The 17 Greatest Anime Dogs Of All Time

Over 2.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 17 Greatest Anime Dogs Of All Time
Voting Rules
Vote up the anime dogs who are truly best in show.

Not every great anime character is human - just look at these wonderful dogs. These canine characters add depth to their worlds and show the animal-loving (or hating) side of their human companions. Along with being great foils for the characters, they're just plain cute. 

The best anime dogs come in many varieties. They can be house pets with big personalities and deep bonds with their owners, like Makkachin from Yuri!!! on ICE. Or perhaps they have a mind of their own, like Pakkun from Naruto

Whether you prefer them on the realistic or fantastical side, you can't deny anime is chock-full of amazing canines. 

Latest additions: Bond - Spy x Family, Pochita - Chainsaw Man

  • 1
    1,339 VOTES

    Though adorable, Akamaru is also a skilled ninja. He and Kiba Inuzuka partner up for missions regularly, destroying their opponents with combo moves like Passing Fang. Whether as a powerful ally or someone in need of a belly rub, Akamaru is a great dog to have around.

    1,339 votes
  • 2
    1,220 VOTES

    Black Hayate - 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'

    Riza Hawkeye sometimes comes across as an emotionless soldier, but she's more than just her job. Riza's beloved pet Black Hayate shows viewers her softer side. She absolutely dotes on the dog, and he's just as affectionate toward her.

    Black Hayate is also highly skilled at sensing the presence of Homunculi, which proves quite useful over the course of the series.

    1,220 votes
  • 3
    1,102 VOTES

    Ein - 'Cowboy Bebop'

    Ein - 'Cowboy Bebop'
    Photo: Sunrise

    Cowboy Bebop wouldn't be Cowboy Bebop without the galaxy's cutest mascot, Ein. After laboratory experiments dramatically increased his intelligence, Ein became known as a "data dog." This means he can do everything from detecting poison to playing chess. He also happens to be a pretty loyal companion. 

    1,102 votes
  • 4
    1,053 VOTES

    Den - 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'

    As a loyal companion to the Rockbell family, Den is the most affectionate, loving dog in the world - but anyone she thinks might be threatening her family gets a face full of loud barks. For unknown reasons, Den is missing a leg, but she benefits from Winry's skill at making automail limbs. Her mechanical leg allows her to run and jump without issue. 

    1,053 votes
  • 5
    665 VOTES

    Sadaharu - 'Gintama'

    Sadaharu - 'Gintama'
    Photo: Sunrise

    At 5' 7" and 661 pounds, Sadaharu might be the largest dog in anime history. While this makes cleaning up after him quite a challenge for the Yorozuya, he's still an amazing pet. This powerful pup even saves the world by stopping alien cockroach invasions.

    665 votes
  • 6
    780 VOTES

    Ruth - 'The Ancient Magus' Bride'

    Ruth - 'The Ancient Magus' Bride'
    Photo: Wit Studio

    Ruth might look ferocious, but he's actually one of the most loyal dogs you could ever hope to meet. The familiar of Chise Hatori, Ruth will do anything to protect her companion - even from her own ill-informed decisions. He can also assume a human form when necessary, as not everyone understands the whole talking dog thing.

    780 votes