Who hasn’t read a book with a dog in it where the dog didn’t make it better? You can’t not root for the character with the trusty canine sidekick. Dogs have been main and supporting characters in writing for centuries.
Here’s a list of 9 of the most beloved dogs in literature.
1. Argos (The Odyssey) – He waited 20 years for his master to return. Now that’s faith.
2. Toto (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) – Yep, this was a book first. Dorothy’s favourite little black dog and sluggish companion. Smart too, and braver than the Cowardly Lion. Also, eager to please always being stuffed in that basket.
3. Lassie (Lassie Come-Home) – Also a book first, and a feature story in the Saturday Evening Post before that. Tell me you don’t pretend to have conversations with your dog like Joe did (and then Matt) with Lassie.
4. Buck (The Call of the Wild) – A riches to rags story and a testament to the loyal bond between man and canine companion.
5. Old Yeller (Old Yeller) – Yet another book before it was a big screen hit. From rascal to lifesaver, this story is full of big and little moments that stay with you forever.
6. Snowy (The Adventures of Tintin) – The fluffy, adorable, (cynical) foil to Tintin’s eternal optimism.
7. Clifford (Clifford the Big Red Dog) – The shenanigans of this big red affable canine will always be a favourite. Who didn’t beg their parents for their very own Clifford? Larger than life indeed!
8. & 9. Luath and Bodger (The Incredible Journey) – Another book before it hit the big screen. What a ragtag duo. Our affinity for Labs may have started on this adventure.
Are these your favourites too? Did we miss anyone? We’d love to hear who’s on your list!
(image via)
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