36 famous dogs from movies and TV shows who stole our hearts

Named after the famous composer, this St. Bernard dog brings together the Newton family with his loving nature. But when a vet accuses Beethoven of being a vicious animal, the Newtons are divided about euthanising him. In the end, the family goes to great lengths to rescue their beloved pet from harmful hands.

Filmed in Texas, this 1974 movie features a golden mixed breed dog named Benji who's simply looking for a home. He longs to be part of the Chapman family and when their two young children are kidnapped, the pup doesn't hesitate to step up. Benji helps the humans solve the case, leading the children back to safety, and earning a loving home in the process.

The adventures of Bolt, a White Shepherd dog, and his owner, 13-year-old Penny, are unlike any other. Bolt has been made to believe he's a superhero dog conquering crime alongside Penny, and when she's "kidnapped," he does the only thing he knows how to do — save her.

Formally known as Clifford the Big Red Dog, this Labrador Retriever is literally larger than life with a sweet personality. Devoted fans of the TV show see their favourite dog in a new light when Clifford decides to join a traveling animal show, but things don't exactly pan out the way he thinks.

If an award exists for the best mom dog, it would go to Fly. This Border Collie adopts Babe the pig as her own, teaching him how to herd sheep as a way to prove himself to farmer Arthur Hoggett. When Babe has a rough time, Fly encourages him to keep trying, going against what her partner Rex thinks.

Grab a box of tissues before you watch this classic dog movie. Released in 1957, the movie tells the story of a stray dog and a young boy who sees potential in him. Slowly, but surely this yellow Labrador mix earns the love of the Coates family, protecting them from all sorts of danger. He doesn't think twice about risking his life for them time after time.

Throughout the 1930s, Pete the Pup (Petey) was the most popular canine on the screen. Originally portrayed by Pal the Wonder Dog, an American Staffordshire Terrier, he immediately stood out thanks to the ring around his right eye. The 1994 film recaptures the mischief Petey got into with a handful of rascals.

Over 160 episodes, orphan boy Rusty and his German Shepherd dog Rin Tin Tin traveled together to help soldiers establish Western America. Coincidentally, the real life name of the pup was also Rin Tin Tin Jr., named after his famous canine father. He starred in a total of 27 Hollywood movies, earning a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

After a genetically altered virus destroys the world's population, it's up to veteran Robert Neville and his German Shepherd, Samantha, to find a cure, and restore humanity. Through the trials and errors, Sam stays by her master's side keeping him company and defending him against Darkseekers.

Without a doubt, Eddie, a Parson Russell Terrier, is an important member of the Crane family. Dog owners everywhere could easily relate to the sweet relationship between Frasier and Eddie, who stared at his master until he got what he wanted.

The late actor Paul Walker starred alongside eight doggies in this heartbreaking 2008 movie based on a real Japanese expedition to Antarctica gone awry. Made up of two Alaskan Malamutes and six Siberian Huskies, the pack is at the centre of a rescue effort after a storm forces their owners to abandon them for almost a year.

More than three decades after Disney's animated movie first hit the screen, 101 Dalmatians fans everywhere were gifted with a live-action film full of polka-dotted pups. A fairytale love romance of both humans and dogs unexpectedly turns sour after a former boss vows revenge using a litter of Dalmatians.

Season 3 of the legendary '90s show Full House introduced the family's Golden Retriever named Comet. After his mother Minnie gave birth to a litter in the Tanners' backyard, the pup was given to them as a thank you present. Eventually, the family settled on the name Comet and since then, his legacy has continued on the show's reboot Fuller House.

Based on the successful Broadway musical, Annie tells the story of a young orphan living in New York City hoping that she'll be reunited with her parents. Early on in the film, she adopts a stray dog naming him Sandy, and to say he's always there for her would be an understatement.

The 2006 drama film focuses on Queen Elizabeth II and her reaction to Princess Diana's tragic death in a car crash. Among the handful of actors portraying the royal family and Prime Minister Tony Blair, there were five corgis who were truly the main stars of the show. Having corgis as part of this movie was a no-brainer for everyone.

Don't let his appearance fool you: Max the dog is as loyal as they come. Throughout the Grinch's mischievous adventures, the sweet dog serves as the story's source of humor, always keeping an eye out for his master.

There's nothing quite like a love story between two precious dogs. The 1955 classic animated movie remains close to the hearts of many who love dogs and the idea of love itself. You might just be inspired to go out and adopt your own American Cocker Spaniel and name her Lady.

Based on the Peanuts comic strip, the 1972 film follows Snoopy, a Beagle dog, on an adventure to see his original owner, Lila. It's also the first time his sidekick Woodstock is introduced. When Snoopy is given the choice to return home with Lila or stay with his current owner, Charlie Brown, he's conflicted.

This 2005 film brings together a group of people from all walks of life because of Winn-Dixie. Young Opal adopts a stray Berger Picard at a Winn-Dixie supermarket, naming him after the store. With the dog's help, Opal gets to know different individuals while coming to terms with the fact that her mother truly abandoned her and her father.

Zero may have a floating cotton sheet as a body and a glowing orange nose, but he loves his owner Jack Shellington like any other dog. He enjoys playing fetch, taking naps, and waiting for his owner's arrival, even using his nose as a light to guide him through thick fog in order to deliver presents.