6 Top dogs in comic books

He’s got a mouthful of teeth, a mop of unruly fur, and the loyalty of a best mate. Gnasher is Dennis the Menace’s trusty sidekick and an icon in his own right. First seen in The Beano in 1968, Gnasher’s reputation for chaos (and chewing things he shouldn’t) helped him star in his own comic strips, including Gnasher’s Tale. 

His breed? Officially, he’s an Abyssinian Wire-Haired Tripe Hound—entirely fictional, but absolutely unforgettable. 

Fun fact: His creator Ian Gray wasn’t just a comic genius—he was also a hobby breeder and sheepdog trialist. Clearly, he knew a thing or two about good dogs. 

Known as Milou in the original French, Snowy is Tintin’s faithful Wire Fox Terrier who follows him into jungles, deserts, and diplomatic incidents—always with a wag and a witty aside. Debuting in 1929, Snowy was part of Tintin in the Land of the Soviets and has been by his side ever since. 

With a breed known for intelligence, bravery and lightning-fast reactions, it’s no surprise Hergé chose the Wire Fox Terrier. These days, sadly, they’re a Vulnerable “At Watch” breed in the UK, with fewer than 400 puppies registered in 2023. 

Every superhero needs a sidekick—even Batman. Enter Ace the Bat-Hound, the loyal German Shepherd who first appeared in Batman #92 in 1955. Originally a rescue, Ace quickly earned his place in the Batcave, sniffing out bad guys and posing majestically in a little black mask. 

Retired briefly in the 1960s, Ace has made several heroic returns, proving some good boys are just too iconic to stay gone. 

Breed note: German Shepherds are famously courageous, loyal, and calm under pressure—just what Bruce Wayne needs on patrol. 

Straight from Krypton and straight into our hearts, Krypto is Superman’s loyal superdog. First appearing in Adventure Comics #210, Krypto looks like a white Labrador Retriever—but with the ability to fly, shoot laser vision, and take on alien villains without breaking a sweat. 

Whether guarding the Fortress of Solitude or chasing cosmic squirrels, Krypto is the goodest space boy in comics. 

Breed nod: Labradors are known for their strength, intelligence and deep loyalty—no wonder Krypto channels all three. 

Small in size, mighty in bark. Dogmatix (or Idéfix, in the original French) is the eco-conscious Jack Russell who never lets Obelix out of sight. Making his first appearance in Asterix and the Banquet in 1963, Dogmatix went on to star in his own books—and earn a reputation as the only dog with a green agenda. 

Jack Russells are bold, clever and totally fearless. Fitting, for a dog who takes on Roman armies without so much as a bark of doubt. 

He’s a Beagle. He’s a pilot. He’s Joe Cool. Snoopy began life as a background character in Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip—but quickly became the main attraction. Whether he’s imagining aerial battles with the Red Baron or tapping out his next novel (“It was a dark and stormy night...”), Snoopy brings charm, humour, and just a hint of melancholy to his otherwise humble doghouse. 

Beagles are merry, determined and endlessly curious—just like Snoopy, who was finally given his due with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2015.