The List

6 Best Anime Dogs

Hey Everybody! I'm Jacki Jing with Anime News Network. And for this week's edition of The List we are talking about five of the best anime dogs. The woofsters that never quit. The doggos you can't help but cuddle. Some genuine A+ Good Boys that we just want to scratch behind the ears and give them a box of milkbones. (Hint: all dogs are Good Boys).

I mean, Ein had to make the list! And don't be deceived by those puppy eyes -- this scientifically enhanced "data dog" has impressive intelligence! The real tragedy of Ein's existence though -- the Bebop crew seems largely oblivious to his contributions -- even when Ed speaks for him. Still, a dog who can play shogi, manipulate livestock to help catch a bounty, and hack a cult's website? Good luck finding one at your local shelter.

At first glance, Sadaharu is just another adorable white fluffy puppy but..oh wait-- he's enormous. Technically, Sadaharu isn't just a dog— he's an inugami, a dog-god! In this form, he also develops a pair of horns! Sadaharu's favorite pastime, though, is biting the heads of various characters in the series, from the protagonists to the one-offs. He can also grow even larger by drinking strawberry milk. Kawaiii :)

A dog is man's best friend… And Akamaru & Kiba Inuzuka take that to a whole 'nother level! Akamaru is the scout -- led by his impeccable sense of smell and is loyal to his fiery master, Kiba. The two grew up together so Akamaru is always by his side and ready to jump in when things look dire. What separates Akamaru from other canines his ability to mimic his master's appearance and even MELD with him to become a two-headed nightmare beast. I want to be able to do that.

This hoodie-wearing pug is the Mankanshoku family pet and can usually be seen paling around with Mako's younger brother Mataro. Guts is a perv, the only thing he likes more than warming up to Ryuko is stuffing his face full of human food. That hoodie tho!

Poodle time! Makkachin travels with Victor wherever he goes, they're practically inseparable! In fact, the dog is so closely associated with Victor that it was the inspiration behind Yuri's OWN poodle. You'll be hard pressed to find a dog owner that loves their pooch more; Victor has a cellphone folder with over 1,000 snaps of his precious Makkachin. Sounds about right for the typical dog owner.

Sources say Iggy is a mutt but he looks pretty similar to a Boston Terrier. He's got a foul disposition -- and foul farts. And do NOT be deceived by that small stature, Iggy's a street dog that packs a punch. He can take on super-powered foes by manipulating the sandy deserts to create constructs. I mean for that alone -- he's on the list.