With Comic Con just around the corner, we thought it was time to shine a spotlight on the true unsung heroes of the comic book world... dogs! Yes, our much-loved four-legged pals have appeared across the pages of just about every type of comic you can think of—from the classic newspaper strips you’d tear from the Sunday paper, to the stunning art of Europe’s Bande Dessinée, and of course, the titans of the industry: Marvel and DC. Here are six of the best drawn…
Gnasher, Beano (1968)
Gnasher is a black-haired Abyssinian Wire-Haired Tripe Hound... it might not be a real breed, but let’s allow a little artistic licence! Gnasher first appeared in The Beano in 1968, quickly becoming the best friend and partner in crime to the comic’s main character, Dennis the Menace. He even got his own spin-off, Gnasher's Tale, in 1977 and remains a fan favourite of the comic to this day.
Fun fact: Gnasher’s creator, writer and editor Ian Robertson Gray (1938–2007), was a well-known hobby breeder and sheepdog trialist. Though Gnasher may be a fictional breed- the love for dogs clearly runs deep!
Snowy, Tintin (1929)
Snowy, the Wire Fox Terrier, is the first of two Bande Dessinée dogs on our list. Known as "Milou" in the original French version, he was created by legendary Belgian cartoonist Hergé, making his debut in Tintin in the Land of the Soviets in 1929 as Tintin’s loyal sidekick on countless adventures.
Wire Fox Terriers are known for their quick movement, sharp expression, and alert reaction to even the slightest provocation—making Snowy the perfect companion for dodging danger and sniffing out clues! Once a popular breed, the Wire Fox Terrier is now sadly a vulnerable "At Watch" breed by The Kennel Club, with only 378 puppies registered in 2023.
Ace the Bat-Hound, Batman (1955)VB
Ace the Bat-Hound is the trusted companion of the Dark Knight himself. Ace made his first appearance in Batman #92 in June 1955, portrayed as a German Shepherd found by Batman and Robin after his owner was kidnapped by a gang of counterfeiters. He was a regular feature in Bruce Wayne’s household until he was retired in 1964 by editor Julius Schwartz, though Ace has made several returns in various forms over the years.
The Kennel Club describes the German Shepherd as “steady of nerve, loyal, self-assured, courageous, and tractable. Never nervous, over-aggressive or shy." It’s easy to see why Batman's writers chose this breed as the Bat-Hound!
Krypto, Superman (1955)
Krypto first bounded into the comic book world in Adventure Comics #210 in 1955, as a Kryptonian superdog who looks strikingly like a Labrador Retriever. As the uncrowned king of super pets, his master is none other than Superman (or Clark Kent, depending on the time of day). Krypto proudly sports a gold collar, a Superman "S" dog tag, and a cape just like his owner.
With his strong build, broad chest, and will to please, it’s no wonder creators Otto Binder and Curt Swan used the Labrador Retriever as the model for the Man of Steel’s best friend.
Dogmatix, Asterix (1963)
Dogmatix is the pint-sized Jack Russell Terrier who faithfully follows Obelix in the Asterix comics. His name is a playful pun on "dog" and "dogmatic," but in the original French, he’s called Idéfix—a nod to idée fixe, meaning obsession. Dogmatix made his debut in 1963 in Asterix and the Banquet and later starred in his own series of 16 children’s books in 1973.
Bold, fearless, and confident with the ability to go to ground quickly, the Jack Russell Terrier was the perfect inspiration for what René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo describe as the only known "canine ecologist". No task is too big for a determined little dog!
Snoopy, Peanuts (1950)
"It was a dark and stormy night..." There’s no better way to introduce the world’s most beloved Beagle! Snoopy was never intended to be the star when Peanuts debuted in 1950, but with his fantasy adventures—whether as a World War I flying ace or the ever-cool Joe Cool—quickly captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Creator Charles M. Schulz once remarked that he didn’t envy the lives dogs had to lead, which is why Snoopy often retreats into his imaginative world to escape his otherwise quiet life in small-town America.
The Kennel Club describes Beagles as “merry hounds with great activity, stamina, and determination. Alert, intelligent, and of even temperament.” Sounds a lot like someone we know! In 2015, Snoopy was even honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!