12/8/2025
Top dogs in video games: The most iconic canine companions in gaming history
Dogs have long been ‘man’s best friend’ – and it turns out, they’re just as loyal in the digital world. Since the early days of gaming, our furry friends have turned up as sidekicks, heroes and comic relief across consoles.
Here are seven of the most iconic dogs in video game history – plus one honourable mention every dog-loving gamer will remember.
6. Jake – Dog’s Life (2003)
Jake the American Foxhound is the unlikely hero of this cult PS2 game. His mission? Rescue Daisy the Labrador, his not-so-secret crush.
Armed with ‘Smellovision’ and a nose for buried bones, Jake explores three towns, completing silly missions and meeting over 19 different breeds. There’s even a Pedigree® vending machine. A tail-wagging favourite for younger gamers.
Image credit: IMDb
5. Isabelle – Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012)
Isabelle, the world’s most helpful Shih Tzu, is your adorable town secretary in Animal Crossing. Loyal, clever, and always cheerful, she’s been a fan-favourite since her debut.
She’s since popped up in Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and countless memes – earning her spot as the unofficial mascot of the franchise.
Image credit: IGN
4. Bill Grey – Star Fox 64 (1997)
Bill Grey is no ordinary Bulldog – he’s a space pilot and loyal friend to Star Fox himself. Commanding the Husky and Bulldog squadrons, Bill’s brave, blunt and built for battle.
A nod to the Bulldog breed’s toughness and loyalty, Bill is a fan-favourite in the Star Fox universe.
Image credit: Arwingpedia
3. Alice – The Last of Us Part II (2020)
In a bleak post-apocalyptic world, Alice is one of many Belgian Malinois trained by the WLF militia. Agile, intelligent, and brave, she’s the kind of dog you’d want at your side when things go wrong.
Motion-captured by a real dog named Roach, Alice adds emotional weight and realism to an already gripping story.
Image Credit: The last of us wiki
2. Yamato – Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (1990)
A ninja and his Akita Inu. What more could you want? Yamato fights alongside Hayate Musashi, taking on corrupt cops and evil ninjas in New York.
Strong, silent and snow-white, Yamato is the perfect companion for stealth missions – and maybe the coolest dog in arcade history.
Image Credit: Segadoes.com
1. PaRappa – PaRappa the Rapper (1996)
Breed? Unknown. Style? Impeccable. PaRappa is a paper-thin dog with a bucket hat and a crush on Sunny Funny.
This rhythm game icon made rapping cool long before TikTok. “I gotta believe!” still lives rent-free in gamers' heads everywhere.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Honourable Mention: Nintendogs (2005)
Not one dog, but 19! If you were a kid in the 00s, Nintendogs on the DS was a dream come true. Train them, feed them, groom them, and enter them in agility competitions.
It was the next best thing to owning a real puppy – and arguably more obedient.
Image Credit: IGN
From foxhounds to flat rapping dogs, video game canines have brought heart, humour and heroism to our screens for decades. Whether they’re guiding us through storylines or just there to make us laugh, they prove one thing: the best sidekicks are always four-legged.
Got a favourite gaming dog we missed? Tag us on social and let us know. Or better yet – show us your own furry co-op partner!