Dogs are extremely popular characters, especially in children’s literature. Writing stories with a dog as the lead character or a strong supporting one has several uses for the writer.

In developed countries, dogs have had very good press. They are noble, friendly, protectors, and companions. So, a dog in a children’s story can be used to share morals and cultural mores in a way that a child can relate to much better than words from the mouth of an adult.

In some literature, it is a useful vehicle for dogs to be able to talk and explain what’s happening or what they are doing. Dog stories sometimes do not even have humans in them and the story unfolds with the dog and the dog’s friends and enemies only.

These types of stories are often intended to educate as well as entertain. In other stories, the dogs are just dogs (they can’t talk). But, they behave in humorous, heroic, and adventurous ways. Dogs bring children and adults into the story, we care about them.

In the 1950’s and later, many children learned about life from Lassie and her family. We cried when we watched Old Yeller. We laughed at the antics of Tramp and his love, Lady.

Dogs show us the best of ourselves. What we can be if we try. For a trip down memory lane, you can check out the list of Dogs From Fiction with categories for legendary and mythical dogs, movie dogs, TV show dogs, cartoon dogs, advertising dogs and literature dogs.

Dogs From Fiction

Posted by Barbara.