The most famous dogs on TV, from Lassie on down

LessiesThe most loved dog on tvaccomplishes 70 years old in the very popular CBS seriesThe show, created by Robert Maxwell and trainer Rudd Weatherwax, follows the adventures of a female dog Rough Collie and his friends (both human and animal). The lively long-haired animal was born from the imagination of Eric Knighton whose story the MGM classic was based Come home, Lassie! which gave a young Elizabeth Taylor her debut.

The wonderful Collie generated 19 serial seasons and 11 theatrical films, earning 2 Emmy and three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lessies It was also the first TV series to have a protagonist child actor; the little one Tommy Rettig (future computer genius) who, during the fourth season, will hand over the baton to Jon Provost. From season nine, the show will explore other avenues, in which Lassie will interact with multiple subjects and not with a single owner.

Lassie was embodied by six male collieseven though they are fictionally female. The adorable four-legged friends with wet noses have often stolen the scene on the small screen, becoming real stars and forever conquering the hearts of the public. We are celebrating 70 years of Lassie with the 10 most famous sleuths on TV: from Rin Tin Tin passing through Scooby Doo until the Commissioner Rex…

Lassie – Lassie (1954-1973)

The series’ protagonist collie, known for her courage and intelligence, is a symbol of loyalty and canine skill. Over the course of 19 seasons, Lassie was embodied by six male collies, despite being fictionally a female. Five of the six animals were descendants of Pal, the Lassie of MGM films.

Leo – Leo the cowardly dog (1999-2002)

Cartoon Network’s anthropomorphic pink dog who stars in bizarre and often disturbing misadventures. Leo was born from the imagination of John R. Dilworth and, before becoming a successful animated series, debuted in an Oscar-nominated short film entitled The Chicken from Outer Space.

Snoopy – Peanuts

Although originally a comic strip character, Charlie Brown’s inseparable beagle has become famous on television. Cartoonist Charles Schulz based the character on his childhood dog, a pointer named Spike.

Rin Tin Tin – The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (1954-1959)

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The German Shepherd who won over audiences with his adventures in the Old West where he runs to the aid of soldiers and pioneers, showing extraordinary skills in dealing with bandits and hostiles. Rin Tin Tin was born as ABC’s response to the more famous Lessies.

Brian – The Griffins (1999-)

The Griffin family’s talking dog known for his sophisticated personality and sense of humor. Brian is voiced by Seth MacFarlane, the creator of the animated series.

Scooby Doo – Scooby-Doo! Where Are You?

The talking ghost-hunting Great Dane protagonist of the media franchise originated from the animated mystery series, Scooby-Doo! Where Are You?produced in 1969 by Hanna-Barbera. The name of the legendary brown dog comes from a verse of Strangers in the Night by Frank Sinatra. In the famous song, The Voice sings «doo-be-doo-be-doo» and the creator of the series, Fred Silverman, was inspired by that very line to give the character his name.

Rex – Commissioner Rex (1994-2004)

The most beloved dog in fiction. The Austrian series follows the adventures of a German Shepherd and his work with a Vienna police team to solve crimes, mostly murders. One of Rex’s defining traits is his love for ham sandwiches. In many episodes, he is seen swiping sandwiches from his human colleagues’ tables; this detail has become a recurring gag that fans love.

Santa’s Little Helper – The Simpsons (1989-)

The Simpsons’ greyhound, adopted from the shelter, is a beloved member of the yellowest family on TV. He appears in the first episode of the long-running animated series, entitled A Dog’s Christmaswhen he is found by Bart at a dog track, after being abandoned by his owner due to his inability to race dogs.

Wilfred – Wilfred (2011)

The “dogman” fruit of Elijah Wood’s imagination. The show is based on the Australian dramedy of the same name starring co-creator Jason Gann who reprises his role as Wilfred.

Wishbone – Wishbone, the dream dog (1995-1997)

The adorable Jack Russell Terrier who immerses himself in classic literary stories, through his vivid imagination. The sitcom has been praised for its educational impact, known as the “Wishbone Effect,” which helped many children develop an interest in books. The series was also adopted in school curricula as a teaching tool for history and literature.