13 Cute Dogs We Grew Up Watching on TV. How Many Do You Remember?

1. The Littlest Hobo

THE LITTLEST HOBO, l-r: Wendy Stuart, London the Dog, 1958.

This Canadian series followed a mysterious, wandering German Shepherd who would arrive in different towns, help people in need, and then move on. Each episode was a new adventure, and fans adored the dog’s selfless acts and loyal nature.

2. Run, Joe, Run

RUN, JOE, RUN, Arch Whiting (right) with Joe the German Shepherd, 1974-76.

In this action-packed series, Joe, a German Shepherd wrongly accused of a crime, went on the run, avoiding capture while helping people along the way. His clever escapes and brave deeds made Joe a beloved hero for fans.

3. Benji, Zax & the Alien Prince

BENJI, ZAX AND THE ALIEN PRINCE, Zax the robot (voiced by Rod Spiegel), Christopher Burton, Benji the dog, 1983

This series followed Benji, the famous mixed-breed star, who protected a young alien prince on Earth. The show’s blend of sci-fi and canine heroism made it a unique favorite for young viewers of the time.

4. Lassie

LASSIE, from left, Jon Provost, Lassie, June Lockhart, 1954-74 (late 1950s photo). ph: John R. Hamilton / TV Guide / courtesy Everett Collection

Perhaps the most iconic TV dog of all time, Lassie captured hearts for generations. Each episode featured the heroic Collie coming to the rescue of her family and friends, often saving the day in thrilling and heartwarming ways.

5. The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin

THE ADVENTURES OF RIN TIN TIN, James Brown, Lee Aaker, Rin-Tin-Tin, 1954-59. TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

Rin Tin Tin, a brave German Shepherd, accompanied a young boy in this Wild West series, helping soldiers maintain peace and protect the townsfolk. His courage and loyalty made Rin Tin Tin a classic canine star.

6. Houndcats

THE HOUNDCATS, from left: Musselmutt, Dingdog, Stutz, Puttypuss, Rhubarb, 1972.

This animated series brought a team of animals together, led by a hound, to solve mysteries and tackle villains. With humor, adventure, and teamwork, Houndcats became a favorite cartoon for dog lovers of all ages.

7. The Bearcats!

CBS

Though focused on the adventures of two men in the early 1900s, The Bearcats! often featured their loyal dog, who helped them tackle each new mission. The dog’s quick thinking and loyalty added a memorable canine charm to this classic action series.

8. Here’s Boomer!

Melissa Michaelsen (left), in a NBC composite publicity photo for ME AND MAXX, with Johnny the dog from HERE’S BOOMER, 1980.

Boomer, a stray dog with a knack for helping people, wandered from town to town to solve problems and provide comfort. His adventures were heartwarming, and his friendly nature made him a beloved hero of 70s television.

9. The Shaggy Dog

THE SHAGGY DOG, Fred MacMurray, 1959

Based on the classic Disney movie, this show revolved around a boy who occasionally transformed into an Old English Sheepdog. The comedic adventures and canine chaos kept audiences laughing, especially those who loved a bit of fantasy mixed in.

10. Daktari

DAKTARI, from left: John G. Holden, makeup, Marshall Thompson, 1966-69. photo: Lee Green/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

Set in Africa, this show centered on a veterinarian and his work with wildlife, including a loyal German Shepherd named Clarence. The show highlighted incredible bonds between people and animals, with plenty of canine courage thrown in.

11. Good Dog, Carl

Amazon

Though not a full TV series, these classic short segments featured Carl, a gentle Rottweiler, who looked after a young girl and often saved the day in small but meaningful ways. It was a hit with viewers who appreciated gentle, family-oriented stories.

12. Hong Kong Phooey

HONG KONG PHOOEY, Hong Kong Phooey, 1974-75

This animated series brought us a dog superhero, who transformed into the clumsy but lovable Hong Kong Phooey! Full of action and comedy, the show was beloved for its humor and the dog’s heart-of-gold heroics.

13. The Ghost & Mrs. Muir

THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR, Natalie Wood, 1947, TM & Copyright (c) 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved.

In this sitcom about a woman and her family moving into a haunted house, the family dog, Scruffy, added charm with his antics. Although the focus was on the ghost, Scruffy’s loyalty and bravery made him a small but memorable part of the series.

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