The 100 Most Important Dog Photos Of All Time

100. The Marshmallow Dog

The Marshmallow Dog
Why it matters: It epitomizes all that is cute and right in this world. On a bad day, you can look at this glorious beauty and remember how awesome it is to be alive.

99. The Swinging Jowls of Glory

The Swinging Jowls of Glory
Why it matters: Thomas and Frankie were the first two basset hounds to complete a half marathon without any training. This is incredibly difficult for any animal, beast, creature, etc., to do. APPRECIATE THE GLORY.

98. The “Hey, Whatcha Doin’?” Dog

The "Hey, Whatcha Doin'?" Dog
Why it matters: Because, hey…whatcha doin’?

97. The Glass Face Dog

The Glass Face Dog
Why it matters: Dogs do this quite frequently, but this is the trendsetter; this is the first dog who did this (probably). And if he wasn’t the first to do it, it doesn’t even matter because he is THE BEST.

96. The Pugsplorer

The Pugsplorer
Why it matters: Pugs are often seen as being weak and afraid, but not Melvin. He braved not only wearing a LIFE VEST but he kayaked a good 10 feet away from shore. We should all strive to be as brave as him.

95. The Cowboy

The Cowboy
Why it matters: YOU TRY DOING THAT.

94. The Romantic

The Romantic
Why it matters: Before this dog, no one knew or understood how to love.

93. Raymond

Raymond
Why it matters: This dog gave strength to all goofballs who wanted to mess up their family photo. Without him, 100% of family photos would remain 100% boring.

92. Doge

Doge
Why it matters: Uh, have you been on the internet?

91. The Shocked Dog

The Shocked Dog
Why it matters: This is live documentation of this dog taking in the world’s worst images so you don’t have to. Like the dog Giver. So brave, and now, so wise.

90. The Growth Spurt

The Growth Spurt
Why it matters: Growing up is hard to do but this dog’s refusal to give up old habits is inspiring.

89. The Flower Child

The Flower Child
Why it matters: Because he’s so chill, man. Like, he’s always forcing you to think about the world around you.

88. The Shameless Snuggler

The Shameless Snuggler
Why it matters: His eyes tell it all. Don’t wake someone up from their nap.

87. The Scrub

The Scrub
Why it matters: ‘Cause as he was hanging out the side of his best friend’s ride trying to holler, he hollered at TLC and they wrote a hit song about the incident.

86. Norm the Pug

Why it matters: Norm was the first dog to be brave enough to take the first dog selfie.

85. The Wedding Drunks

The Wedding Drunks
Why it matters: Terry took advantage of the open bar at their friend’s wedding and had to take a “time out.”

84. The Pixar Dog

The Pixar Dog
Why it matters: Uh, he invented Pixar.

83. The Peek-A-Boo

The Peek-A-Boo
Why it matters: Boo is a magnificent dog who looks like a toy and tbh, I’m not sure if he’s even in this pic or if it’s just a bunch of stuffed animals.

82. The Wrecking Pug

The Wrecking Pug
Why this matters: Never has a pug been more culturally relevant.

81. The Bed Head

The Bed Head
Why it matters: This dog vowed to never leave his bed and they actually fused into one being.

80. The Ultimate Cuddle Puddle

The Ultimate Cuddle Puddle
Why it matters: This is the ultimate photo of a baby and his pups. The baby pictured will undoubtedly go on to cure cancer due to the love, support, and nap time bliss these Frenchies provided.

79. The Saddest Christmas Elf

The Saddest Christmas Elf
Why it matters: He’s Jewish.

78. The Double Shotgun

The Double Shotgun
Why it matters: We’ve all be here.

77. The Surreptitious Shitter

The Surreptitious Shitter
Why it matters: This is actually an award-winning photo due to the dog in the background. The prize money was the center of a huge lawsuit, as the dog felt he deserved half. The lawsuit, Dog v. LIFE, set a precedent for all subsequent dog trials everywhere.

76. The Leaf Lover

The Leaf Lover
Why it matters: Shortly after this photo was taken, this pooch was inspired to invent the pumpkin spice latte. He now lives a lavish lifestyle in the hills of Los Angeles, where there is no fall.

75. The Strong Independent Dog Who Don’t Need No Man

The Strong Independent Dog Who Don't Need No Man
Why it matters: Uh, she’s a strong independent dog who don’t need no man.

74. The Pugtato

The Pugtato
Why it matters: Is it a pug? Is it a potato? These are the questions we have to keep asking ourselves.

73. The Adoption

The Adoption
Why it matters: Dogs and cats CAN get along, people! WE JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE.

72. The Pugumentary

The Pugumentary
Why it matters: This is the first time the pug and his corgi brother were left home alone. The corgi was fine but the pug insisted on documenting it Blair Witch style for the two hours their parents were gone. This is the only record we have of that fateful night.

71. The Shocked Lady

The Shocked Lady
Why it matters: Wait, did you just…? No, you couldn’t have. OMG YOU DID???

70. The Presidential Pooch

The Presidential Pooch
Why it matters: If anyone can make “fetch” happen, it’s Bo.

69. The Lookout

The Lookout
Why it matters: Ain’t nobody getting past this dog.

68. The High Fashion Model

The High Fashion Model
Why it matters: This dog broke through the barrier to become the first pooch on the cover of an international high-fashion magazine.

67. The Video Caller

The Video Caller
Why it matters: After the two humans got into a fight, this magnificent creature FORCED them to video chat and they made up. This action saved countless lives.

66. The Third Wheel

The Third Wheel
Why it matters: Because you shouldn’t be able to spell “love” without “dog.”

65. The Cow Dog

The Cow Dog
Why it matters: Because love knows no bounds, even if you’re not quite ready (like this bulldog).

64. The Inspiration

The Inspiration
Rex USA/Richard Austin
Why it matters: This dog doesn’t care about his setbacks. He enjoys life to the fullest and wants you to as well. Be this dog.

63. This Panorama Dog

This Panorama Dog
Why it matters: It’s an ultimate feat in photography, requiring both photographer and dog to be cooperate. That movement, those swerves, just inspiring.

62. The Smiler

The Smiler
Why it matters: This is basically a flossing commercial and a reminder that a good smile coupled with a good attitude can accomplish anything.

61. The Team

The Team
Newspix / Rex/REX USA
Why it matters: Kids and dogs are the ultimate best friends and this just proves that point.

60. The Troubling Stickler

The Troubling Stickler
Why it matters: There is such a thing as “too big.”

59. The Ultimate Cone of Shame

The Ultimate Cone of Shame
Why it matters: If this dog can survive this much shame, you can survive anything.

58. The Weary Traveler

The Weary Traveler
Why it matters: Because sometimes it’s OK to just give up and take a nap.

57. The Artist

The Artist
Why it matters: After failing baseball tryouts, this dog began to take art classes instead. Now his work lives in New York’s Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.

56. The Fashionista

The Fashionista
Why it matters: Pat is bringing back circus chic whether you like it or not.

55. The Sliding Shakespeare

The Sliding Shakespeare
Why it matters: A lot of profane words were made up going down that slide.

54. The Most Unimpressed Dog in the World

The Most Unimpressed Dog in the World
Why it matters: Because sometimes things aren’t worth the hype and that’s OK.

53. Frisbee Mouth Dog

Frisbee Mouth Dog
Why it matters: This is an early protoype of the mouthguard, protecting dogs and football players around the world.

52. The Disappearing Act

The Disappearing Act
Why it matters: This dog proves the existence of a space-time vortex, accessible only to those pure of heart. He’s smiling because he sees all the beauty in the world us normals cannot begin to imagine.

51. The Sneezer

The Sneezer
Why it matters: This is the first dog to be featured in any sort of allergy medicine commercial.

50. The Birthday Boy

The Birthday Boy
Why it matters: Sometimes the simplest birthdays are the best birthdays when you’re with the ones you love.

49. Ray Charles

Ray Charles
Why it matters: Not only is Ray Charles a downright INSPIRATION for being such a brave blind pup, but he grew up into quite an adorable hunk. This is also the best test to see if you have a heart: Did you smile? Congrats, you have one!

48. Towel Dog

Towel Dog
Why it matters: DO YOU SEE THIS DOG’S TONGUE? DO YOU SEE IT? AND HOW IT IS STICKING OUT OF THAT TOWEL? BECAUSE IF YOU DO, CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY THE GODS ABOVE.

47. The Tumble

The Tumble
Why it matters: At first you’re like, “Cool, cute pics of pups,” and then you’re like, “OMG LOOK AT THE PUP TUSH IN THE AIR, HE WAS JUST GOOFIN’ OFF AND AH I’VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A GOOD PUP TUSH IN THE AIR LIKE THAT.”

46. The Dog Laughing at His Own Joke

The Dog Laughing at His Own Joke
Why it matters: As long as you can amuse yourself, who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

45. The Sexy Ladies

The Sexy Ladies
Why it matters: Because they got it going on and they know it.

Also because this look:

Also because this look:

44. The Dinner

The Dinner
Why it matters: Because never before has a dog resented his humans this much.

43. The Pizza Dog

The Pizza Dog
Why it matters: Because this is how you feel about pizza to a T.

42. The Cutest Existentialist

The Cutest Existentialist
Why it matters: This photo was taken by Albert Camus right before he wrote The Stranger as he realized no greater meaning could ever be fathomed.

41. The Big Trouble Dog

The Big Trouble Dog
Why it matters: This is a terrifying depiction of cat and dog friendships. Good news: This was just a prank that should not be tried at home (it was ‘shopped but the expressions are so perfect).

40. The Little Puppy Who Couldn’t

The Little Puppy Who Couldn't
Why it matters: It’s a good reminder that sometimes your dreams are closer than you think.

39. The Family Jewels

The Family Jewels
Why it matters: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” —Maya Angelou

38. Thelma

Thelma
Why it matters: Where’s Louise?

37. The Pug Who Had Little Lamb

The Pug Who Had Little Lamb
Why it matters: This pug’s name is Mary and yeah, she has a little lamb. It’s downright beautiful.

36. The Frisbee Face Dog

The Frisbee Face Dog
Why it matters: This is the ultimate dog fail — no one’s badly hurt, but it still makes us humans feel better about our own shortcomings.

35. The Pizza Thief

The Pizza Thief
Why it matters: This dog went into a neighbor’s house, took an ENTIRE pizza, and casually made it across the street, back to his home without getting caught. LIVE YOUR DREAMS, DOG.

34. The Pug Triplets

The Pug Triplets
Creative Commons / Flickr: wombatarama
Why it matters: Pug on pug on pug.

33. The Scarred Children

The Scarred Children
Why it matters: Never walk into your parents’ room without knocking.

32. Dogception

Dogception
Why it matters: This makes us question all we know: Where does one dog end and the other begin? Does the dog in the photo have another picture of itself? It doesn’t make sense but maybe we just don’t UNDERSTAND.

31. The Side-Eye

The Side-Eye
Why it matters: Never underestimate the power of some good side-eye.

30. The Walker

The Walker
Why it matters: This is some interspecies cooperation right here.

29. The Stoic Stander

The Stoic Stander
Why it matters: This is the ultimate face of balance, repose, and dignity. Maddie knows she belongs on a pedestal and isn’t afraid to prove it.

28. The Most Perfectly Timed Dog Shot in the Entire World

The Most Perfectly Timed Dog Shot in the Entire World
Why it matters: This photo is all-around magnificent — from the water, to the ears, to the chill face. This dog is the ultimate beach bombshell.

27. The Awkward School Photo

The Awkward School Photo
Why it matters: Remember when your mom told you to smile when you really didn’t want to? This dog is all of us. Embrace it, love it, try not to subject your own children to it.

26. The Best Shopping Cart Ever

The Best Shopping Cart Ever
Why it matters: BECAUSE THIS IS THE BEST SHOPPING CART EVER.

25. The Loving Mother

The Loving Mother
Why it matters: Jenny the Pug is a vision of a woman who really does it all. And by does it all, we mean does everything she wants because she’s a boss bitch.

24. The Scaredy Dog

The Scaredy Dog
Why it matters: DO YOU LIKE GETTING SHOTS? Didn’t think so.

23. The Loner

The Loner
Why it matters: Listen, we’ve all been both of these dogs: the one in the corner, feelin’ left out, and the one in the front forgetting what it’s like to be left out. This is basically the entirety of human existence in one photo.

22. The Muse

The Muse
Why it matters: Inspiring artists everywhere, this cutie is a pro at sitting up tall and lookin’ perfect. You’ve probably seen him in the photos that come with picture frames. If you took him out of said frames, you are a damned fool.

21. The Unlikely Duo

The Unlikely Duo
Why it matters: Two beasts have never co-existed so happily and so majestically.

20. The Teeny Hand

The Teeny Hand
Why it matters: Remember when Ariel gets legs in The Little Mermaid and is like, “OMG I HAVE LEGS”?? That’s like this dog except he’s like “OMG I HAVE A HAND, HIGH FIVE.”

19. Chewbarka

Chewbarka
Why it matters: He’s not even trying, he just is.

18. The Free One

The Free One
Why it matters: There is beauty all around us, if only you take the time to stop and notic— OH MAN IS THAT A BUTTERFLY???

17. The Nuggeteur

The Nuggeteur
Why it matters: Only the most skilled of acrobats can catch a nugget with this much style. The grace and determination, all while keeping a huge smile on his face, should be award-winning.

16. The Unamused Video Chatters

The Unamused Video Chatters
Why it matters: Ever call your mom and she puts you on the phone with whoever she’s with, even though you would really rather not? This is exactly what’s happening with these dogs.

15. The Pug Who Gave Up on His Diet

The Pug Who Gave Up on His Diet
Why it matters: No regrets, just pizza.

14. Madonna

Why it matters: This is literally Madonna. The singer. This is really her.

13. The BEST Use of the Cone of Shame

The BEST Use of the Cone of Shame
Why it matters: Talk about making metaphorical lemons into lemonade.

12. The Nicole

The Nicole
Why it matters: You might recognize singer Nicole Scherzinger on the TV in the background. However, her entire being — her looks, her persona, her everything — is based on this dog right here. This is the real Nicole Scherzinger.

11. The Swimmer

The Swimmer
Why it matters: Ralph could see the finish up ahead. As the first dog to swim across the English Channel, he knew what a momentous occasion this was. Even as his body languished, exhausted from his endeavor, his eyes could not help but betray his excitement at the prospect of finally achieving his dream.
AKA OMG THOSE EYES.

10. The Sneak

The Sneak
Why it matters: This is how everyone should open their homes to people, all the time.

9. The Chill Shiba

The Chill Shiba
Why it matters: Everything is OK around chill shiba. He’s comfortable, which makes us all want to cry when he says, “What’s wrong?” Love this guy.

8. An Artistic Interpretation of the Stoned Birthday Dog

An Artistic Interpretation of the Stoned Birthday Dog
Chelsea Marshall
Why it matters: This photo matters so much that, despite not being able to use the real photo for copyright reasons, I needed to draw my own interpretation. He is so cute and you should check out the the real thing but also just heheheheh.

7. The Eyebrows

The Eyebrows
Why it matters: Those eyebrows.

6. The Patient Patient

The Patient Patient
Why it matters: “How’s it looking, doc?” This is the pinnacle of dog health care.

5. The Awkward Yeller

The Awkward Yeller
Why it matters: We all remember the great Dog/Boar Battle of 1997, which threatened to tear apart the long-lasting Peace Between the Species Treaty of 1723. Although the Peace was ultimately restored, this picture from the front lines is a powerful reminder of what we could have lost.
Note: Because of the heavy influence of bear military tactics to their cause, the boar was originally misidentified as such.

4. The Patient Army Spouse

The Patient Army Spouse
Why it matters: This picture captures the other side of the Dog/Boar Battle of 1997, a poignant reminder that no dog was left untouched during that dark time.

3. The Surfers

The Surfers
Cindy Yamanaka / AP
Why it matters: Because that middle dog was brave enough to express how we all feel when confronting something new and scary.

2. The Best Friendship Ever

The Best Friendship Ever
Why it matters: NO FENCES CAN HOLD TWO FRIENDS APART.

1. The Parade Champion

The Parade Champion
YURI CORTEZ/AFP
Why it matters: Because this parade was FOR this dog. Sure, the humans didn’t originally intend it that way. But once the humans saw this pooch, they cheered and just knew that they were witnessing greatness. This is probably the most beautiful picture to ever exist on earth.