Images of Famous Dogs

NAME: Sensation

Representative dog image for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. A dog named Don which had won bench championships in England in 1875 and 1876, became the symbolic image for the Kennel Club because of the 1935 steel engraving of “Sensation” by artist J. Wellstood. From 1980-1982, a head study of the dog gained popularity. (More about Sensation.)

BREED: Pointer

YEARS: Dog: 1870s.

In Kennel catalog: 1936- now.

NAME: Red Dog (Originally named Tally Ho)

The dog who unites the people of Dampier, Western Australia, in the movie Red Dog; based on the book Red Dog written by Louis de Bernières which was based upon a real life dog called Red Dog.

BREED: Kelpie-Cattle Dog mix

YEARS: Dog: 1971-1979.

Book: 1993.

Movie: 2011.

NAME: Edgar (See also Farley)

The second family dog in the comic strip For Better or Worse; about a regular Canadian family; created by Lynn Johnston. Since 2008, the strip continues as reruns. Edgar appears in 1995 after first dog Farley died.

BREED: English Sheepdog

YEARS: Comic strip: 1979- now.

Dog: 1995.

NAME: Farley (See also Edgar)

The first family dog in the comic strip For Better or Worse; about a regular Canadian family; created by Lynn Johnston. Since 2008, the strip continues as reruns. Edgar appears in 1995 after first dog Farley died.

BREED: English Sheepdog

YEARS: Comic strip: 1979-1995.

Dog: 1979.

NAME: Jason

In advertisements for Hush Puppies, a brand of casual shoes by Wolverine Worldwide.

BREED: Basset Hound

YEARS: Ads: since 1985- now.

Dog: 1979-1990.

NAME: Fay Ray (See also Man Ray)

The second dog model in the famous photos of photographer William Wegman, named after the film actress who starred in the original film King Kong.

BREED: Weimaraner

YEARS: Dog: 1985-1995.

Photo: 2011.

NAME: Spitsy

Nate's dog in the comic strip Big Nate; about the adventures of a spirited and rebellious sixth-grader along with his best friends; created by Lincoln Peirce.

BREED: Generic

YEARS: Comic strip: 1991.

NAME: Barney (See also Millie)

Pet dog of President George W. Bush. Also the president had English Springer Spaniels Spot Fetcher and Scottish Terrier Miss Beazley.(More about Barney.)

BREED: Scottish Terrier

YEARS: Dog: 2000-2013.

NAME: Faith

The dog with only two legs. She was born with three, but one had to be amputated. She received much publicity including a book detailing her story entitled With a Little Faith.

BREED: Mixed breed

YEARS: Dog: 2002-2014.

NAME: Major and Champ

Pet dogs of President Biden's family, Major being adopted from a shelter, while Champ had been in the White House before when Biden was vice-president.

BREED: German Shepherd

YEARS: Major: 2018.

Champ: 2008-2021.

NAME: Ricochet

One of the original Surfing Dogs that started the dog surfing circuit. She also helps people with disabilities through surfing and community outreach; raised and trained by Judy Fridono. Also Ricochet has been the subject of several books and media appearances.

BREED: Golden Retriever

YEARS: Dog: 2008-?.

Book: 2014.

NAME: Bo

Pet dog of President Barack Obama's family. Companion Portuguese Water Dog Sunny joined family August, 2013.)

BREED: Portuguese Water Dog

YEARS: Dog: 2009-2021.

NAME: Pudsey

Ashleigh's dog in the TV team Ashleigh and Pudsey made famous on Britain's Got Talent, 2012. Ashleigh said her other dog, Sully, would take Pudsey's place.

BREED: Mixed breed

(part Border Collie, Bichon Frise and Chinese Crested Dog)

YEARS: Dog: 2005-2017.

TV fame: 2012.

NAME: Hank

Unofficial mascot of the Milwaukee Brewers major league baseball team beginning in 2014. (More about Hank.)

BREED: Mixed breed

(perhaps part Bichon Frise)

YEARS: Dog: 2014- now.