Dogs have been man’s best friend from time immemorial. They’re not only faithful; they seem to be able to take on a wide range of jobs to help humans out. As a result, there are some famous dog names, both fictional and historical, that are forever associated with the best values found in the relationship between man and dog.
Some of the most famous dog names come from the movies. Dorothy not only needed the Tin Man but Toto as well. Many of the most beloved dogs with famous names are synonymous with fidelity and resourcefulness. Even though both their movies and television shows are decades old, just about everyone knows who Lassie and Rin Tin Tin are and all the dangerous situations where they helped their owners.
The beloved Benji was later able to claim the mantle of the ever-helpful pup but without the pedigree of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. Benji was the original shelter mutt to make it big. Proving that breeding didn’t make the dog, Benji starred in a number of films.
Other famous dog names from fiction are better known simply for being boy’s best friend. The Brady Bunch’s family dog was the completely misnamed Tiger, the gentle soul that he was. Some of the best television dogs aren’t even real. Santa’s Little Helper is always there to help Bart Simpson with all his plans. He might not be a real dog, but he’s still cute.
Fiction may have always turned to dogs as strong human helpers because there have been so many true stories of dogs’ valor. History has recorded many famous dog names who have helped both their owners and in some cases, even an entire society, to progress.
Japan’s most beloved dog is Hachiko. This Akita Inu who lived during the 1920s and 1930s in Tokyo has been immortalized with a statue at Shibuya Station. Hachiko was owned by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. Every day Hachiko would meet the professor at Shibuya Station after work. One day, the professor died at work. Every day, for the next nine years, until he died, Hachiko would show up at Shibuya Station at the same time in hopes of seeing the professor return.
Another historical dog whose sacrifice is worth noting is Laika. In 1957, little Laika was sent into orbit by the Soviet Union to advance humanity’s understanding of science. Laika died out in space and it’s not known how she was affected by the trip. Even so, her sacrifice is remembered by a monument erected in her honor in Moscow.
The ancient dog named Soter is called the “Defender and Preserver of Corinth”. One of fifty dogs tasked with protecting the ancient Greek seaside city of Corinth, he escaped an attack that had called all the 49 dogs. He made it to the gates of Corinth to warn the city. He and his fallen comrades were remembered with their own marble monument.
Finally, the only known dog to rule had two famous dog names, Saur (he was also called Suning). According to the legend, the eleventh-century Norwegian king who regained power after being briefly depose decided to punish his subjects. He demanded they choose between either his slave or his dog Saur to rule over them. They chose the dog.
