Dogs have always held a special place in human hearts, not just as loyal companions but also as heroes who have made significant impacts on history. From brave battlefield dogs to life-saving companions, these canines have left an indelible mark on the world. Here are ten of the most heroic and famous dogs throughout history, with detailed accounts of their incredible stories.
Argos
- Location: Ancient Greece
- Dates: c. 8th century BCE
- Breed: Unknown
Peritas
- Location: Macedonia
- Dates: 4th century BCE
- Breed: Molossian or Laconian
Gelert
- Location: Wales
- Dates: 13th century
- Breed: Welsh Hound
Saur
- Location: Norway
- Dates: 11th century
- Breed: Unknown
Barry
- Location: Swiss Alps
- Dates: 1800 - 1814
- Breed: Saint Bernard
Rin Tin Tin
- Location: Hollywood, USA
- Dates: 1918 - 1932
- Breed: German Shepherd
Sergeant Stubby
- Location: United States and France
- Dates: 1916 - 1926
- Breed: Boston Terrier
Balto
- Location: Nome, Alaska, USA
- Dates: 1923 - 1933
- Breed: Siberian Husky
Hachiko
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Dates: 1923 - 1935
- Breed: Akita
Laika
- Location: Moscow, Soviet Union
- Dates: 1954 - 1957
- Breed: Mixed-breed Terrier
Argos
Argos is famous from Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey.” He was the loyal dog of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca. When Odysseus returned home after 20 years of fighting in the Trojan War and journeying, he was disguised as a beggar. Argos, despite being old and neglected, recognized his master and joyfully greeted him before peacefully passing away. Argos symbolizes loyalty and the enduring bond between a dog and its owner. This touching moment from Greek literature remains one of the earliest and most poignant accounts of canine loyalty.
Peritas
Peritas was the loyal dog of Alexander the Great. According to historical accounts, Peritas accompanied Alexander in many of his campaigns and saved his life on multiple occasions. One famous story tells how Peritas defended Alexander from an elephant during the Battle of Gaugamela. Alexander honored Peritas by naming a city after him. The loyalty and bravery of Peritas reflect the deep bond between Alexander and his canine companion, illustrating the important role dogs played even in ancient military history.
Gelert
Gelert was the faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn the Great of Wales. According to legend, Llywelyn returned home one day to find his infant son’s crib overturned and Gelert covered in blood. Assuming the worst, Llywelyn killed Gelert in a fit of rage. Moments later, he discovered his son unharmed and a dead wolf nearby, realizing that Gelert had saved the child from the wolf. Llywelyn was heartbroken and honored Gelert by burying him with a grand ceremony. A monument to Gelert still stands in the village of Beddgelert, commemorating the loyal dog’s ultimate sacrifice.
Saur
Saur was the beloved dog of King Olaf I of Norway. The king loved Saur so much that he declared the dog to be his heir. Saur was officially treated as the king for three years, with the council making decisions in his name. Although this story is often considered more legend than fact, it reflects the high regard in which some historical figures held their canine companions. Saur’s story is an example of how dogs have been valued not just as pets but as integral parts of royal households and governance.
Barry
Barry, a Saint Bernard born in 1800, served as a rescue dog at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps. Barry is credited with saving over 40 lives during his career, often venturing into treacherous conditions to find lost travelers. His most famous rescue involved carrying a small boy on his back to safety. Barry’s legacy endures, with a preserved mount of him displayed at the Natural History Museum in Bern and a monument at the Cimetière des Chiens in Paris. Barry’s story showcases the incredible bravery and lifesaving abilities of rescue dogs.
Rin Tin Tin
Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd born in 1918 and discovered by American soldier Lee Duncan in a bombed-out kennel in France during World War I. Duncan brought him back to the United States, where Rin Tin Tin became a Hollywood star. He appeared in 27 films, captivating audiences with his intelligence and agility. Rin Tin Tin’s success helped popularize the German Shepherd breed in America and showcased the potential of dogs in film and entertainment. His legacy lives on as an iconic representation of canine heroism and talent.
Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby, a Boston Terrier born in 1916, served with the 102nd Infantry Regiment during World War I. Found as a stray on the Yale University campus, Stubby was smuggled to France by Private J. Robert Conroy. Stubby participated in 17 battles, where he detected gas attacks, found wounded soldiers, and captured a German spy. His actions earned him numerous medals and the rank of Sergeant, making him the most decorated war dog in history. Stubby’s legacy continues to inspire with his tales of bravery and service.
Balto
Balto, a Siberian Husky born in 1923, is one of the most celebrated dogs in history. In January 1925, a diphtheria outbreak threatened the remote town of Nome, Alaska. With severe weather grounding planes and blocking ships, the only hope was a relay of sled dog teams. Balto led the final leg of the Serum Run, covering 55 miles through blizzard conditions to deliver the life-saving antitoxin. His courage and endurance ensured the delivery’s success, saving countless lives. Today, a statue of Balto stands in New York’s Central Park, commemorating his bravery.
Hachiko
Hachiko, an Akita from Japan, was born in 1923 and is remembered for his extraordinary loyalty. Every day, Hachiko would wait for his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, at Shibuya Station in Tokyo. After Ueno’s sudden death in 1925, Hachiko continued to wait at the station for nearly ten years, hoping for his master’s return. His story touched the hearts of many, and a bronze statue of Hachiko was erected at Shibuya Station as a symbol of devotion and fidelity.
Laika
Laika, a mixed-breed Terrier, was a stray from the streets of Moscow, born around 1954. She became the first animal to orbit the Earth on November 3, 1957, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. Although Laika did not survive the mission, her journey provided valuable data on the effects of space travel on living organisms. Laika’s sacrifice paved the way for human space exploration, and she is remembered as a pioneering spacefarer.
Sources:
- “Argos: The Faithful Dog of Odysseus,” Ancient History Encyclopedia,
- “Alexander the Great and His Dog Peritas,” History Channel,
- “Gelert: The Faithful Hound of Prince Llywelyn,” Wales Online,
- “King Olaf and His Dog Saur,” Norwegian American,
- “Barry: The Legendary Rescue Dog of the Swiss Alps,” Barry Foundation,
- “Rin Tin Tin: From War Hero to Hollywood Star,” History Channel,
- “Sergeant Stubby: American War Hero,” Smithsonian Magazine,
