The Most Famous Military Dog: Ranking the Legendary Canines

Voting rules: Choose the military dog you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 10, 2024 08:14

Are you a dog lover who also admires the bravery and selflessness of military service? Then you're in for a treat! StrawPoll presents a unique and exciting ranking of "Who is the most famous military dog?". Dive into the valiant world of these canine heroes who've made their mark in history. From sniffing out explosives to saving lives on the battlefield, these remarkable dogs have shown immense courage and loyalty. We invite you to join thousands of fellow voters in choosing your favorite military dog or suggesting an unsung hero we may have missed. Unleash your passion and let your voice be heard. Click further to explore, vote, and celebrate the incredible feats of our beloved four-legged warriors!

Who Is the Most Famous Military Dog?

1

46
votes

Sgt. Stubby

A pit bull terrier who served with the American army during World War I and became a hero for his bravery in the trenches. He captured a German spy and warned his unit of gas attacks, among other feats.
2

36
votes
Cairo

A Belgian Malinois who served with the U.S. Navy SEALs in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011. He helped secure the perimeter and sniff out explosives.
Cairo, also known as the 'City of a Thousand Minarets,' is the capital and largest city of Egypt. It serves as the cultural, political, and economic center of the country. With a rich history dating back to ancient times, Cairo is filled with magnificent landmarks and architectural wonders that attract millions of tourists every year.

Population: Approximately 9.5 million

Area: 1,085 square kilometers

Geographic Location: Situated on the banks of the Nile River in northern Egypt

Architecture: Iconic Islamic and medieval architectural styles, including mosques, palaces, and fortifications

Landmarks: The Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, Salah El-Din Citadel, Khan El Khalili Market, Al-Azhar Mosque
3

31
votes
Lucca

A German Shepherd who served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan, where she sniffed out explosives and protected her unit. She lost a leg in combat but continued to serve until her retirement in 2012.
Lucca is a beautiful city located in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is known for its well-preserved Renaissance-era walls that surround the historic center, creating a unique and charming atmosphere. The city is characterized by narrow streets, picturesque squares, and medieval towers that offer breathtaking views. Lucca is also famous for its impressive architectural heritage, with numerous churches, palaces, and gardens that showcase the city's rich history and culture. The city's lively atmosphere, vibrant shops, and delicious local cuisine make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Location: Tuscany, Italy

Wall Surrounding: Renaissance-era walls

Streets: Narrow and charming

Squares: Picturesque

Towers: Medieval, offering breathtaking views
4

22
votes

Lex

A German Shepherd who served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq, where he worked as a bomb-sniffing dog. He was injured in an explosion that killed his handler, but made a full recovery and retired with the handler's family.
5

14
votes
Nemo

A German Shepherd who served with the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam, where he saved his handler's life by attacking an enemy soldier. He was wounded in the process but recovered and returned to duty.
Nemo is a song by the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released as the first single from their fifth studio album, 'Once', in 2004. The song features a combination of operatic vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and orchestral arrangements, which are characteristic of Nightwish's sound. Nemo explores themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life.

Album: Once

Release Year: 2004

Genre: Symphonic Metal

Length: 4:36

Lead Vocals: Tarja Turunen
6

5
votes

Chips

A German Shepherd who served with the U.S. Army in World War II, where he helped capture enemy soldiers and sniff out mines. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart for his actions.
7

11
votes

Bamse

A St. Bernard who served with the Norwegian Navy during World War II, where he acted as a morale booster and protector for his crew. He would stand guard on the ship and even rescued a crew member from drowning.
8

4
votes

Judy

An English Pointer who served with the British Royal Navy during World War II, where she worked as a mascot and search-and-rescue dog. She survived being torpedoed twice and was awarded the Dickin Medal for her bravery.
9

2
votes

Smoky

A Yorkshire Terrier who served with the U.S. Army during World War II, where she worked as a messenger and mascot. She also helped lay communication wires and survived a typhoon.
10

0
votes

Balto

A Siberian Husky who led a sled team in the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska, to deliver medicine to a diphtheria outbreak. He became a hero for his role in the mission and was later memorialized with a statue in New York City's Central Park.

Missing your favorite military dog?

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Ranking factors for famous military dog

Heroism

Did the dog perform extraordinary feats of bravery on the battlefield or in service, such as detecting explosives, tracking enemies or even saving lives?
Recognition

Has the dog received any notable awards or commendations for their service, such as the Dickin Medal or other military honors?
Popularity

How well-known and celebrated is the dog within the military and civilian communities? Do they have a strong public following or media presence?
Impact

Did the dog play a significant role in shaping military history or in advancing the use of dogs in warfare and security operations?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous military dog. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or military dog is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1235 views
171 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each military dog once every 24 hours. The rank of each military dog is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous military dog

Military dogs have been a crucial part of the armed forces for centuries. These highly trained canines have served alongside soldiers in various roles such as tracking, detecting explosives, and providing security. Some of the most famous military dogs have become household names due to their heroic actions on the battlefield. From Sergeant Stubby, the World War I veteran who saved countless lives, to Cairo, the Belgian Malinois who accompanied the Navy SEALs during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, these dogs have earned their place in history. Today, military dogs continue to work tirelessly to protect their human counterparts and serve their country with bravery and dedication.