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From Wallace & Gromit to Marley & Me: 20 iconic movie dogs that culture fans adore

How many of these pups do you recognise?

By Hannah Doolin,
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If you often find that the dog was your favourite character in the movie or TV show you just watched, you’re definitely in good company. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most iconic movie and TV dogs, from Toto to Scooby-Doo. These pups have serious star power!

If you’re having trouble deciding on a name for your new dog, these beloved on-screen dogs can provide some inspiration. Maybe you’ll find that your new pup is obviously meant to be a Lassie or a Bruiser. Whether you’ve got a gentle giant or a pint-sized cutie on your hands, there’s sure to be a dog name here that inspires you. While your new addition may not be able to solve crimes like Hooch or light up like Zero, we’re willing to bet your new dog is excited to join your family on adventures big and small.

1

Bruiser in 'Legally Blonde'

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For all the glitz and glamour that Elle Woods bestows upon Bruiser, he's a perfectly low-maintenance dog. The adorable Chihuahua has no qualms about getting dressed up in pink ensembles, is there for his master as she weeps over the loss of Warner, and is key in helping her make friends at law school. Plus, according to Elle, the pair are both Gemini vegetarians.

2

Gromit in 'Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit'

person smiling with large model of a dog and holding a smaller version.
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Gromit is Wallace's best friend and loyal sidekick through their many adventures. From fighting bad guys to enjoying a spot of tea (or a nibble of cheese), these iconic British claymation characters are a nostalgic favourite.

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3

Pluto from Disney

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Mickey's lovable sidekick is one of the most iconic dogs in pop culture today, even if he doesn't talk. Although he gets less screen time than Mickey or Minnie, the gang just wouldn't be the same without him, and neither would a trip to Disney World.

4

Frank in 'Men in Black'

pug wearing a black suit and tie sitting on a dark carpet.
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Although Frank the pug looks just like a normal dog, he's actually a talking alien in disguise. His real species is remoolian, but his cute pug appearance and big attitude still earns him his place among other famous movie dogs.

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5

Pongo, Perdita, and their Puppies in '101 Dalmatians'

glen close in black outfit kneeling with 101 dalmatian dog nuzzling face.
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I'm seeing spots! Parents Pongo and Perdita and their many, many puppies first became famous with Disney's 1961 animated movie. Three decades later, it got a live action remake in 1996 and a Cruella-focused movie in 2021. Although we don't condone trying to turn puppies into a fur coat, we do love this movie.

6

Max in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'

grinch in santa suit with max the dog in reindeer antlers in a cave.
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Jim Carrey's iconic performance as the Grinch is a Christmas classic. But don't let his hilarious acting distract you from the other star: Max the dog. He's loyal even when the Grinch is up to his usual terrible antics and keeps an eye out for his owner.

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7

Beethoven in 'Beethoven'

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This gentle giant becomes a loving but mischievous part of the Newton family, looking out for them even when they don't realise it. When an evil vet who wants to experiment on Beethoven accuses the dog of being vicious and says he must be euthanised, the family must figure out how to save their beloved pet.

8

Eddie Crane in 'Frasier'

eddie crane the dog with his owner on frasier.
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Without a doubt, Eddie, a Parson Russell Terrier, is an important member of the Crane family. Dog owners everywhere could easily relate to the sweet relationship between Frasier and Eddie, who stared at his master until he got what he wanted.

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9

Scooby-Doo in 'Scooby-Doo Where Are You?'

cartoon dog mascot posed in front of mystery van backdrop.
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Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you? The mystery-busting Great Dane made his first appearance in 1969 and has been a staple of cartoons and movies ever since. He loves a good sandwich with his best friend Shaggy, not to mention a delicious Scooby Snack!

10

Lady and the Tramp in 'Lady and the Tramp'

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There's nothing quite like a love story between two precious dogs. The 1955 classic animated movie remains close to the hearts of many who love dogs and the idea of love itself. You might just be inspired to go out and adopt your own American Cocker Spaniel and name her Lady.

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11

Sandy in 'Annie'

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Based on the successful Broadway musical, Annie tells the story of a young orphan living in New York City hoping that she'll be reunited with her parents. Early on in the film, she adopts a stray dog naming him Sandy, and to say he's always there for her would be an understatement.

12

Baxter in 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy'

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Baxter endured a lot in his role as the trusty sidekick of Ron Burgundy — he donned matching P.J.s and headgear, ate an entire wheel of cheese, and even saved the news team from a bear attack.

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13

Zero in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

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Zero may have a floating cotton sheet as a body and a glowing orange nose, but he loves his owner, Jack Shellington like any other dog. He enjoys playing fetch, taking naps, and waiting for his owner's arrival, even using his nose as a light to guide him through thick fog in order to deliver presents.

14

Marley in 'Marley & Me'

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Okay, this pup is certainly a handful, but who could resist such a furry little bundle of joy? The movie, based on a best-selling book, follows one family's journey with man's best friend, from adoption to house training to failed attempts at obedience school and beyond — reminding us that all the mischief is totally worth it in the end.

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15

Hooch in 'Turner & Hooch'

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Tom Hanks can become friends with literally anyone, and that includes a scruffy, oversized French Mastiff named Hooch. After begrudgingly taking in the dog, cop Scott Turner (Hanks) ends up getting help from him to crack the case of his murdered owner. It goes without saying that the two create a bond for life.

16

Snoopy in 'Snoopy, Come Home!'

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Based on the Peanuts comic strip, the 1972 film follows Snoopy, a Beagle dog, on an adventure to see his original owner, Lila. It's also the first time his sidekick, Woodstock, is introduced. When Snoopy is given the choice to return home with Lila or stay with his current owner, Charlie Brown, he's conflicted.

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17

Lassie in 'Lassie Come Home'

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This beloved Collie became the poster child for loyal pets after appearing in the hit film Lassie Come Home back in 1943, based on an original short story. Lassie, with her intelligent eyes and beautiful coat, continued to save the day, starring in nine films and a subsequent TV series. It's no surprise she became a true American icon featured in toys, comic books, and more for years after.

18

Uggie in 'The Artist'

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The late Parsons Russell Terrier was said to have stolen everyone's heart after starring in the 2011 French movie, The Artist. The black-and-white film tells the story about the romance between an experienced actor and a rising star, taking place in Hollywood in the late 1920s. In real life, Uggie lived to be 13 years old and passed away in 2015.

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19

Toto in 'The Wizard of Oz'

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There are few more iconic Hollywood canines out there than Toto, the brindle Cairn Terrier who starred alongside Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Trusty Toto was glued to Dorothy's side — whether in her arms or carried in her picnic basket — as she journeyed through the magical world of Oz to find her way back home.

20

Dug in 'Up'

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If every owner had a high-tech collar that translated their dog's every passing thought, they'd probably hear many of the same lines that come from Dug in Disney Pixar's Up. The animated pooch became a trusty companion for Carl and Russell in the movie. He also touched everyone's heart with his memorable line, "I just met you, and I love you."

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