Hachiko to Laika: Meet the most legendary dogs in history
Radhika Nair | TimesPets Bureau | Feb 13, 2026, 05:00 IST
BeFunky-collage (73)
Throughout history, certain dogs have captured the world’s heart and earned a place in legend. From Hachiko, who waited faithfully at a railway station for nearly a decade after his owner’s death, to Laika, the brave stray who became the first animal to orbit Earth, these remarkable canines symbolize loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. This piece explores the inspiring true stories of history’s most legendary dogs and the lasting impact they’ve had on humanity.
Remember Hachiko? The dog who waited at the railway station for almost 10 years for his owner, without knowing about his passing? How about Laika, the first-ever animal to go to space and orbit the Earth? There are some dogs that are nothing short of legendary. Let’s take a look at some of the dogs that are part of history.
Hachiko, the loyal Akita from Japan, is often called the most loyal dog in the world. After his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, passed away in 1925, Hachiko kept showing up at Shibuya Station in Tokyo every single day. He waited there for almost ten years, always hoping his owner would come back. People noticed. Commuters started looking out for him, and his story caught on. Now, there’s a statue at Shibuya Station that keeps his memory alive.
Laika was just a stray on the streets of Moscow before she made history in 1957. She became the first animal to orbit Earth, flying aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. The mission was a one-way ticket, but Laika’s flight proved that a living creature could handle the stress of launch and space travel.
Apollo, a German Shepherd, was one of the first search-and-rescue dogs sent to Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks. He and his handler worked through the wreckage, searching for survivors in the field.
Smoky, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier, became a hero during World War II. She helped soldiers by running communication wires through pipes too small for humans to navigate. Later, she visited wounded soldiers in hospitals, earning the title of the world’s first therapy dog.
Barry, a Saint Bernard from the Swiss Alps, saved more than forty lives in the early 1800s. He worked with the monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, rescuing lost travellers in the mountains. Even now, Barry stands out as one of the most famous rescue dogs in history.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Hachiko
Hachiko, the loyal Akita from Japan, is often called the most loyal dog in the world. After his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, passed away in 1925, Hachiko kept showing up at Shibuya Station in Tokyo every single day. He waited there for almost ten years, always hoping his owner would come back. People noticed. Commuters started looking out for him, and his story caught on. Now, there’s a statue at Shibuya Station that keeps his memory alive.
Laika
Laika was just a stray on the streets of Moscow before she made history in 1957. She became the first animal to orbit Earth, flying aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. The mission was a one-way ticket, but Laika’s flight proved that a living creature could handle the stress of launch and space travel.
Apollo
Apollo, a German Shepherd, was one of the first search-and-rescue dogs sent to Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks. He and his handler worked through the wreckage, searching for survivors in the field.
Smoky
Smoky, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier, became a hero during World War II. She helped soldiers by running communication wires through pipes too small for humans to navigate. Later, she visited wounded soldiers in hospitals, earning the title of the world’s first therapy dog.
Barry
Barry, a Saint Bernard from the Swiss Alps, saved more than forty lives in the early 1800s. He worked with the monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, rescuing lost travellers in the mountains. Even now, Barry stands out as one of the most famous rescue dogs in history.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!