Dogs have had a television presence since the early days of this medium. First as extras and later as true characters, dogs quickly gained a permanent place on television.
In silent films, dogs often appeared as loyal, indispensable companions but also as a comic element (with Charlie Chaplin, for example). This was the beginning of dogs in acting. Dogs were featured more and more in televised series, playing roles of greater and greater significance.
Soon, dogs were playing leading roles. Breeds were not chosen haphazardly. Larger breeds were favored for adventure and police shows and smaller breeds for comedies. Nevertheless, the focal point for all breeds on television has remained the dog's loyalty in his work and to his owner. There are many examples of this, from Belle, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog who protects Sebastian, to Lassie, the wandering Collie who is always ready to help those in need, to Rintintin, the German Shepherd police dog, to White Fang. Of course, one cannot forget Pollux, the most "British" of them all, who has touched the lives of so many children and adults. These examples show that the role of dogs on television (and in everyday life) is far from trivial.
More and more, shows focus on the relationship between dog and master and prove the theory that dogs resemble their masters and vice versa. For example, in the French series La loi est la loi [The Law's the Law], the similarities between Max, a British Bulldog and the prosecutor are not mere coincidence. The same is true of Columbo's dog. More recently, dogs have appeared in numerous sitcoms. In some series, not only does a dog play a leading role, but he is also able to communicate with humans.
More and more shows focusing on dog care have been produced. These shows discuss the dog's habits, the characteristics of each breed and the details of dog grooming, raising and training puppies and canine nutrition - all the practical tips an owner needs to live happily with his four-legged friend. Often, these shows end by showing a listing of dogs of all ages and breeds available for adoption.
Currently, the purpose of dog care shows seems to be to shed light on a particular dog or his owner by discussing the main characteristic of a breed. This appears to be successful, since trends in dog breeds closely follow television. Of course, some breeds, such as German Shepherds and Labradors, are unavoidable. More and more, these shows emphasize communication between dog and owner. Dogs try to understand their owner and communicate through specific behaviors. When we listen to a dog's habits and behaviors, we give him the ability to "talk" to us.
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