Anime introduces us to many characters that are remembered years after their respective anime comes to an end. These characters often become an important part of one’s life the more impact they manage to have on us. However, besides these characters, there are also those that help in making the anime more memorable by adding many comedic aspects. These are often done by the side characters, and nothing is more endearing if a dog is that side character. In this article, we have mentioned the 10 most loved dogs from anime that you should know of.
Even if people are afraid of dogs, they cannot help but agree that some dogs in anime are definitely worth keeping as a pet. Not only this, but these dogs are also capable of invoking many emotional responses from their viewers if they are portrayed realistically. Feel free to let us know in the comments which dog from the list you would like to keep as a pet.
Akamaru from the Naruto Series
First on the list of most loved dogs in anime is Akamaru from Naruto. Akamaru was a recurring character throughout the entire Naruto series. Akamaru is not only a pet but also a member of the Inuzuka clan. This clan specializes in working alongside Ninja Dogs, which can be scary or adorable. He was entrusted to Kiba Inuzuka when he was a puppy and Kiba was a kid.
Interestingly, in their first meeting, Akamaru ends up urinating on Kiba’s face, which shows his goofy personality. Akamaru is friendlier than most ninja dogs and trains and grows strong alongside his partner and best friend, Kiba. He usually is shown to be very reactive and often has a smile on his face. Not only this, but they also develop new kinds of Jutsus together and are always seen together.
As a puppy, Akamaru used to travel around with Kiba while sitting on his soldier. As an adult dog, he grows big enough to carry Kiba around. Akamaru has the ability of sensing danger as well as other people’s scents, which gives Kiba and him an upper hand during battles. He and Kiba were powerful enough to give Naruto a difficult time in battle. Since Kiba belongs to Team 8, Akamaru becomes a part of it too.
Black Hayate from the Fullmetal Alchemist Series
Next up on the list is a dog that may not have a lot of screen time in the anime Fullmetal Alchemist but still plays a significant role. Black Hayate first appeared on the show as a stray puppy picked up by Sergent Kain Fuery. He picked him up because it was raining outside but could not keep the pup with him in his dorm. Thus, he hoped for somebody to take the puppy home and keep it under their care. Unfortunately, most of his colleagues could not keep the puppy with them for various reasons. In the end, the first Lieutenant, Riza Hawkeye, decides to take the puppy home and names it Black Hayate, meaning Black Hurricane.
Black Hayate, although now being in the military family, is a goofy dog. He appears to be a Shiba but also has Siberian Husky-like traits. Despite his goofy personality, he was trained by Riza Hawkeye to do some tricks. Like most dogs, he is loyal to her and friendly to others. In the epilogue, Black Hayate is seen taking a nap with a family of his own.
Tetsuya #2 from Kuroko no Basuke
The next most loved dog in anime is also considered to be one of the important characters in the anime Kuroko no Basuke. His story is similar to that of Black Hayate’s, and one can almost assume that they are from the same litter. Tetsuya #2 was found by the protagonist of Kuroko no Basuke, Kuroko Tetsuya, in a box near his school. Since his teammates pointed out that they share similar eyes, they decided to call the dog Tetsuya #2. Although many of them accepted the dog immediately, except for Kagami.
However, he is a dog that does not stay at home and is often seen hanging out with them. Thus, Kagami eventually warms up to him. Tetsuya is very reactive. He is capable of making facial expressions that sum up how he is exactly feeling.
Although his breed is not mentioned, it is assumable that he is fully or partly a husky. He is often seen sleeping on the basketball court. Not only this, but Tetsuya #2 wears jersey number 16 and almost acts as a mascot to the team. Besides this, his personality is very similar to Kuroko. He got attached to Kuroko right from when he carried him.
Ein from Cowboy Bebop
Although all dogs are intelligent, Ein from Cowboy Bebop takes it to another level. His backstory is probably tragic, although it was never revealed. Ein is a dog whose intelligence was enhanced by researchers to make him the cutest main character on the team. Because of this, he was known as a data dog. He helps his teammate by holding data and responding to them through his body language. Besides this, he has a way of replying in yes and no – one bark = yes and two barks = no.
As mentioned above, how Ein was turned into a superintelligent dog was not mentioned, but we do know about how his character was developed. Ein’s name is a short version of Einstein. Moreover, he is an adorable corgi and was voiced by a real corgi.
Sadaharu from Gintama
The next dog is probably one that you would want to have. Gintama, with its characters, has never failed to make its viewers laugh, and this includes Sadaharu too. Sadaharu is probably different from other dogs here, not only in demeanor but also in appearance. How he ended up in the peculiar Yorozuya team is interesting. Sadaharu used to be a dog god and the guardian of Dragon’s Pulse. In return for doing his job, he was taken care of by the Ane and Mone. However, because of advanced technology in their world, Sadaharu no longer needed to guard the pulse. Eventually, he was abandoned by the Yorozuya group because of his high maintenance.
Sadaharu does not seem to mind the members of the group and often shows them love, as well as others, by biting their heads. He usually is taken care of by Kagura. Throughout the entire series, Sadaharu has his own time to shine, like when he saved earth from an alien cockroach invasion. Interestingly, he also exhibits human characteristics, which make his character very comical.
Pakkun from the Naruto Series
Speaking of comical dogs, another ninja dog that is widely known and liked from the Naruto Series is Pakkun. He is a cute dog with a heavy voice, making his character very endearing. Not only this, but his “always tired” look makes him appear like some grandpa dog tired of everything. However, even though he may look like he does not want to do his work, he is one of the most trusted ninja dogs. This was proven when we saw Kakashi relying on him during intense situations. He also managed to guide younger ninjas during missions.
Another interesting fact worth mentioning is that he makes sure that he gets time to have his own skincare routine. He has mentioned that the shampoo/body wash he uses is called Floral Green. This is funny because Sakura uses the same body wash – the more you think about it, the funnier it gets.
Makkachin from Yuri!! on Ice
Another endearing dog and probably the only one to act like an actual dog on this list is Makkachin from Yuri!! on Ice. Makkachin is not a main character throughout the anime but eventually becomes a mascot of the show. Makkachin is a poodle who is ready to follow Victor to the end of the world. More like, Victor would go to the end of the world, taking Makkachin. Long story short, they both are inseparable. There was this one time when Makkachin was not allowed in the ice rink, so Victor carried a Makkachin tissue box with him, which is something he always does.
Being inspired by Victor and his relationship with Makkachin, Yuri raised a poodle too and named it Vicchan. Not only this, but because of his friendly behavior, Makkachin is fond of Yuri. He usually liked snuggling with Victor when they sleep. Sadly, since Makkachin has been with Victor for a long time, Victor believes that Makkachin might not have many years to live. Thus, this became of the reasons Victor took a break from ice skating.
Shiro from Crayon Shinchan
The next dog is loved because he takes care of his owners. Shiro, also known as Whitey, was found by Shinchan in a cardboard box. Immediately falling in love with the puppy, he was taken home but had to be kept outside in a kennel. Although Shiro is his closest friend, Shinchan tends to forget about his existence and often forgets to take care of him and give him food on time. Because of this, Shiro manages to save food for him in his kennel for the days when he does not get food. Besides this, Shiro is known for putting up with Shinchan’s antics.
Things get more troublesome for him when Shinchan’s sister, Himawari is born. Often watching her from his kennel outside, he ensures that she does not get harmed by her adventurous and curious persona. Besides being cute, he is a hardworking dog and the main protagonist of “Super Shiro”.
Tobimaru from Sword of the Stranger
Another dog protecting its owners is Tobimaru from the anime film Sword of the Stranger. He is the loyal companion of the main character, an orphaned boy named Kotaro. He also is friendly around Nanashi and offers him food. Tobimaru is very protective of both of them and almost goes on a killing spree if either of them is harmed, especially Kotaro.
In fact, he even killed a man since he was a threat. Tobimaru follows Kotaro wherever he goes, and he has a red ribbon-like cloth tied around his neck. Tobimaru follows Nanashi in order to rescue Kotaro. He helps Nanashi track Kotaro down and also manages to distract enemies.
Alexander from the Fullmetal Alchemist Series
Lastly, the most loved dog in anime is Alexander from the Fullmetal Alchemist series. However, Alexander’s story comes to a sad and dark end. Alexander was introduced to us as Nina’s pet dog and only friend. He not only played with her but was also very protective of her. Not only this, but he also used to let her ride on his back as they played. Alexander made us laugh because of the way he and Edward interacted. However, the time they all spent together playing was very endearing.
Things get dark and probably shocking for anyone that has watched Fullmetal Alchemist when Alexander, as well as Nina, are used in a fatal chimera experiment by Nina’s father. Unfortunately, Alexander and Nina were not able to survive for a long time, yet the time they shared together made him a special dog.
Also Read: Top Cutest Pets In Anime That You Wish You Could Have
