Mark Twain once wrote in a letter to William D. Howells, “The Dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven not man’s!” There is no doubt that “man” can be unpolished, disloyal, and generally a disaster. If you don’t believe me, then just attend a professional wrestling match and watch the crowd get unhinged! On the other hand, it is easy for us to see how dogs are often loyal, noble, and courageous creatures no matter how many clotheslines or leg drops occur! Perhaps, that is why people have been erecting famous dog statues around the world in their honor.

Now, I know this may upset a few of you, but currently the Junkyard Dog doesn’t have a statue in his honor. However, we did find 20 famous dog statues around the world that you are definitely going to want to add to your Travel Bucket List!

1) Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Story about the Famous Dog: Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby is probably one of the most famous dog statues in the world! This statue honors a small skye terrier who’s loyalty to his master even after death is truly amazing. The story goes that John Gray was a simple night watchman in Edinburgh who died and was buried in Greyfriars Churchyard. However, despite his death, the loyalty of this little dog did not waver. It is said that for the next 14 years, the terrier would stand guard over his master’s grave until he himself finally passed.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby can be found along Candlemaker Row near the cemetery known as Greyfriars Kirk.

One of the easiest ways to learn more about Greyfriars Bobby is on the Greyfriars Kirkyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh. This is a simple 2 hour walking tour that will allow you to discover the rich history of the area and its famous residents.

Learn More About Greyfriars Bobby

There are several books about this famous dog, but probably the best one to read before you go is “Greyfriars Bobby” by Eleanor Atkinson. However, if you love movies then you will want to watch the 1961 Disney classic on Amazon Prime, “Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog.”

Dogs are loyal, noble, & courageous! Perhaps, that's why people erect statues around the world in their honor. Discover 20 famous dog statues around the world to add to your bucket list! #DogStatue #FamousDogs #DogMonuments Click To Tweet

2) Hachiko in Shibuya, Tokyo

The Story about the Famous Dog: Hachiko

Probably one of the most famous dogs in all of Japan, Hachiko has a similar story of loyalty to his master. The story goes that this Akita was adopted by Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor from the University of Tokyo. Hachiko would follow his master to the Shibuya train station where he would wait for his return from school. This went on for about 2 years until tragically Hidesaburo had a brain hemorrhage at work and instantly died. But Hachiko did not waiver and waited for his master at the station for the next 10 years until he too finally died.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statues of Hachiko

There are several dog monuments honoring Hachiko around Shibuya so chances are you are going to run into one of them. For example, there is a beautiful one titled “Hachiko Finally Meets His Master” located on the campus of the University of Tokyo by the Nogaku Museum. However the most famous one seen in the picture above can be found at the Shibuya Station.

If the idea of walking around the noisy area of Shibuya alone to find Hachiko is too much for you, then perhaps embark on a pleasant walking tour. The Sonntags um 9:30 Walking Tour is a great way to see the famous statue while also learning about the amazing history of Shibuya.

Learn More about Hachiko

Like Greyfriars Bobby there are several books and movies made about Hachiko and Hidesaburo. For those who want to read about him, we recommend, “Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog” by Pamela Turner.

With regards to movies, we found two that will introduce you to this amazing story. The first is a Japanese Film from 1987 titled “Hachi-ko” & another we found on Amazon Prime is from 2009 titled, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” starring Richard Gere.

3) Balto in Central Park, New York City, U.S.A.

The Story about the Famous Dog: Balto

Balto was a famous husky sled dog that led a team of dogs 674 miles from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. What makes this story even more amazing was that his sled mushed through a raging blizzard in the heart of winter in order to deliver life saving medicines to the children of Nome who were dealing with a deadly diphtheria epidemic.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Balto

The famous dog statue of Balto can be found in Central Park near the corner of 5th Avenue and East 65th Street along a path across from the Central Park Zoo.

Though a stroll through central park is always pleasant, sometimes finding all the best sights is better with a local. So we recommend the Sights & Secrets of Central Park with a Native New Yorker Tour. For about an hour, a local will take you to all the important and often overlooked spots of Central Park, like the statue of Balto.

Learn More about Balto

There are many great books about Balto and his life saving adventure. But if you are looking for a book that is fun to read, check out “The Bravest Dog Ever : The True Story of Balto” by Natalie Standiford & Donald Cook. As for movies, you don’t have to look very far. Since 2016, Universal Studios has released 3 blockbuster animated movies about the Adventures of Balto! But if you want to watch it on the flight to NYC then you can easily download the first animated Adventures of Balto on Amazon Prime here.

4) Waghya in Maharashtra, India

The Story about the Famous Dog: Waghya

Waghya (which translates to “Tiger”) was a small mixed breed dog of the Indian Warrior King, Shivaji Maharaj. According to legend, when Shivaji finally died, Waghya mourned deeply. Then at the cremation of his former master, the small “Tiger”, offered himself up as a sacrifice to his former master and leapt to his death into the funeral pyre.

Interestingly, his legend is the center of some conflict in the area. Back in 2012 a group of 73 Maratha extremists stole the statue. They claimed that there is no truth to the story and it degrades Shivaji’s legacy. However, Waghya was later returned to his location beside Shivaji’s tomb.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Waghya

Unless you are wildly racing the Rickshaw Run in India, you will most likely be visiting Waghya from the city of Pune or possibly Mumbai. Waghya along with Shivaji’s tomb can be found at Raigad Fort.

Learn More about Waghya

After much scouring, there isn’t much in terms of books or movies about Waghya. However, it you would like to learn more about the Raigad Fort where he is located we recommend starting with the Official Maharashtra Tourism Government Site.

5) Malchik in Moscow, Russia

The Story about the Famous Dog: Malchik

The story of Malchik (which translates to “Little Boy” in Russian) is somewhat a tragic one that ultimately brought the people of Moscow together. For about 3 years Malchik would hang out in the Mendeleyevskaya Station of the Moscow Metro. He seemed a playful and happy dog that befriended many of the regular travelers along with the local businessmen. However, one night a 22 year old woman by the name of Yuliana Romanova and her little dog got into a fight with Malchik. Yuliana would end up fatally stabbing the poor stray about 6 times and then running off.

Now here is where our tragic story becomes interesting. Most people would not even think twice over the death of a random stray dog. But the locals of Moscow, who had come to love this lost “Little Boy” became outraged. Yuliana was brought to trial, was found guilty of cruelty, and sentenced to a year of psychiatric treatment for schizophrenia. Then to make the story even better, tons of donations came in from around all of Russia to erect this beautiful statue to honor him.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Malchik

The statue of Malchik can be found in the Mendeleevskaya Metro Station in Moscow.

This metro station is right along the Maryina Roshcha or Jewish Quarter of Moscow so after visiting the statue, you are in a great area for a beautiful stroll. However, if dealing with the metro in a foreign country stresses you out then you can catch Malchik on a Private Moscow Underground Palaces Metro Tour where they will take you on a wonderful 2 hour adventure to see Malchik and all the other amazing art in different stations. Also, if you would like to see Malchik and learn more about the Maryina Roshcha ther is a wonderful 5 hour Private Jewish Heritage Tour of Moscow.

Learn More about Malchik

Currently there isn’t much in terms of books or movies about Malchik. However, in 2019 Russia did release a Stamp entitled “Monument Compassion” which featured the famous dog statue of Malchik. (This was one of the few stamps Not used on Eric & Darcee’s Wedding Invitations!)

6) Sweet Willy & Toby in Cottonwood, Idaho

The Story about the Famous Dogs: Sweet Willy & Toby

Okay, so Sweet Willy is not officially a famous dog statue per se but Toby most definitely is as he stands nearly 12 feet high beneath his beagle brother! Sweet Willy on the other hand is a bed and breakfast that as of 2004 was the worlds biggest beagle reaching over 30 feet. Both of these wonderful roadside attractions are the creations of artists Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statues of Sweet Willy & Toby

Officially known as Dog Bark Park Inn, you can find these towering beagles in Cottonwood, Idaho just northeast of town, on the west side of US Hwy 95.

You can always swing by to take pictures of the famous dog statues and explore the classic old store. But if you are anything like us, then chances are, staying inside the belly of Sweet Willy is on your bucket list too. You can only do that during their lodging season which is from April to October. Also to stay there will run you about $130 a night for up to 4 guests. So check their calendar on TripAdvisor along with reviews under the listing Dog Bark Park Inn B&B.

Learn More about Sweet Willy & Toby

Well as of yet, there is no major motion picture about this crazy Bed & Breakfast. However, Frances Conklin did write a fun book called “Sweet Willy: A Noble & Absurd Undertaking“. This book not only shares the ideas behind & history of Dog Bark Park but it also talks about how two people came together to follow their own bucket list dreams and create a fun life together!

7) Islay in Sydney, Australia

The Story about the Famous Dog: Islay

Imagine sitting next to a beautiful fountain outside the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Australia, when you suddenly hear, “Hello, my name is Islay. I was once the companion of the great Queen Victoria. Because of the many good deeds I have done for deaf and blind children, I have been given the power of speech. If you cast a coin into the wishing well now, I will say thank you… Thank you. Woof, Woof!” That talking Skye Terrier is Islay, Queen Victoria’s favorite pooch.

Islay was a Queen Victoria’s dog for a mere 5 years until he tragically got mauled by a stray cat. However, the little dog must have made quite an impact on the Queen as she wrote of him fondly in her diary about how she loved how he stood on his hind legs begging for treats. (As portrayed in the statue).

How to Find the Famous Talking Dog Statue of Islay

To find Islay, you are going to want to head over to the Queen Victoria Building on George Street. There you will find a large life sized statue of the Grandmother of all Europe, Queen Victoria herself. But nearby you will find Islay. His fountain hides a ventilation shaft for a parking garage underneath the building.

Obviously there is much to do in Sydney but if you fancy exploring the famous Architecture of the Queen Victoria Building and surrounding areas, you can find different walking tours on Viator.

Learn More about Islay

There isn’t much at all about Islay except the writings in Queen Victoria’s Diary. However, there are tons of stories & books written about the Queen herself. Perhaps one of the more popular, is “Victoria: A Novel By Daisy Goodwin” in which Goodwin shares from the personal diaries of the Queen during her younger years. If you want to dive more into the life of the queen on TV, Daisy Goodwin’s book is also the basis for the PBS Drama: Victoria. I wonder who will portray Islay on the show?

8) The Brown Dog in Battersea Park, London

The Story about the Famous Dog: The Brown Dog of Battersea Park

So in reality there may or may not be an actual brown dog that this statue “honors.” However, the Brown Dog of Battersea Park has caused as much political strife in this London Community as Wagyha has in India. According to the story, around 1903, a University College of London (UCL) professor was accused of illegal and inhumane medical testing on a brown dog. He was later exonerated of all charges and even won a libel case against his accusers.

However, this did not thwart the community of Battersea. A progressive neighborhood in London, the community appalled by the actions of the Medical Students of UCL, erected a statue of the supposed Brown Dog with a scathing plaque attacking the University. This caused outrage among the medical students who would about a year later attempt to remove the statue and cause what is now known as the Brown Dog Riots! This would go on for several years between the students and the community of Battersea until the town council finally agreed to remove the statue and have it destroyed.

Then in 1985, a new Brown Dog statue was erected along with the original scathing plaque attacking the University College of London.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of The Brown Dog of Battersea Park

The original Brown Dog Statue was located in the Latchmere Recreation Grounds. However the “New” Brown Dog Statue can be found in the Old English Garden of Battersea Park by the Pump House near Carriage Drive.

Learn More about The Brown Dog of Battersea Park

There is a book by Joe Cain titled, “The Brown Dog in Battersea Park” that tells the story of the whole Brown Dog Riots and the challenge of Animal Rights versus Medical Advancements.

9) Fala in Washington, D.C. USA

The Story about the Famous Dog: Fala

It is not often we hear about an American President and his pet but Fala was Frankin D Roosevelt’s (FDR) side kick. It was said that the 32nd President took the little black Scottish terrier everywhere, especially throughout his World War II fundraising efforts. However, Fala, like most in the political eye, was not without scandal. During Roosevelt’s 1944 presidential campaign, Republicans charged that FDR had accidentally left Fala behind on the Aleutian Islands while on tour there. They accused the president of sending a U.S. Navy destroyer to retrieve his little dog at an exorbitant cost to the taxpayers.

After FDR passed away, Fala attended Roosevelt’s funeral and went to live with the widowed former First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. During that time Eleanor wrote a newspaper column titled, “My Day”, where she often referenced her adventures with the little rascal.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statues of Fala

There are actually 3 different famous dog statues of Fala in different parts of the United States. The first can be found at Puerto Rico’s “Paseo de los Presidentes” in San Juan. The second of the famous dog statues is inside the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY. There you can also find Fala’s collar, dog dish, White House dog tags and other artifacts on display. However, the most famous of the dog statues of Fala is at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.

If you are looking to explore the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C. along with the Martin Luther King Memorial or any of the other amazing museums in the area, check out the Big Bus Washington D.C. Tour. It is essentially a hop on hop off bus that will take you all around the amazing sites in the United States Capitol. For the FDR memorial and to see Fala make sure you take the Red Loop Route!

Learn More about Fala

Though not solely the star of his own book, Fala is featured in the book, “Dogs of War : The Stories of FDR’s Fala, Patton’s Willie, and Ike’s Telek” by Kathleen Kinsolving. In this book, Kathleen shares wonderful stories and photos of all three dogs as they battle against the facists of Europe!

Dogs are loyal, noble, & courageous! Perhaps, that's why people erect statues around the world in their honor. Discover 20 famous dog statues around the world to add to your bucket list! #DogStatue #FamousDogs #DogMonuments Click To Tweet

10) Gelert in Beddgelert, Wales, U.K.

The Story about the Famous Dog: Gelert

If you love legends or fables then the story of Gelert is bound to be one of your favorites. According to legend, the Prince of North Wales, Llywelyn returns from hunting to find his baby missing, the crib flipped over, and blood smeared all over the snout of Gelert. Llywelyn instantly draws his sword and stabs poor Gelert to death. As soon as he does this, he then hears the crying of his young baby under the crib and next to it, the corpse of a dead wolf who had snuck in and attacked the child. In his dismay, Llywelyn realizes that Gelert had not attacked the child but rather saved him from the fangs of the wolf! To atone for his rash actions, Llywelyn buries Gelert with a royal ceremony and legend has it he never smiled again!

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Gelert

Gelert has two monuments to honor the courageous dog in Beddgelert, Wales. The first one has two slate memorials, one in Welsh and the other in English. Another is a Bronze statue of the dog nearby along the banks of The Glaslyn River.

 

Learn More about Gelert

There are many great stories that reference the story of Llywelyn and Gelert. Probably the best one for readers of all ages is “The Faithful Dog Gelert (Tales from Wales)“ by Myrddin ap Dafydd. Also there is a great animated movie that was released in 2010 entitled, “Gelert” that though in Welsh does come with English subtitles.

11) Rover in Hartford, Connecticut

The Story about the Famous Dog: Rover

According to legend, a man went with his dog Rover to the Hartford Connecticut Hospital after he had just suffered a heart attack. As he walked in, he told his dog to “Stay” and the dog sat outside waiting for his master to return. Unfortunately, the man never recovered and later died in the hospital. However, Rover never budged from his spot waiting for his master to return. Many of the hospital staff encouraged Rover to leave and even during bad weather tried to take the dog home. However, Rover remained devoted to the end of his life.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Rover

The Dog Statue devoted to Rover is along the left side of the front entrance to the Hartford Hospital along the window.

Learn More about Rover

Sadly, there isn’t much beyond the story of Rover at the hospital.

12) The Sheepdog of Canterbury, New Zealand

The Story about the Famous Dog: The Collie Sheep Dog

The story of the Collie Sheep Dog of Canterbury is more of a mutt memorial to all the amazing sheep herding Collies who helped on the farms the McKenzie country region.

However, an interesting side story is how the area got its name McKenzie Country. Apparently, in March 1855, an immigrant by the name of James Mckenzie was caught stealing 1,000 sheep. He alluded authorities for a while but was later sentenced to five years hard labor after being found guilty. A regular Billy the Kid, McKenzie escaped from prison at least twice but finally was chained in irons and guarded nonstop. Then after spending 9 months in jail, a judge re-opened his case, decided he was actually innocent, and pardoned him.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of the Collie Sheep Dog

The Collie Sheep Dog Statue is about an hour drive from Mount Cook, by the Church of the Good Shepherd, along Lake Tekapo.

The whole area is a beautiful outdoor adventure. If you happen to be in the Lake Tekapo area, you can find amazing Lake Tekapo Farm Tours that will not only take you to the famous dog statue but also show you real life Collies in action!

Learn More about the Collie Sheepdog

There isn’t much about the Collie Sheepdog specifically, but you can always find stories about the area’s famous outlaw, James McKenzie. In 1977, there was even a short lived TV Miniseries called, “The Mackenzie Affair“. In terms of books, they come a little hard to find but the tv miniseries is based off a book of the same name by James McNeish.

13) Constantine (aka Kostya) of Tolyatti, Russia

The Story about the Famous Dog: Constantine aka “Kostya”

In 1995 a German Shepherd was been riding in a car with a man and a girl. The car crashed and the girl was killed on the spot. The man was taken to a hospital where a few hours later he also died. The German Shepherd was apparently left at the crash site and there he waited for his owners to return and retrieve him. It is said that he would anxiously run up to cars looking for his owners but to no avail. Since no one knew his name, people called him “Kostya” which translates to faithful or steadfast. For the next 7 years, the locals tried to coax him to leave or even adopt him but he refused, waiting “faithfully” for his actual owners to return. Then in 2002, his body was found in a nearby woods.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Constantine aka “Kostya”

The bronze sculpture of “Kostya” at the intersection of South Highway and Lev Yashin Street in Tolyatti, Russia.

Learn More about Constantine aka Kostya”

Despite much searching, there aren’t any books or movies about “Kostya.” However, in 2013, a Moscow musician named Cat Sasha released a song entitled “Watchdog” on her album Intercity Traveler.

14) Los Perros De La Plaza in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

The Story about the Famous Dogs: Los Perros de la Plaza de Santa Ana

There is a running somewhat crude joke that goes like this, “Did you know that there are no Canaries on the Canary Islands? It’s weird I know. Also did you hear about the Virgin Islands? Yeah, there are no Canaries there either!”

According to history, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, the Guanches, had a rare breed of dog, called canem in Latin or Canarian hounds in English. They primarily used these dogs for hunting and were quite revered by the Gaunches and over time became the symbol of the Islands. When the Spanish arrived they were amazed by the amount of Canarian hounds and thus the islands were named for the dogs.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statues of Los Perros de la Plaza de Santa Ana

There are actually 8 famous dog statues in the Plaza de Santa Ana. You will find them in groups of 4 immediately in the front of Cathedral de Santa Ana.

The Las Palmas is renown for their twisting old streets. So if you are worried about getting lost then perhaps a one hour Gran Canaria Old Town Walking Tour would be a better option. Plus it is a great way to learn about the city’s history, culture, and sightseeing highlights like the 8 famous dog statues in the Plaza de Santa Ana.

Learn More about Los Perros de la Plaza de Santa Ana

In general there isn’t much about the famous Canarian Hounds themselves, though author Goldeen Ogawa does feature the dogs in his Fantasy book, “Professor Odd: The Dogs of Canary Island“. With regards to movies or t.v. again there isn’t anything about the dogs. However, we did discover that the Canary Islands have been the featured back drop of many great movies including: Moby Dick (starring Gregory Peck), One Million Years B.C. (starring Raquel Welch), Fast & the Furious 6 (starring Vin Diesel & the Late Paul Walker), & Jason Bourne (starring Matt Damon) to name a few.

15) Morley’s Dog in Johnstown, Pennsylvania

The Story about the Famous Dog: Morley’s Dog

In 1889, a dam burst in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and virtually destroyed the entire city. However, when James Morley returned to his flooded home amid the destruction he found his old metal dog lawn ornament still intact. So he took the old dog to the park and put it on display to inspire his neighbors. Much like what the Fleur de Lis symbol became to the locals of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, this old metal dog became a symbol of rebirth to the citizens Johnstown.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statues of Morley’s Dog

After 100+ years of dealing with the elements and all the kids attempting to ride him, the original metal dog lawn ornament was taken away for preservation by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association. It can be seen in the lobby of the town’s Heritage Discovery Center, at the intersection of 7th St. and Hwy 56/Broad St. However, there is a replica statue downtown, in a tiny park on the northwest corner of Main and Market Street.

Learn More about Morley’s Dog

There is a fun Kindle e-book by Mike Dudek titled, “The Fairytale of the Morley Dog” that is available for a mere $1 (USD). There are also tons of books about the great flood in Johnstown including “The Johnstown Flood” by David McCullough.

When it comes to movies, if you can find it, there was a movie made in 1926 called “The Johnstown Flood” directed by the famous Irving Cummings who also directed many of Shirley Temple’s films including “Curly Top.” But if you cant then check out the 1992 “Johnstown Flood” movie on Amazon Prime starring Richard Dreyfus.

16) Zinneke Pis in Brussels, Belgium

The Story about the Famous Dog: Zinneke Pis

Zinneke Pis (also known as Het Zinneke) is one of three “Pissing” statues scattered throughout Brussels. Manneken Pis is the first one created by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder around 1619. It depicts a naked little boy urinating into a fountain’s basin. Then in 1985, a Mr. Denis-Adrien Debouvrie, had Jeanneke Pis created as a way to leave his legacy in his neighborhood. The statue was created showcasing a little girl with her hair in short pigtails, squatting and urinating on stone that dribbles into a fountain.

That brings us to our famous dog statue. In 1998, famous Brussels scupltor, Tom Frantzen, decided to honor his own dog by creating a lifelike statue of him in his own neighborhood. Unlike it’s two predecessors, Zinneke Pis doesn’t actually pee. Oddly enough, in 2015 it was hit by a car but Tom restored it to its former glory!

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Zinneke Pis

Manneken Pis is relatively easy to find at the junction of Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat and the pedestrian Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat. Whereas, Jeanneke Pis is a bit harder to find. She is located on the east side of Impasse de la Fidélité/Getrouwheidsgang (Fidelity Alley), a narrow cul-de-sac near Rue des Bouchers/Beenhouwersstraat. Sadly, she has been vandalized so she is protected behind iron bars. While, Zinneke Pis is also somewhat easy to find as he is located at the junction of Rue des Chartreux/Kartuizersstraat and Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Grains/Oude Graanmarkt.

To help you get around to all the different “Peeing” statues of Brussels, the Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour around Brussels can make it very easy for you. After checking out their maps, it seems that Stops #1 or #2 on the Red Route 1 line will get you closest to Mannekin Pis and Zinneke Pis is just a short walk from there.

Learn More about Zinneke Pis

Since Zinneke Pis was more of a homage to Tom Frantzen‘s dog, there is really nothing more about him in other mediums. However, the original, Manneken Pis has made cameos in several movies including 1986 Tom Hanks Movie, “The Money Pit“. In the movie, Hanks’ character crashes out a window, down his roof, into a wheel barrel, that rolls down a hill and ultimately into a fountain where a Manneken Pis replica pees on him.

17) Shep in Fort Benton, Montana

The Story about the Famous Dog: Shep

One day in 1936, a sheep herding dog appeared alongside a casket at the Fort Benton Train Station in Montana. Apparently, his master had died and his casket was loaded onto a train heading east back to his family. However, despite the train leaving the dog remained. For almost 6 years, he would greet every train that would roll in hoping to see his master climb off the car. During those years, the dog was given the name Shep by the station employees. Many people took care of him and he became well known to everyone who passed through. Then in 1942, sadly, Shep slipped onto the tracks before an oncoming train and was killed instantly. A few days later a massive funeral service was put on for Shep by the local Boy Scout Troop 47, The Great Northern Railroad, and everyone in Fort Benton.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statues of Shep

There are two mutt monuments honoring Shep in Fort Benton. The first is at his grave on the hillside overlooking the town where there is a painted steel Shep cut out surrounded by lights. However, in town near the Missouri River, is a bronze sculpture erected in 1994 by Bob Scriver.

Learn More about Shep

Shep has had his moment in pop culture. While he was still alive, he actually made it into a syndicated column in newspapers around the world in a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not comic. But in recent years, he was featured in “Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog” by Sneed B. Collard and Joanna Yardley.

18) Dzok in Krakow, Poland

The Story about the Famous Dog: Dzok

A black mutt known as Dzok (pronounced Jock) is often considered “the most faithful friend ever” to the citizens of Krakow, Poland. According to his legend, in the mid 1990’s, Dzok’s first owner left one day only to suffer a heart attack and die. But Dzok waited patiently for one year outside for his master to return. The locals of Krakow felt for Dzok and some even tried to adopt him but he would not budge. Then, after constantly tending to him and feeding him, a widow named Maria Müller finally convinced Dzok to move in with her. However, in 1998 Maria also died and Dzok was taken to a pound. Somehow, though he escaped and made his way to the railyard where he was tragically struck by a train.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Dzok

If you are in Krakow, the famous dog statue of Dzok is located on the Czerwonański Boulevard on the Vistula River in Kraków , near the Wawel Castle and the Grunwald Bridge.

There are many great things to see and do in Krakow, Poland. But if you want to catch Dzok by the Wawel Castle, perhaps the easiest way to get there is on the Hop on Hop Off Krakow Siteseeing Bus Tour.

Learn More about Dzok

After searching the web, there were no major television shows or movies that reference Dzok. However, we did find a cute looking children’s book by famed Polish author Barbara Gawryluk. The only catch is her book, titled, “Dzok: Legenda o Psiej Wiernoski,” which translates to “Dzok: A Legend About Dog Fidelity,” is in fact in Polish.

19) Fido in Florence, Italy

The Story about the Famous Dog: Fido

In case you didn’t know, Fido in latin actually means “I am Faithful.” So, it is not just a silly name for a dog made famous in the United States when Abraham Lincoln named his dog Fido. However, “faithful” definitely fits for Fido of Florence, Italy.

As the story goes, Fido was originally a wild dog running the streets of a small town known as Luco di Mugello. One day a brick layer named Carlo was returning from work. At the bus stop, he saw the dog injured in a nearby ditch. So, he picked up the dog, took him home, and he along with his wife nursed the dog back to health. They would then later name him Fido.

Healthy, Fido would every day wake up and follow Carlo to the bus stop in the central square of Luco di Mugello. Then he would sit in the square quietly awaiting his master to return from work on the evening bus. When Carlo exited the bus, it is said that Fido would greet him with joy and excitement! This went on for two years.

Then on December 30, 1943, in the midst of World War II, Carlo’s factory was bombed by Ally Forces and he died. That evening Fido sat at the bus stop waiting for Carlo to return but his master never came. He apparently then returned home to see if Carlo was there but could not find him. Then he returned the next day to the same bus stop to see if Carlo would ever come off the bus. This went on for a remarkable 14 years until his death on June 9, 1958. In case your counting, Fido went to that bus stop to find Carlo nearly 5,110 times!

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Fido

To find the bronze statue of Fido, head over to the Piazza Dante in Borgo San Lorenzo, next to the municipal palace.

Learn More about Fido

There doesn’t seem to be many modern books or movies about Italy’s most faithful dog. But after much scouring, we did find and amazing scenes from an actual Newsreel from 1957 about Fido, from the Istituto Luce on YouTube. Fair warning it is in Italian but you will understand the story. Fido was also featured in the April 1, 1957 edition of Time Magazine under the story, “ITALY: Fido”

20) Bobbie the Wonder Dog of Silverton, Oregon

The Story about the Famous Dog: Bobbie the Wonder Dog

We have all heard the legend of a dog who takes an incredible journey back home to find his family. Well, the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog is not a legend but actual fact. In August of 1923, Frank and Elizabeth Brazier, took their daughters along with their 2 year old Scottish Collie on a family road trip to Wolcott, Indiana. Along the way, the family stopped for gas and there at the station little Bobbie was attacked by 3 other dogs and ran away. After hours of searching, the Brazier family was unable to find Bobbie. They continued their trip to see their family in Indiana and then returned home to Oregon, expecting never to see their dog again.

Then 6 months later, on February 15, 1924, miraculously, Bobbie came hobbling back into Silverton. He looked a disaster with his toenails noticeably worn down to the nubs. According to the data, this little Scottish terrier walked at least 2,551 miles (4,105 km). He traversed across harsh terrain, swam across wild rivers, and hiked over the mountains of the Continental Divide all while managing to survive an extremely harsh winter.

How to Find the Famous Dog Statue of Bobbie the Wonder Dog

There are actually several murals painted on the sides of many of the businesses in Silverton, Oregon honoring Bobbie’s incredible journey. But the famous Dog Statue and dog house are downtown, on the west side of S. Water Street a block south of East Main St.

Learn More about Bobbie the Wonder Dog

Like Shep in Montana, Bobbie too made it into syndicated column in newspapers around the world in a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not comic right after his incredible journey. Then a short time later, he would even star as himself in the 1924 silent short film about his trek back home called, “The Call of the West“. But in recent years, the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog fell silent until a book by Susan Stelljes titled, “Wonder Dog: The Story of Silverton Bobbie” was released.

So there you have it, 20 famous dog statues around the world. Have you ever seen any of these 20 famous dog statues? Which of these mutt monuments is your favorite? Or are any of these dog statues not worth visiting? Have we left out other famous dog statues that you would recommend? I know, I know…we are asking a lot of questions here but inquiring minds want to know! So please, let us know what you think in the comments below!

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