Blast from the Past: In praise of TV dog stars from Lassie to the Littlest Hobo

In keeping with Crufts this weekend, it seems only right and proper to recall some of the wonderful dogs that bounded across our TV screens in days gone by.
June Lockhart, Hugh Reilly, Jon Provost and Lassie, the original TV dog starJune Lockhart, Hugh Reilly, Jon Provost and Lassie, the original TV dog star
June Lockhart, Hugh Reilly, Jon Provost and Lassie, the original TV dog star
By Helen McGurk
Published 8th Mar 2024, 13:37 BST

Lassie was undoubtedly the original and greatest TV canine heroine. The collie, with the beautiful silky coat, could always be relied on to dash to the rescue of a bunch of wholesome corn-fed kids and their accident prone friends/relatives.

A typical show went something like this. Scene 1 – Well-scrubbed child: "What Lassie? Granny has fallen down a well again? We'd better get help!" Lassie in phone box dials 999. Scene 2. Cheery police officer: “Hi Lassie. Granny’s in the well again? We'll be right there.” Scene 3. Enter Lassie with Granny in mouth. All pat Lassie.

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The Littlest Hobo, like Lassie, also went from from town to town helping people in need. Many will remember the emotionally-charged theme tune.

Blue Peter had some great dogs. Who can forget presenter John Noakes’ regularly imploring the excitable collie to ‘Get down, Shep’.

The soaps had there dog stars too. On Neighbours, golden labrador Bouncer’s most memorable moments were saving Madge from a chip-pan fire and his dream about marrying Rosie the sheepdog from next door. EastEnders had Wellard, Dirty Den’s poodle Roly and, of course, Ethel’s little Willy.

Related topics:Crufts

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