Our head of Journeyer Happiness, Brielle compiled this list of her favourite literary dogs.
#1 Lassie from Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight
Probably one of the most famous fictional dogs in history, there’s debate about where the legend of Lassie actually originated. British writer Elizabeth Gaskell originally wrote about a dog called Lassie in her 1859 short story The Half-brothers while others such as Nigel Clarke claim Lassie was based on rough-haired crossbreed who saved the life of a sailor in World War I. Whichever story you believe there’s no denying that the version created by Eric Knight, first in his short story and later in his novel Lassie Come Home is the most widely recognised, having been immortalised on the silver screen alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall.
#2 Argos from The Odyssey by Homer
Odysseus’ dog waited 20 years for his master to come home, only to die of happiness when he finally returned.
#3 Pongo and Missis Pongo fromThe Hundred and One Dalmations by Dodie Smith
The perfect poochy couple who outwit Cruella and save the cutest puppies ever written about.
#4 Ghost from A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
Winter is coming and while each one of the Stark direwolves would be a perfect companion in the cold times ahead, Brielle has a soft spot for the outcast of the pack.
#5 Old Yeller from Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
Probably the most loyal dog ever written about, we get tears in our eyes just thinking about him and the sacrifice he makes for his family.
#6 Nana from Peter Pan by J.M. Barry
The Newfoundland nurse looks after the Darling children as if they were her own pups.
#7 Snowy from The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
The whiskey loving hound often gets writer, Tintin out of sticky situations.
#9 Dogmatix from Asterix created by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Not only does Dogmatix assist Asterix and Obelix on their adventures but he’s the only known ‘canine ecologist’ in the world.
#10 The Doorman from The Messenger (I Am the Messenger) by Markus Zusak
He may be old and smelly but the coffee addicted Doorman is a lovablevoice of wisdom in Ed’s life.
#12 White Fang from White Fang by Jack London
From a wild and fierce fighting dog to a more friendly and loving companion, White Fang proves his worth by saving Judge Scott’s life.
Who is your favourite dog or animal in literature? Let us know in the comments.
