6 Dogs That Should Be a Main Character

Loyal, playful, and affectionate, man’s best friend is all too often put in a side role in our media. Here are six dogs that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

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Dogs are man’s best friend; supportive, loyal, and affectionate. Because of our longstanding love for these animals, they often show up in media at the side of human characters. And while we love to have them there, perhaps it’s time to shine a light on our canine companions. In that spirit, here’s a list of six dog characters who are ready for their main character moment.

Max, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Max from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966 cartoon, waving towards the viewer
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Poor Max is put through a lot during the Grinch’s quest to steal Christmas, but he perseveres. With an antler tied to his head and a sleigh pulled behind him, Max brings the Grinch and his cargo up and down a mountain three times! He’s earned his main-character moment.

Argos, The Odyssey

Depiction of Odysseus seeing Argo after returning to Ithaca in the Odyssey
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So many mythical retellings from so many perspectives, and yet one group that remains underrepresented are the many incredible dogs of mythology. A perfect candidate to have his story told is Argos, the first person (metaphorically speaking) to recognize Odysseus in Ithaca.

Toto, The Wizard of Oz

Toto from The Wizard of Oz (1939), walking down the yellow brick road.
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Few literary dogs are as well known as Dorothy’s Toto, who is commonly brought up when we want to let each other know that we are not, in fact, in Kansas anymore. But what was the land of Oz and the journey down its yellow brick road like for Toto? Wouldn’t it be nice to find out?

The Beagle Boys, Donald Duck

Four members of the Beagle Boys arguing with each other.
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A family crime gang inspired by the real-life Barker-Karpis gang, the Beagle Boys repeatedly appear in Disney media attempting to rob Scrooge McDuck, and they would absolutely shine in their own media. After all, who doesn’t love a good heist story?

Bob, Dumb Witness

The dust jacket illustration of the first UK edition of Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie, featuring Bob the fox terrier
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Agatha Christie is the master of mystery, and her detective novels could hardly be improved upon. However, in her novel Dumb Witness, the victim’s fox terrier Bob witnesses the crime. One can’t help but wonder what Poirot’s investigation looked like to the dog who knew whodunnit.

Krypto the Superdog, Superman

Krypto the Superdog lands on the pavement, about to use his laser vision
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Superman has been around for a long time (since 1938), and some might argue that Superman-centric media has become a bit overplayed. A Superdog, though? Now that would be fun! Krypto the Superdog has been around since 1955, and maybe it’s time for him to have his moment.


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