Now mind you, this list does not include the human-dogs such as Goofy or Max, just the dogs that actually act like dogs...at least act like cartoon dogs. I also figured, what better way to kill time during finals than look at a list of animated dogs to brighten your day and lead you to kill more time by then watching all of their movies and crying? A small disclaimer, if Balto were a Disney movie, Balto would be top dog. Also, Pluto is obviously on another level from all other Disney dogs since he is Mickey Mouse's right hand pup, so he is not included either.
1. Pongo & Perdita
Yes, yes, Pongo and Perdita are two seperate dogs, but they're basically a package deal. "101 Dalmatians" is the ultimate Disney dog movie, so it's only fitting that they're number one. Also they are easily the most bad-astronaut dogs; they save literally 99 children (puppies) from a murderous villain and then travel miles and miles across the English countryside back to London. Also they play the ultimate matchmakers for their owners, Roger and Anita, who are totally meant to be. It's all so beautiful.
2. Nana
Nana was basically the mother and father for Wendy, John, and Michael from the movie "Peter Pan". While Mrs. Darling was arguably a really amazing mother, she was also rarely around (from what we see). Nana is there to make sure the kids don't get hurt, take their medicine, and keep their toys super tidy. Look, she's even literate. Nana's loyalty goes to the children, and that's beautiful.
3. Bruno
Bruno is the dog of the lovable and OG princess Cinderella. Bruno is super awesome for a few reasons, first being he was a gift from Cinderella's father, which is wonderful and sentimental. They also basically grow up together and equally face the wrath of the Tremaines on the human and animal spectrum. He also barks the nasty cat Lucifer out the window, which is so satisfying. Any dog that rids of evil cats are tops. Finally, he proudly steps up as Cinderella's footman when she's off to the ball. I mean, I can't imagine a transformation from dog to man being super comfortable and easy, but he takes it like a champ with such style and grace.
4. Shadow
I'll try to hold in my tears while I write this. Shadow is such a superhero. If you haven't seen "Homeward Bound," go watch it right now. After that, go home and hug your pet. I don't want to ruin the movie for like the five people in the world who haven't seen it, but the part where Shadow is trapped in the mud pile with a broken paw and tells Chance to go on and be the new leader of the home, we all cried. When the animals one-by-one trudge up that hill to their children, and Peter is left there standing alone, we all cried. And then Shadow comes powering over that hill, limping but going strong, and then runs to his boy and the whole world cried. "Oh, I love you, Peter," how good? He's so strong all for Peter.
Update: currently sobbing.
5. Lady
Last but not least is the wonderful Lady. Not only is she super cute, but she also saved the baby from evil cats, old ladies, and terrifying rats. Lady is such a hero dog, and she loves Tramp even though he's a scamp, which ends up being their puppy's name. Lady also has style and grace through all situations, and she's an all around swell dog. And how about that spaghetti scene? Iconic.