How many dogs does Kakashi have

Animal sidekicks are a common trope found in anime and other forms of media. These sidekicks provide help, moral support, comic relief, exposition, or even further plot points. Sometimes they talk or have magic powers. Other times, they are just animals with no special talents.

One of the biggest categories of animal sidekicks in anime is the loyal dog companion. Regardless of their roles in the anime, many dog friends have made their way into fans' hearts with their cuteness, supportiveness, loyalty, and overall likeability.

10/10 Ein Was A Genius Corgi From Cowboy Bebop

Ein is the genius dog from Cowboy Bebop who Spike Spiegel saves from a dognapper. However, after that encounter, Ein becomes a member of the Bebop which Spike has never been particularly excited about. For a lot of the series, Ein was not treated well by the other characters in the show (except for Edward).

Ein can do amazing things including playing strategy-based board games, answering telecommunications, and even hacking, which comes in handy in a futuristic space setting. Unfortunately, Ein is still incapable of language which is every dog owner's dream.

9/10 Akamaru Was Kiba Inuzuka's Brave & Loyal Companion In Naruto

In Naruto, Akamaru is the ninja dog companion of Kiba Inuzuka, a shinobi whose family trains dogs as ninja partners. At the start of the series, Akamaru was a puppy who could sniff out trouble and turn into a red, berserker version of himself. He could always be found tucked away in Kiba's jacket or perched upon Kiba's head.

However, when Akamaru got older, he got much bigger. From then on, Kiba could ride Akamaru if he wanted to. Among Akamaru's abilities is the fang-over-fang attack, merging with Kiba to become a giant multi-headed wolf-dog, dynamic marking (which is just peeing on the enemy for tracking purposes), and turning into Kiba's clone.

8/10 The Ancient Magus' Bride Has Ruth, Who Is Chise Hatori's Guardian

The Ancient Magus' Bridehas another dog guardian — Ruth, the Church Grim who originally watched over a cemetery but now watches over the constantly endangered Chise Hatori. He was originally the canine companion to Isabell, who died in an accident. He became a grim after dying watching over Isabell's grave. Ruth has a human form but prefers the form of a giant black dog with a long flowing tail and red eyes.

Ruth is Chise's familiar, and as such, he can disappear within her shadow as well as hear her at unimaginable distances and has dreams of her. Ruth also has fire breath. When Chise dies, Ruth will as well.

7/10 Sadaharu Was Fluffy Sidekick From Gintama

Gintama's Sadaharu is an incredibly fluffy and cute giant dog who is a bit mischievous; he loves to bite people on the head. He was an inugami before joining the Yorozuya. Naturally, he is aggressive, which fits his former position of an offensive inugami.

Sadaharu has many magical abilities including growing large and monstrous as a result of drinking strawberry milk and general giant dog-related fighting prowess. He is closest with Kagura, who is the reason Sadaharu was permitted to join the Yorozuya. While Sadaharu is not beloved by all members, his cuteness certainly wins over the audience.

6/10 Pakkun Was Kakashi's Reliable Tracking Dog In Naruto

Naruto's Pakkun is the leader of the ninja hound group that Kakashi Hatake can summon, and despite his gruff, monotone voice, he is quite humorous, making a big deal out of his toe beans. Pakkun's biggest strength is tracking — he can track shinobi across long distances, even into other lands, which came in handy on many occasions.

Pakkun can also discern how many enemies and what their strengths are before ever even seeing them. This is shown in the original Naruto series when Pakkun, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Shikamaru Nara pursue Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara while also being pursued by Sound Ninja.

5/10 Heen From Howl's Moving Castle Is A Lazy Boy

Howl's Moving Castle is one of Studio Ghibli's most iconic films. It is full of whimsy, life lessons, and eccentric characters. One of those whimsical characters is the droopy-faced, fur-covered Heen, who works for Suliman. Despite being an errand-runner, Heen is incredibly lazy and will not pass up an opportunity to recline.

Heen even stows away with Howl and Sophie when they make their getaway from the palace. He lives with them for a time, spending his days lounging and enjoying himself.

4/10 Iggy Is A Stand-Fighting Hero In Stardust Crusaders

In Stardust Crusaders, Iggy was originally more of a handful than a helper, and he was known for being both an aggressive dog and Stand user. As the series went on, Iggy became a loyal friend. On their quest to find and defeat Dio, Iggy and the rest of the group encounter many dangers, one of which, Pet Shop, took off one of Iggy's paws.

Despite his independent streak, Iggy is so loyal that he sacrifices himself to save Jean Pierre Polnareff and keep the hope of stopping Dio alive. This was an incredibly sad moment in Stardust Crusaders and even fans who did not originally like Iggy could not help but feel upset after such a heroic gesture.

Nina and her canine best friend, Alexander, were beloved tragic characters in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga and two anime series. In the episode "Night of the Chimera's Cry," Shou Tucker, Nina's father, commits an unthinkable atrocity. He merges Nina and her dog to create a chimera — which causes the hybrid creature to be in obvious pain.

Alexander is so beloved because fans felt so bad for him and Nina (especially after Alexander was such a loyal friend). The act leaves a horrible taste in everyone's mouths — both fans and fellow characters. It certainly landed Shou Tucker on the list of most hated anime characters.

On a lighter note, Black Hayate is another loyal canine companion in Fullmetal Alchemist who does not experience the worst tragedy imaginable. He is a black and white Shiba Inu owned by Riza Hawkeye, another fan-favorite character. Things did not start so easy for the pup; he was homeless on the streets and had a hard time finding a human companion.

Though Riza's training style would not fly today, Black Hayate becomes an obedient and loyal companion. Most importantly, he finds a home where he is happy.

1/10 Tetsuya #2 Is A Mascot For Kuroko's Basketball

In Kuroko's Basketball, Tetsuya #2 is the jersey-wearing mascot to the Seirin basketball team. He is named after the series' protagonist, Tetsuya Kuroko, thanks to his eye color. While Tetsuya #2 brings with him the usual trials and tribulations of dow ownership, he is a very emotionally perceptive pup.

Tetsuya #2 was abandoned at one point and Kuroko is the one who noticed and rescued him, which is likely why their bond is so strong. As the Kuroko's Basketball progresses, Tetsuya #2 wins over all the other team members as well.

NEXT: 10 Anime Superpowers Based On Animals