Although they may act cartoonish, most of the fictional dogs you grew up with are based on real breeds. Let’s review these fictional dogs and their breeds together – from Scooby Doo to Snoopy. 

Are all fictional dogs based on a real breed?

While some fictional dogs might take on the characteristics of a real breed, the similarities may be a coincidence. The writers of movies, television shows, and books might not intend for a canine character to be based on a specific dog breed. But on the other hand, some fictional dogs are supposed to be a specific breed or are based on a dog in real life. 

Breeds of Fictional Dogs in Movies

Who was your favorite dog character in movies growing up? There are plenty of lovable pup characters in film to choose from. In fact, Wikipedia has a page that lists all the fictional dogs in books, television, movies, and songs. 

For example, did you watch the Beethoven movies as a kid? You’ll be interested to know that Beethoven’s dog breed is the drooly giant Saint Bernard. Another infamous Saint Bernard is the titular character from the film Cujo – though he’s not nearly as lovable as Beethoven. 

Curious about the breed of the dogs in Lady and the Tramp? This 1955 Disney film features a Cocker Spaniel as Lady and a Schnauzer as Tramp. You’ll find plenty of other canine characters in this movie, as well. Lady’s friend, Trusty, is a senior Bloodhound and her neighbor, Jock, is a Scottish Terrier. 

Disney has a bunch of beloved fictional dogs in their film roster. Max from The Little Mermaid is a fluffy Old English Sheepdog. The ever-curious talking dog from Up is a Golden Retriever named Dug. The classic Disney character, Pluto, is supposedly a Coonhound himself. 

Shadow and Chance from Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey are a Golden Retriever and American Bulldog, respectively. The adventurous canine companion, Edison, from Back to the Future is a Catalan Sheepdog. 

TV Shows with Fictional Dog Characters

What breed of dog was Scooby-Doo? You may have asked yourself this question if you watched any of the Scooby-Doo television shows or movies. You might be able to tell by his pointed ears and large stature that Scooby-Doo is, in fact, a Great Dane. 

If you grew up watching the Peanuts holiday specials on TV, you may wonder what type of dog Snoopy is. The ever-mischevious and imaginative Snoopy is a Beagle. 

Fans of The Jetsons cartoon may also recognize that the family dog, Astro, is a Great Dane, as well. Clifford may be the giant main character in Clifford the Big Red Dog, but he is supposedly based on a Labrador Retriever. Richie Rich’s canine companion, Dollar, is also a Dalmatian. 

If you’re a fan of 90s sitcoms, you might remember Eddie from Fraiser. This lovable lapdog is the iconic Jack Russell Terrier. Comet, the family dog from Full House, is a Golden Retriever. 

What dog breed is Rin Tin Tin? The scrappy star of The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin is a German Shepherd. Captain Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation also happens to have a German Shepherd named Blacktoe. 

Even the TV fictional dogs of today are influenced by specific breeds. Santa’s Little Helper is the Greyhound family dog from the long-running animated comedy, The Simpsons. A intelligent Corgi named Cheddar guest stars as Captain Holt’s loyal dog in a few episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Fictional Dogs from Books & Stories

Even though you can’t see them, the dogs from your favorite books and novels are based on real breeds. For example, Toto from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is a Cairn Terrier. 

The heartbreaking book, Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, features two Redbone Coonhound named Old Dan and Little Ann. Even Nana from J.M. Barrie’s play, Peter Pan, is based on a Newfoundland. 

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, you may know that Hagrid’s dog, Fang, is a black Mastiff. Buck from Jack London’s Call of the Wild is supposedly a Saint Bernard Scotch Collie mix.