Historic Hounds: From Pup to Pop Culture Icon
Posted Apr 16, 2025 in Fun Dog Stuff
There’s no doubt that everyone loves a man’s best friend! However, a few dogs have impacted our society like no other. Today, we’ll check out some of history’s most famous canines and discover what makes them pop culture phenomena. Whether you’re looking for the perfect namesake or want to know more about the important pups we know and love, we’ll explore six amazing dogs and their incredible accomplishments.
Fido
Have you ever wondered why we name or nickname our canines “Fido?” Well, wonder no longer! This nickname refers to Abraham Lincoln’s trusted companion. Fido was a mixed-breed dog that Lincoln admired and respected greatly. Unfortunately, Fido’s time in the White House was short-lived as he struggled to adapt to the busy environment and had to be rehomed. Abraham Lincoln loved Fido so dearly that he could only trust a close friend to care for his canine. Lincoln requested that his new family respect a list of requests regarding the presidential pup.
- Fido is never to be tied up alone outdoors.
- Fido must be let inside when he scratches at the door.
- Fido is never to be scolded for entering the home with muddy paws.
- Fido is allowed to roam freely at the table during mealtime.
Learn more about Fido, the presidential pup, here.
Lassie
This fictional pup has captured audiences’ hearts since 1938. The character originated in the short story Lassie Come Home, which was later adapted into a novel and movie. The Lassie franchise has tugged on our heartstrings with hours of content to enjoy, but who is this starlet pup? Lassie was initially played by a male Rough Collie named “Pal.” Pal acted in over nine projects before his unfortunate passing in 1958. Pal’s son, Lassie Jr, then took over the role. The franchise continued with Pal’s grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild and ended in the 1970s.
Want to learn more about Lassie’s history? Check it out here!
Toto
Somewhere over the rainbow is the adorable Cairn terrier, Toto! This pup-culture icon famously acted alongside Judy Garland in MGM’s The Wizard of Oz. “Toto,” born Terry, worked in 23 films throughout her career. Due to the popularity of The Wizard of Oz, Terry was officially renamed Toto! Today, dog lovers honor Toto by including their pups in Dorothy costumes and protecting their “little dogs” from wicked witches.
Discover what else Toto was up to after returning to Kansas here!
Snoopy
Charles M. Schulz created this imaginative beagle who has entertained Peanuts fans since 1950. Snoopy’s sarcastic but lovable one-liners and active imagination inspire readers and watchers to pursue their dreams, no matter how wild they are. From comics to shorts and long-format movies, Snoopy has tried to become the next great American author, a World War I pilot, and a relaxed college student. This iconic pup reminds us to enjoy the little things in life and not take it too seriously.
The Royal Corgis
Queen Elizabeth had nearly 30 Corgis in her life, pampering all 30 pups as royalty throughout her reign. Corgis are an iconic breed, and their likeness has been associated with the English monarchy since Queen Elizabeth was gifted her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Susan, in 1944. Lizzy bred Corgis from 1944 until 2012, stopping to avoid raising young puppies as an older woman. Whether your pup is homegrown right here in the U.S.A. or of British descent, this breed will remind you of the Queen of England and her adorable puppies.
Learn how to make your pup feel like royalty while learning more about the Queen’s Corgis.
Scooby-Doo
To round out our list of iconic pups is another animated furball, Scooby-Doo! This silly Great Dane has a long reputation for solving mysteries and chowing down on delicious sandwiches with his human counterpart, Shaggy! The title character has been featured in hundreds of franchise adaptations, proving that this canine is timelessly loved. While Scooby is always excited to solve a case, he and Shaggy rarely have the guts to take down ghouls and ghosts. Instead, they enjoy chowing down on Scooby snacks and looking for clues together.
Scooby-Dooby Doo, where are you? Find out here!
These hounds have made history in their respective industries and have stood the test of time. Today, we love these fictional and real icons that have entertained us for hundreds of years.
Check out more amazing pups throughout history and popular culture!