With the 135
th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show under way, we thought we’d check out some of the most amazing dogs we’ve ever heard about -- they’re all winners.
Laika the Space Dog
This stray from the streets of Moscow would become the first living being to orbit the earth in 1957 on a Russian spacecraft. Her journey was as groundbreaking as it was controversial. Use this interactive gallery to see human astronauts.
Rin Tin Tin
Often called the world’s most famous
German shepherd, the original Rin Tin Tin made 26 films for a well-known
Hollywood studio until his death. He was succeeded by his son and the bloodline continues to this day.
Roselle
Michael Hingson was on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center with his guide dog on September 11, 2001, when the building shuddered and filled with smoke. His trusted yellow Labrador led him quickly and safely out of the building and even ran with her owner toward safety when the tower began to fall.
Taz Saves Danelle
When endurance runner Danelle Ballengee suffered a fall that left her unable to walk in the Utah desert, her faithful companion tried to keep her warm at night and led rescuers to her after two brutal nights.
Dog fights mountain lion
Hiking a trail in Cleveland National Forest , the Morse family says that a mountain lion charged at them and Hoagie, intervened. Though injured, Hoagie and his human family survived the scuffle..
Balto
In 1925, this now-legendary
sled dog led his team through blizzards in 1925 on a special delivery that would treat an outbreak of diphtheria in Nome,
Alaska. His heroic journey is commemorated each year at a famous sled dog race.
Judy, the only dog POW
Judy , would alert her crew aboard this vessel to the approach of hostile forces during World War II. After the boat was sunk, she became the only animal officially registered as a Japanese prisoner of war.
Lassie
Perhaps one of the most recognizable and beloved dogs is Lassie. Though fictional, the character and
the dogs that portrayed her on filmbecame superstars.
Bobbie the Wonder Dog
After getting lost while on a family road trip in 1923, Bobbie traveled many miles from Indiana to Oregon to reunite with his family. He won the hearts of people around the world who heard his amazing story of loyalty.
Trakr the WTC hero dog
This Canadian canine and his handler were heroes when they found the last 911 survivor in the rubble at Ground Zero, but that did not stop his handler from being fired for taking unwarranted leave.
Greyfriars Bobby
This doggy lived in 19th-century Edinburgh and reportedly spent years guarding the grave of his deceased owner until his own death. The loyal dog was immortalized in a statue.
Moose
This veteran canine actor was described by one magazine as “Hot, Sexy and Pure Bred.”
Togo
Thought by many to have been overlooked in the 1925 race to deliver diphtheria serum, Togo and his handler traveled double the distance of other sled dog teams. Balto got the recognition simply by arriving last. There is another sled dog rarely mentioned too.
The Taco Bell chihuahua
Gidget, the dog that portrayed the popular character in advertisements for the fast food chain, introduced a catchphrase , merchandise and backlash. The ad campaign even spawned a lawsuit that ended up costing millions.
HachikÅ
This dog has become a symbol of loyalty in Japan. The dog came to a train station at the same time every day for nine years, waiting for his
master to return.
The World’s Tallest Dog
Measuring 43 inches tall at his shoulder blades, Giant George has quite the life. He gets to sleep in a
queen bed, and tools around his neighborhood in a sweet ride. Oh, the dog’s life!
