15 Fictional Dogs Who Stole Our Hearts In Literature

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Books and dogs have a magical way of intertwining, creating unforgettable characters that warm our hearts and make us smile. They’re not real, but their paw prints are forever etched in our hearts, just like on the pages. Let’s look at some of literature’s most lovable canines who have become beloved members of our reading lives.

Snowy: From “Tintin,” written by Herge

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Tintin series has been a part of our childhoods, and while we do enjoy the adventures that the protagonist takes on, Snowy, Tintin’s loyal companion, has also become an integral part. He is more than just a sidekick; he’s a fully-fledged character in his own right. Beyond his comedic role, Snowy symbolizes loyalty, innocence, and the undeniable bond humans and animals share.

Buck: From “The Call of the Wild,” written by Jack London

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The Call of the Wild is a classic story set during the Yukon gold rush in Canada, centered around a sled dog team. Buck, the main character, starts as a pampered pet in California. He is stolen and sold to meet the high demand for sled dogs. His journey is a powerful tale of survival and strength.

Old Yeller: From “Old Yeller,” written by Fred Gipson.

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It is a poignant tale of a boy’s deep bond with his loyal dog. The story follows a young boy living on a Texas frontier farm who forms an inseparable connection with a stray dog he names Old Yeller. Tragically, Old Yeller contracts rabies, and to prevent him from harming others, the boy must make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize his beloved companion.

Little Ann and Old Dan: From “Where the Red Fern Grows,” written by Wilson Rawls

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Even for us, it’s hard to mention this one because the book has left many of us with lasting memories. This touching story focuses on a boy and his two Redbone Coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann. Both dogs bravely fend off a mountain lion to protect their boy, but Old Dan is badly injured and dies. Little Ann, heartbroken over this loss, passes away a few days later on his grave.

 Lassie: From “Lassie Come-Home,” written by Eric Knight

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Lassie is one of the most famous dogs in literature, made popular by many movies and TV shows. This Rough Collie is renowned for her protective nature. After being sold because the boy’s father lost his job, Lassie travels across Scotland to reunite with her boy. Despite the challenges, she finds her way back, and they live happily ever after.

Argos: From “The Odyssey,” written by Homer

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The loyal hound of Odysseus is one of literature’s earliest canine companions. When Odysseus returns to Ithaca after a 20-year absence, Argos immediately recognizes him despite his unrecognizable appearance. Once known for his speed and strength, Argos is far from his former self and sadly dies shortly after seeing his master again.

Montmorency: From “Three Men in a Boat,” written by Jerome K. Jerome

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Montmorency, the diminutive but opinionated Terrier, is the unsung hero of Jerome K. Jerome’s comedic masterpiece. This pint-sized dog brings a unique perspective to the trio’s boating adventure, often adding a touch of chaos and unexpected humor. Montmorency’s love for food, water, and the occasional cat chase makes him an endearing and unforgettable character.

Nana: From “Peter and Wendy,” written by J. M. Barie

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Originally depicted as a Newfoundland in the book, Nana has also been shown as a Saint Bernard in various adaptations. She is the faithful canine caretaker of the Darling children in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. While she doesn’t accompany the children to Neverland, her protective and nurturing nature is essential to their early years.

Skip: From “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” written by Sheila Burnford.

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The mischievous Scottish Terrier, is one of three pets who reunite with their family. This determined and resourceful dog faces numerous challenges, but his clever problem-solving skills help the group to overcome obstacles. Skip’s comedic antics and loyalty make him a beloved character.

Clifford: From “Clifford The Big Red Dog” written by Norman Bridwell

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Clifford, a beloved children’s book character, is known for his extraordinary size and adventures with his young owner, Emily Elizabeth. While his breed remains a mystery, his immense stature, often depicted as around 25 feet tall, sets him apart. Although theories suggest inspirations like Bloodhounds, Labrador Retrievers, or Vizslas, Clifford’s unique red color is a distinctive characteristic not found in any specific dog breed.

Winn Dixie: From “Because of Winn Dixie,” written by Kate DiCamillo

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The book highlights a dog’s love’s profound impact on a person’s life. During a trip to the grocery store, 10-year-old Opal adopts Winn-Dixie. This loving dog gives Opal the emotional support she desperately needs. Thanks to Winn-Dixie, Opal finds the courage to talk to her father about her mother, who abandoned the family when Opal was very young.

Fang: From “Harry Potter,” written by J. K. Rowling

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In the Harry Potter books, Fang is called a boarhound, an old term for a Great Dane, but in the movies, he is portrayed by a Neapolitan Mastiff. The giant Hagrid owns Fang, a massive dog cherished for his gentle nature. Despite Hagrid’s reputation for keeping dangerous pets, Fang’s biggest threat is his drool.

Pongo and Perdita: From “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” written by Dodie Smith

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The story explores the journey of Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians who meet through their owners and have puppies together. The villain, Cruella DeVil, wants to steal the puppies to make a fur coat. When the puppies are kidnapped, Pongo and Perdita resolve to rescue them, discovering many more stolen Dalmatian puppies.

Balto: From “Balto: The Bravest Dog Ever,” written by Natalie Standiford.

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You might know Balto from the cartoon movie, but he was a natural dog who lived from 1919 to 1933 and is the subject of many books. Balto became a hero by leading a team of sled dogs to deliver diphtheria vaccines, saving the town of Nome, Alaska, during a deadly outbreak. After his heroic deed, Balto spent his remaining years at the Cleveland Zoo.

Sandy: From “Treasure Island” written by Robert Louis Stevenson

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This intelligent and loyal Terrier is more than just a pet in Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure tale. Sandy plays a vital role in the plot, providing companionship and protection to young Jim Hawkins. His keen senses help to thwart the pirates’ plans, making him an invaluable member of the treasure-hunting crew.

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