for canine loyalty, Greyfriars Bobby would likely place highly – if not take the crown.
Bobby was a Skye Terrier, a Scottish dog breed. He lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the 19th century with his owner, a gardener-turned-night-watchman, John Gray. Bobby would accompany John on his evening rounds until his master’s death in 1858.
But this wouldn’t be the end of Bobby’s faithful ways. A typical terrier breed, he was devoted to John and became famous for guarding his late master’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard, which is where he got his nickname.
His fame spread throughout Edinburgh and crowds would gather to watch the dog for the one o’clock gun. This signalled the only time Bobby would leave his post for his midday meal.
2. Hachikō
Another canine companion showing extreme loyalty, Hachikō was an atika, a Japanese dog breed, who lived in Tokyo in the 1920s. He would meet his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, every day at Shibuya Station to the west of central Tokyo after he had finished work at Tokyo Imperial University.
Tragically, Professor Ueno died while at work of a cerebral hemorrhage in 1925. From then until his death in 10 years later, Hachikō never failed to return to the station, awaiting his master’s return.
Today, there’s a statue of Hachikō in Hachikō Square, located outside Shibuya Station.
3. Rin Tin Tin
The German Shepherd was rescued from the battlefield by an American soldier, Lee Duncan, during World War I.
After the war, Duncan trained “Rinty” for film work, and the dog went on to appear in 27 Hollywood films (sometimes playing a wolf!), starting in 1923 withWhere the North Begins. He was a household name in the world of silent film.
He also starred in many adverts and was credited as lifting Warner Bros out of bankruptcy, such was his popularity.
As famous dogs go, Rin Tin Tin is on another level. His legacy lived on in his 48 puppies, some of whom also became filmstars – but none as famous as their legendary father.
4. Toto
This fictional pup from theWizard of Oz was immortalized on the silver screen by a rescue Cairn Terrier, who went by the name of Terry. Terry happened to be adopted by dog trainer to the stars, Carl Spitz, and she went on to become one of the most famous acting dogs of all time.
Terry was apparently paid $125 a week for her role in the 1939 movie Wizard of Oz, more than some of her human co-stars. In total, Terry featured in 17 films.
5. Lassie
This adorable rough collie has been appearing in novels, TV series and movies since she first came to prominence in 1939.
The most famous incarnation is arguably the TV series, which lasted 19 seasons from 1954–1973. Lassie was played by six different canine actors, initially by Pal and then a succession of his descendants. Lassie has won several PATSY awards (acting awards for animals).
6. Old Yeller
The star of the 1957 movie Old Yeller was a canine actor by the name of Spike. He was famous the world over for his stunning performance in the popular Western drama.
The Mastiff/Labrador Retriever Spike was, like Old Yeller himself, a stray, rescued as a puppy from a shelter by a dog trainer.
7. Rufus
Despite his association with English Bulldogs, British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill adored his brown poodles, named Rufus I and Rufus II (the II was apparently not pronounced).
He acquired the original Rufus during World War II, and the dog accompanied him on many adventures such as sailing across the Atlantic. However, the poodle was sadly killed in a road accident, after which Rufus II arrived.
8. Laika
This mixed-breed dog, a stray from the streets of Moscow, had no idea what her fate would be when she was picked up by Soviet scientists and trained up with a group of other street dogs for space travel.
Laika showed bravery and stoicism throughout the gruelling conditioning process and was selected to be the first animal to travel in space. Before her mission, one of the scientists took her to his home to play with his children and have a good experience before she was launched into orbit in Sputnik 2 in 1957.
Sadly, she died during the journey due to overheating, although the cause of death was not made public until 2002.
9. Mr Famous
Owned by Audrey Hepburn, this mini Yorkshire Terrier could hardly have been better named. He starred in a cameo role alongside his owner and Fred Astaire in Funny Face (1957), and accompanied Hepburn all around the globe and was often pictured in her bicycle basket.
Mr Famous was photographed by Cecil Beaton and graced many a magazine cover. He sadly met his end being hit by a car.
10. Uggie
This adorable Parson Russell Terrier started out life being rejected by two owners on account of his wildness and embodied a true rags-to-riches story when he became a star of the silver screen.
His performance in the silent film The Artist (2011), which won five Oscars, provoked fans to clamor for animals to receive the coveted film awards.
He also has a memoir out in print, Uggie, My Story.
11. Doug
Nowadays, famous dogs do numbers on Instagram! Born in 2012, Doug the pug is a Nashville, TN, resident and certified canine celebrity. He can be recognised by his trademark tongue, which is usually stuck out.
Famous for his parody videos and comical outfit, Doug is no stranger to the limelight and regularly hobnobs with human superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber.
But Doug’s stardom doesn’t end there – he’s also starred in music videos and voiced Monchi in the Sony Pictures-Netflix animated feature The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
12. Tuna
Tuna in a tiny Chiweenie, a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix with an adorable overbite that really dials up the cute-factor. She has almost two million followers across her social accounts, where you’ll find her posing in fun outfits.
Her iconic teeth alone deserve their own fanbase, in our opinion!
13. Tika
Known for her fabulous wardrobe, Tika is a tiny Italian Greyhound and canine fashionista. The diminutive sighthound can be seen prancing around in lavish gowns on Instagram, featuring hilarious voiceovers from her pup parent, Thomas Shapiro.
Hailing from Canada, Tika’s winter outfits are as functional as they are fashionable, but her real showstopping looks are on the red carpet. She’s got loads of celebrity fans and has even published her own memoir.
14. Tucker (and Todd)
With about five million followers between their two accounts, Tucker and Todd Budzyn are quite possibly the most famous golden retrievers you could come across! They’re best known for their comedy sketches showcasing their impeccable acting skills.
Their owner, Courtney ‘Linda’ Budzyn, documents life with two large-than-life canine characters, too – most of it seems to involve cleaning the house with one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.
The two pups’ antics involve anything from training challenges to playing dress up, and their videos are sure to put a smile on your face.
15. Little Manyu
Manyu is an adorable shiba inu who lives with her dad in China his adoptive brother, a West Highland White Terrier called XiaoBai.
Manyu is popular on Instagram for her extravagant spa day videos, and she’s certainly no stranger to being pampered. Ever the chilled out princess, Manyu looks super relaxed lying back and enjoying doggy massage, pup pedicures and a tailored package of spa treatments.
Manyu’s dad also shares details Manyu and XiaoBai’s adventures, exploring the countryside and the beach.
Read next: US presidents’ dogs or pet influencers with the highest social media followings
Bethany is an experienced writer who has been writing across the pets and equestrian sector for eight years.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
This feature was last updated in June 2025 by Bethany Stone.
