Top Ten (10) Dogs That Have Influenced the World

In November of 1957, a mutt named Laika was chosen from the streets of Russia and thrust into space on Sputnik II. This event propelled the Soviet Union past the United States in the space race. Unfortunately for Laika, due to the speed of the race, the Soviets did not provide for her safe return.

It has been stated that Laika died of overheating before reaching orbit, however the event spurred the United States focus to putting a living being on the moon. Though the West protested the event, Laika's legacy is undeniable. Following are ten other dogs that have played a significant role in world history.

10. Checkers

President Richard Nixon's American Cocker Spaniel.

The "Checkers Speech," of 1952 by Richard Nixon who was at the time a candidate for vice president admitted to accepting an American cocker spaniel, named Checkers as a gift.

“And you know, the kids, like all kids, loved the dog, and I just want to say this, right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we are going to keep it,” Nixon proclaimed during his famous speech.

This poignant statement is credited with swaying public opinion and vitalizing Nixon's political career.

9. Peps

Richard Wagner's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Richard Wagner's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Peps was the composer's harshest critic. Without Peps the sound of the helicpoter scene in the film "Apocalypse Now" could sound very different. Wagner had Peps sit on a special chair for the dog while Wagner played his compositions. Based on the dog's reactions, Wagner would keep or toss the segment.

8. Donnchadh

Robert the Bruce's Dog

In 1306, Edward I of England used Robert the Bruce's dog, Donnchadh to find him. This plan was an attempt to rule Scotland, and was a fight Edward I had not anticipated. Once the dog led them to the Bruce, Donnchadh turned and defended his master. The Bruce lived to become King of Scotland.

7. Urian

Cardinal Wolsey's Dog

Henry VIII sent Cardinal Wolsey to meet with Pope Clement VII, hoping the pope would grant the ruler an annulment of his marriage to Lady Catherine of Aragon. When the pope extended his bare toe to be kissed, customarily, by Wolsey, the Cardinal’s dog, Urian, jumped forward and bit the pope. Clement flew into a rage, the divorce was called off and Henry, to ensure the annulment the Catholic Church refused to grant, later established the Church of England.

6. Charlie

President John Kennedy son's Welsh Terrier

At the pinnacle of 1962’s Cuban missile crisis, President Kennedy had his son John Junior's Welsh terrier Charlie summoned to the chaotic War Room. The president held the terrier in his lap during many tense moments, petting him and appearing, by all accounts, to relax. Eventually Kennedy announced that he was ready to “make some decisions” those that de~escalated the conflict.

5. Jofi

Sigmund Freud's dog

Sigmund Freud usually kept a friendly chow chow named Jofi in his office during psychotherapy sessions, believing the animal comforted the patients. Freud’s notes on these interactions, detailed extensively in his diaries, form the basis of modern day, pet assisted therapy.

4. Peritas

Alexander the Great's Dog

Without his dog, Peritas, Alexander the Great might have not enjoyed his enormous success. When the warrior was swarmed by the well armed troops of Persia’s Darius III, Peritas leapt forward and bit the lip of an elephant charging his master. Alexander the Great lived to pursue his famed conquest, forging the empire underlying Western civilization.

3. Unnamed Newfoundland

Napolean Bonaparte's dog

Napoleon Bonaparte owed his entire life to a nameless Newfoundland. When Bonaparte fled the island of Elba in 1815, where he was exiled, turbulent seas pitched him overboard. A fisherman’s Newfoundland dog jumped in after the drowning despot and kept him afloat. Napoleon lived to experience his own final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.

1. and 2. Strelka and Belka

Russian Dogs

Laika was the first dog sent into space, but Strelka and Belka, launched on Sputnik 5 in 1960 for a brief one day mission, were the first to return alive. As a result, a tremendous amount was learned from their mission. Strelka later gave birth to a healthy litter of puppies, one of which, Pushinka, was given to President John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline.

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