I’m one of those people who believes that a home is not complete without a pet (I have four cats myself), and love it when a favorite TV character or family has a loyal companion who can add to the adventure or the comedic antics of a show. Some of these adorable animals have become as famous, if not more so, than the human actors of a series.
Animals tend to make a television program more family-friendly, and TV executives have used them to draw in this demographic, despite the fact that working with a non-human actor can be challenging. In the very early days of the medium, American families gathered around their sets to follow the adventures of such noble creatures as “Lassie” and “Flipper,” or to laugh at the ridiculousness of a talking horse in “Mister Ed” or the antics of the “human” pig Arnold on “Green Acres.” Over the years, several sitcom families have embraced a canine family member, from Murray on “Mad About You” to Stella on “Modern Family.” Animals are especially popular in the world of animation, and some of the most iconic characters in pop culture include such loyal and wacky pets as Snoopy and Scooby-Doo.
From a talking cat with plans for world domination, to a dragon who’s a big scaredy cat, to a big cat who scares people but wouldn’t hurt a mouse, here are some of the most memorable pets from television. Tour our photo gallery above, which also includes pets from “Frasier,” “The Flintstones,” “Friends,” “Family Guy” and more.
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30. The Brady Bunch
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Various dogs as Tiger
In the pilot, the boys’ dog Tiger and the girls’ cat Fluffy cause quite a ruckus during Mike and Carol’s wedding ceremony. Fluffy was never seen again (hopefully she lived out her life in peace with Carol’s parents), but Tiger stayed with the family for a bit. When the dog actor was sadly killed by a car, there was an attempt to replace him with a lookalike, but the new Tiger apparently wasn’t as professional. So, despite the fact that the kids are devastated when Tiger runs away or when they think they’ll have to give him up due to Jan’s allergies, Tiger simply fades away, leaving his doghouse permanently in the backyard.
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29. Lost
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Madison as Vincent
This handsome yellow lab is the only non-human passenger to survive the crash of Oceanic Flight 815. He is originally Walt’s faithful companion, and is the catalyst for many of the strange boy’s adventures on the island. Although Walt does finally make it off the island, Vincent stays behind with the other survivors, and is one of the few characters to remain on the series throughout its run.
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28. Modern Family
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Brigitte (seasons 2-3) and Beatrice (seasons 4-11) as Stella
She is the bane of Gloria’s existence and the love of Jay’s life. The adorable French bulldog is Gloria’s constant foil, from destroying her shoes to begging for food to diving helplessly into a swimming pool (from which Gloria has to save her). It is clear Stella is Daddy’s girl when he comes home and she gets all his loving first.
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27. Magnum, PI
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Various Doberman Pinchers as Zeus and Apollo
Higgins simply has to say, “Zeus, Apollo, Patrol!” and his loyal Doberman Pinchers set off to look for any unwelcome guests or intruders on Robin’s Nest, sometimes getting harmed in their efforts to keep the estate safe. Although they chase Magnum himself in the beginning, they all soon become friends, with Higgins giving “The Lads” a life of fine dining and luxury as the faithful canines earn their keep.
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26. The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Bozo as Ben
As a wrongly accused fugitive, Grizzly finds solace in the wilderness, discovering a unique connection to the wildlife around him. But it’s the grizzly bear cub he rescues who becomes his constant and faithful companion. As Ben grows into a mighty bear, he is a powerful force in Grizzly’s efforts to protect the wildlife from outside harm.
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25. The Munsters
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Spot
Why have a dog when you can have a dragon? From chasing cars to beating Herman at checkers, Spot keeps this family of monsters at 1313 Mockingbird Lane on their toes. We may only get to see his head popping up from the stairs and the end of his tail, but we know he’s a FEROCIOUS creature – so ferocious, he’s scared of his own shadow!
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24. Miami Vice
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Elvis
Crockett’s “watch gator” protects his boat when he isn’t slinking off to visit the marina neighbors, trashing boats and eating other people’s food if Crockett is away too long (gators can get lonely, too). The former mascot for the University of Florida Gators (retired after biting a rival team member) otherwise makes an excellent “watch gator.” Except for when he’s sleeping. Which he does a lot. But it sure is fun to watch him freak people out when he is up and about.
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23. Veronica Mars
Image Credit: Courtesy of UPN Lefty as Backup
Young and independent, Veronica is not scared to go into any sort of place in pursuit of one of her cases. While she is tough and brave, she’s also not stupid and knows to always bring “backup” for protection. In her case, Backup is her loyal pit bull. One look at him, and even the toughest guy backs down.
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22. Flipper
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Kathy as Flipper
“They call him Flipper, Flipper, faster than lightning. . .No-one you see, is smarter than he…” How cool would it be to have a dolphin as a pet? This highly intelligent bottlenose dolphin is the companion animal of Chief Warden Kelly and helps to enforce regulations at Coral Key Park and Marine Preserve while helping the widowed Kelly keep an eye on his two sons. A fun, lighthearted show, “Flipper” was often referred to as “the aquatic Lassie” as he often helped get the two boys out of misadventures.
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21. The Lone Ranger
Image Credit: Courtesy Image White Cloud as Silver
One of the most famous fictional horses, the great white stallion becomes an appreciative companion to the Lone Ranger after the hero saves him from an angry buffalo. Who can forget the mighty steed rearing up with the Lone Ranger on his back shouting “Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!” as they dash off to their next adventure.
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20. Charmed
Image Credit: Courtesy of WB Kit
Originally a Familiar for witch Serena Fredericks, fate brings Kit to the “Charmed Ones” after Serena is killed. As a guide for neophyte witches, the beautiful Siamese is instrumental in helping the Halliwell sisters as they learn about their powers, and often warns them when danger is present. She eventually seemes to disappear, but it’s later revealed that she has been transformed into a woman named Katrina, who is now responsible for looking after other cats who serve as Familiars.
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19. The Simpsons
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Santa’s Little Helper
“He’s pathetic! He’s a loser! He’s. . . a Simpson.” When Homer doesn’t receive his Christmas bonus, he turns to dog racing and bets on the long shot – Santa’s Little Helper. Of course, the greyhound doesn’t even finish the race, and when he’s dumped by his owner, he finds a new happy place with television’s favorite wacky family, and has remained with them throughout the entire 30-year run of the series.
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18. Warner Bros. Looney Tunes
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Tweety
Granny’s little yellow birdie looks so innocent as he flutters long eyelashes over big blue eyes, claiming, “I tawt I taw a puddy tat! I did! I did tee a puddy tat!” But he’s a lot more clever than he looks, and outwits Sylvester the cat every time – well, almost every time. There are a few times Granny has to make Sylvester spit the little bird out. But, more often than not, Tweety foils the cat’s plans, making the two one of the most famous animal pairings in the history of animation.
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17. The Jetsons
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Astro
“The Jetsons” is so far into the future, that dogs can talk. And, really, with the way 2020 is going, would talking animals be all that surprising? However clever this loyal mutt is, though, he’s more playful than ferocious – although he does catch The Cat Burglar, even if it is just because he accidentally runs INTO him as he’s running AWAY from him.
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16. The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Rin Tin Tin IV and Flame Jr as Rin Tin Tin
After numerous film appearances beginning in 1923 and a successful radio show, Rin Tin Tin was already the most famous dog in the world when he became the star on his own TV show. The magnificent German Shepherd is companion to young orphaned Rusty, who is adopted by the troops at Fort Apache, and the two help the men keep law and order around Mesa Grande. Rin Tin Tin’s legacy endures, as his descendants continue to make personal appearances around the country.
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15. The Addams Family
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Zamba as Kitty Kat
A mysterious and spooky family isn’t complete without a bizarre and scary pet. It’s hard to pick the best out of an octopus, a pair of piranhas and a vulture, but I’m going with the lion. Morticia’s “Kitty Kat” has quite the history: he once ate a zookeeper (resulting in a very upset stomach), his father ate Dr. Mbogo’s father (understandably, Dr. Mbogo no longer treats lions) and Kitty Kat gets rather upset if his drinking fountain isn’t full. And for some reason, he tends to frighten guests – I can’t imagine why.
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14. Empty Nest
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Bear as Dreyfus
The huge St. Bernard/Golden Retriever mix isn’t just the side pet on the popular sitcom. Dreyfus is as much a member of the cast as the human actors, and plays prominently in many storylines. The slobbering, often wistful-looking pooch is scared of a little mouse, is known to hide in a kitchen cabinet when afraid (especially of storms) and is completely useless when Barbara and Carol are tied up during a robbery. But he’s Harry’s best friend, and the best confidante a fellow could have.
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13. Full House
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Buddy as Comet
Despite his obsession with cleanliness, Danny allows the girls to keep a puppy when a pregnant dog wanders into their yard and gives birth. The mom is reunited with her owner, and the Tanners welcome a new member to their household, with the Golden Retriever becoming a companion to every member – from doing Elvis impersonations with Jesse and Joey to keeping Michelle company at night to warranting his own birthday party. He became so popular that an entire episode was dedicated to him getting lost while chasing a hot dog truck and falling in love with a collie before finding his way back home.
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12. Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Nick Bakay (voice) as Salem Saberhagen
After trying to take over the world, the 500-year-old warlock Salem is sentenced to spend 100 years as a cat, and is sent to live with Sabrina’s aunt Hilda. It is suitable that he’s made a cat, as he is sarcastic, dreams of wealth and celebrity, often gets Sabrina into mischief and his desire for world domination never subsides. He continues those efforts as well as trying to find a way to become human again without serving out his sentence. Despite these slight character flaws, he proves to be a good companion for Sabrina as the young witch comes into her powers while trying to be a normal teenager at the same time.
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11. Married with Children
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Buck the Dog as Buck
It is quite possible that the wisecracking Briard was the most intelligent life form in the Bundy household. He dishes out insults (only in his mind, of course) towards his humans, usually directed at their stupidity and their failure to feed him. Despite their frequent neglect of him, the family is actually sad when he dies (Al more so at the cost of the burial); however, when Buck goes to Animal Heaven, the feline judge passes down sentencing based on his treatment of cats and the poor pooch is sent back as the Bundy dog Lucky.
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10. Family Guy
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Brian
He talks. He walks on his hind legs. He writes books. He has a fondness for martinis and marijuana. He is the most sophisticated and intelligent member of the Griffin family. And he is a dog – a pretentious and snobby one at that. However, he is one of the most beloved characters of the series, and when he was killed off, fans went into an uproar. However, thankfully, all was set right with baby Stewie’s time machine.
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9. Friends
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Katie as Marcel
It is a tossup to me as to a favorite pet on this show, as I love the chick and the duck. However, Ross’s white-headed capuchin monkey is probably the most memorable. Who can forget the little rascal humping everything in site? Or the emotional moment when Ross has to turn him over to the zoo? But the imp eventually found an even better life – as a movie star alongside Jean Claude Van Damme.
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8. Mister Ed
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Bamboo Harvester as Mister Ed
“We all know a horse is a horse, of course – that is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister Ed. . .” After the success of the “Francis the Talking Mule” films, it was only logical to bring a similar concept to the small screen. Based on a series of short stories, the premise is silly: a horse who talks, but only to his owner, resulting in lots of comic misunderstandings. A talking horse was magical in the early days of television, and Mister Ed enjoyed five years of success, leaving us with one of the catchiest theme songs of all time.
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7. Green Acres
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Various piglets as Arnold Ziffel
Former city dwellers Oliver and Lisa Douglas don’t know what to make of Hooterville residents’ treatment of Arnold the pig. He is the “child” of Fred and Doris Ziffel, who have no children and treat the Chester White pig just as if he is human – and their fellow townsfolk do the same! Arnold attends school, watches the evening news, plays piano and delivers newspapers. Oliver has no idea what the pig is saying, but nobody else in Hooterville has trouble understanding his pig squeals and grunts – they think Oliver is the one who’s crazy!
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6. The Flintstones
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Dino
No prehistoric family is complete without a pet dogasaurus. This affectionate purple-with-black-spots Snorkasaurus exuberantly greets his master Fred everyday when he gets home from work. Fred may act annoyed, but he always gives in to Dino’s kisses. And Dino becomes a loyal and protective pet to little Pebbles and neighbor Bamm-Bamm, as well as their playful companion.
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5. Mad About You
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Maui as Murray
Paul has had the collie mix since he was a pup, and actually met Jamie while walking him, so he is indeed very special to the couple. He may not be the brightest, and the Bachman’s never know what to expect from him – he gets lost, randomly stands on tables, chases invisible mice and runs into walls – but he is certainly lovable and becomes a wonderful companion and protector for baby Mabel.
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4. Frasier
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Moose as Eddie
Frasier’s adorable little brother loves to taunt him, prompting the age-old sibling complaint from Frasier, “Dad, Eddie’s staring at me!” Never mind that Eddie is a Jack Russell Terrier and Frasier is a full-grown man – since Martin usually takes Eddie’s side, it is full-blown sibling rivalry hijinks. Eddie is very much the stubborn fellow, as he will only listen to Martin, and is only scared of one person – Lillith. Smart dog.
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3. Peanuts
Image Credit: © 2003 United Feature Syndicate Snoopy
In his dreams, he is a famous writer, or “Joe Cool” or an infamous WWI flying ace fighting “Red Baron.” In reality, he is Charlie Brown’s bored beagle who gets his kicks by telling jokes with his sidekick Woodstock, kissing Lucy (who is afraid of dog germs), trying to steal Linus’s blanket or dancing atop Schroeder’s piano. Even though he aggravates all of Charlie Brown’s friends and often taunts Charlie Brown himself, Snoopy in the end stands by his owner’s side as a loyal pooch. And he is most likely the most recognized character from the Peanuts gang.
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2. Scooby Doo, Where Are You!
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Scooby Doo
It’s hard to believe, but Scooby Doo is 50-years-old! His popularity endures, through both live action films and new incarnations of the cartoon mysteries. Through it all, the Great Dane has remained the same faithful companion of Shaggy, helping solve mysteries alongside Fred, Daphne and Velma. He may not be the bravest dog, but will typically overcome his fear if one of his humans is in danger. . . or for a Scooby snack.
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1. Lassie
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Pal and his descendants as Lassie
She was smart, beautiful and loyal. She made the transition from motion pictures to television with grace and dignity. Or, I guess I should say HE, as it was a male Rough Collie named Pal who brought the female dog to life in seven MGM films and two pilots for the television series. “Lassie,” which ran from 1954-1973, is the fifth-longest U.S. primetime series, and Pal’s male descendants portrayed the canine companion to various humans throughout the run of the program. Lassie is loyal to each of her human masters, and dutifully gets them out of trouble time and again, offering audiences a new suspenseful adventure each week.