Time to Get Pup-Cultured: Famous Dogs of the ‘90s

Buddy | Air Bud (1997)

Buddy was the sporty star of the heartwarming family film Air Bud, where he showed off his incredible basketball skills. This talented Golden Retriever could do more than just play basketball. He went on to impress everyone by playing football, soccer, and more in a popular series of family-friendly movies.

Played by: Buddy

Verdell | As Good As It Gets (1997)

Verdell, a cute Brussels Griffon, stole the show in the movie As Good As It Gets. He was a challenging companion for Jack Nicholson’s character, Melvin, an obsessive-compulsive writer who initially didn’t like dogs. However, the two eventually bond and Verdell plays a major role in Melvin’s personal growth.

Played by: Jill the Dog

Fly | Babe (1995)

This tough border collie was the loyal companion of farmer Arthur Hoggett in the hit movie Babe, where she helped the title character learn how to herd sheep. Fly’s devotion to the family and protection of her fellow animals made audiences feel all the feels.

Played by: Diesel

Voiced by: Miriam Margolyes

Balto | Balto (1995)

Balto, the heroic Siberian Husky, was the brave and selfless leader of a sled dog team on a dangerous journey to deliver medicine to help save a remote Alaskan town. The heartwarming animated film was actually based on a real-life story!

Charlie | All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

This lovable German Shepherd starred in the animated movie All Dogs Go to Heaven, where he went on adventures with his friend Itchy and worked to redeem himself after a life of crime.

Voiced by: Kevin Bacon

Clifford | Clifford the Big Red Dog (1963)

This larger-than-life red dog captured the hearts of children in his own animated TV series, where he went on adventures with his best friend, Emily Elizabeth. Clifford was first introduced in 1963 in the first of 80 children’s books. Since then, he has also starred in a TV series and, most recently, a movie.

Eddie | Frasier (1993-2004)

This adorable Jack Russel Terrier was the loyal companion of Martin Crane, Frasier’s father, on the hit TV series Frasier. This little guy won over the show’s fans with silly mischief like stealing Frasier’s slippers and hiding his keys.

Played by: Moose and then his son, Enzo

Frank the Pug | Men in Black (1997)

This talking pug stole every science fiction scene in the hit movie Men in Black. He acted as a secret agent, having been given the ability to speak by an alien race. His ability came in handy as he saved the world alongside Agent J and Agent K, played by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, respectively.

Played by: Mushu

Voiced by: Tim Blaney

Milo | The Mask (1994)

In the movie The Mask, this energetic Jack Russell Terrier was the loyal companion of Jim Carrey’s character, Stanley. Despite his size, Milo was able to match his owner’s wacky energy and even got to don the mask himself — and he kept us laughing with impressive comedic timing.

Played by: Max

Chance and Shadow | Homeward Bound (1993)

After being left at home when their family went on vacation, these pets embark on an epic journey through the wilderness, full of bravery and heartwarming friendship. Chance, the American Bulldog, and Shadow, the Golden Retriever, are kept in line by their voice of reason, Sassy, the aptly-named Himalayan cat.

Played by: Rattler and Ben

Voiced by: Michael J. Fox and Don Ameche

Beethoven | Beethoven (1992)

This lovable and mischievous Saint Bernard had a tendency to cause chaos. Naturally, hilarity ensued for his adoptive family, The Newtons. People loved Beethoven’s antics so much that the movie went on to have not just one, but seven sequels.

Played by: Kris

Odie | Garfield and Friends (1988-1994)

As Garfield’s loyal companion, Odie, the silly and lovable Beagle appeared in the classic animated TV series Garfield and Friends, which was based on the popular comic strip. Although Garfield and Odie were introduced in 1978, the animated series ran from 1988 to 1994.

Voiced by: Gregg Berger

Pongo and Perdita | 101 Dalmatians (1996)

These Dalmatian parents had to rescue their puppies from the evil Cruella de Vil in the classic Disney animated film, 101 Dalmatians. You may have noticed this is a live-action still from the film starring Glenn Close. That’s because the the animated original was all the way back in 1961! (Technically, you can count all their puppies in this entry, too.)

Played by: Shadow and Chico, with a few stand-ins

Santa’s Little Helper | The Simpsons (1989-)

This lovable greyhound was adopted by the Simpson family in the hit TV series The Simpsons’ premiere in December 1989. All these years later, Santa’s Little Helper can still be seen with the family that he helped make famous from the very beginning.

Taco Bell Chihuahua | Taco Bell Commercials (1997-2000)

This small but mighty Chihuahua stole the hearts of many in the late ‘90s with his catchphrase “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” in a series of popular commercials for the fast-food chain.

Played by: Gidget

Voiced by: Carlos Alazraqui

Wishbone | Wishbone (1995-1998)

This beloved Jack Russell Terrier starred in an educational series of stories told in live action and animation. Wishbone played the lead role in retellings of classic literature and historical moments, and was an insightful pup who made the themes of his many stories easy for young audiences to connect with.

Played by: Soccer, with stunt terriers Phoebe, Slugger, and Shiner, plus Bear for publicity photos

Voiced by: Larry Brantley