If you’re a gamer looking for a dog breed featured in video games, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of dogs that have appeared in all types of games, from “Nintendogs” to “Fallout”. Read on to learn more about these dogs and what makes them unique.
1. Dogmeat from “Fallout”, a German Shepherd
In the opening hours of Fallout 4, you’re joined by one of the first companions of the game: Dogmeat, a German Shepherd lurking near the Red Rocket gas station (or the entrance of Fort Hagen, depending on the route your character takes). Ever loyal and alerting the player to danger, it makes sense that Dogmeat is portrayed as a German Shepherd, one of the few purebred dogs alive in 2287.
German Shepherds aren’t just video game companions; they make great police dogs and aides during search-and-rescue missions. Their high biddability, combined with being an intelligent dog breed, make German Shepherds great companions, in both video games and IRL.
2. Dalmatians, Featured in “Kingdom Hearts”
“Kingdom Hearts” is full of side missions to delight both newbies and long-time lovers of this Disney-inspired game alike. One of those side missions involves collecting 99 Dalmatians, the puppies of which are spread across the game’s many worlds. Players can find these spotted cuties in threes, usually hidden away in treasure chests and other not-so-obvious spots.
Dalmatians are a popular dog breed, hailing from the Dalmatia, the region of modern-day Croatia. These dogs were originally bred for hunting but crossed over into being used as firehouse dogs. Dalmatians’ distinctive bark let people know when the truck was coming and to clear the streets. They’re also a high-energy breed, prone to separation anxiety if they’re understimulated for too long. For that reason alone, many believe that Dalmatians are best left in the hands of experienced dog owners.
3. An Array of Breeds Featured in “Nintendogs”
Nintendogs took Tamagotchi to the next level (and all without accidentally starving your pet). Debuting in 2005 with “Nintendogs: Lab & Friends”, players got to experience the joy of raising a puppy without the hassle of potty training and chewed shoes. Using the Nintendo DS touchscreen and stylus, players could raise their puppies, train them to respond to cues via the console’s microphone, and compete in various breed-specific sports.
“Nintendogs” was insanely successful, and “Nintendogs: Lab & Friends” was followed by three sequels, each featuring different dog breeds. They include (but are not limited to)
- Miniature Dachshunds
- Chihuahuas
- Labrador Retrievers
- Pugs
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Miniature Pinschers
- Shih Tzus
- Toy Poodles
- Beagles
“Nintendogs + Cats” (which debuted in 2011 for the 3DS) also features some cats, although they’re not classified by breed. Instead, the cats are classified by “type”, including standard, oriental, and longhair.
4. High-Energy Breeds in “Red Dead Redemption 2”
“Red Dead Redemption 2” allows players to roam an open world map, robbing banks, holding up stagecoaches, and taming horses. However, in between missions and gunfights, players can pet dogs that appear in the game. This feature immerses players even deeper in the spirit of living in a Western (plus, who wouldn’t want to pet a dog, even virtually?).
“Red Dead Redemption 2” features a host of high-energy dog breeds, including Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. There are also Catahoula Curs, Bloodhounds, and Coonhounds—dogs commonly used for hunting and tracking game.
5. KK Slider from the “Animal Crossing” Series
In the “Animal Crossing” world, KK Slider is a character who needs no introduction. He typically only comes to the player’s town on special occasions, whether that’s giving a free concert in the town square or enjoying a cup of coffee at the Roost. While KK Slider at first glance looks like a white French Bulldog, he’s actually a Jack Russell Terrier.
Jack Russell Terriers are a smooth-coated small dog breed hailing from Britain. Known for being alert, inquisitive, and lively, these dogs are fairly popular, ranking 66 out of the American Kennel Club’s 201 registered breeds. KK Slider isn’t the only dog that appears in “Animal Crossing”; Isabelle (whose role varies depending on the game), is also a dog. She’s a Shih Tzu.
6. The Hound from Nintendo’s “Duck Hunt”
Nintendo’s “Duck Hunt” was an interesting concept following its release in 1984. Rather than use a D-pad controller, the game required the use of a plastic gun, which players would point at the scene and shoot pixelated ducks. If the player shot a dog, a happy hound would appear holding the duck by its neck. If the player missed, however, the dog would appear snickering from the bush, laughing at the wasted shot.
So, what is the dog from “Duck Hunt”? The answer varies based on who you ask. Some fans say Beagle, others say Bloodhound. Let’s take a closer look. The duck hunting dog is a retrieving breed, as it retrieves the game shot by the player. It also appears to come in three colors, with black ears, a fawn snout, and a rust-colored body. Based on these characteristics, the duck hunting dog could very well be a Brittany, a French gun dog that nearly matches the character’s description exactly.
7. Cerberus, the Shepherd Dog from “Hades”
“Hades” is a roguelike action game where players fight their way through “heats”, where they battle wave after wave of enemies. The goal is to make it out of the Underworld without dying, and along the way, players meet various Greek deities, from Zeus to Aphrodite. Cerberus lingers in the House of Hades, sort of like the game’s “home base”. Here, players can offer tidings to the three-headed beast, which can yield various benefits to help in combat.
In the game, Cerberus is portrayed as a shepherd dog, given its pointed ears and plume-like tail. However, in ancient mythology, Cerberus was depicted as a now-extinct dog breed known as the Molossian Hound. These fearless mastiffs were used in the creation of many breeds we know today, including the Neapolitan Mastiff. While these dogs have an imposing appearance, mastiffs are known for being a gentle giant breed. Who would’ve guessed that the guardian of the Underworld would be such a softie?
