Disney is responsible for creating some of the most beloved pet characters of all time. Whether they’re the cute and cuddly playmates, ever-faithful sidekicks to our heroes, or the wicked minions to some of our favorite villains, There are plenty of pets to pick from in the wonderful world of Disney.
Though they might all be loyal friends, not all pets are created equal. So allow us to bring up some of our favorite animal characters and reevaluate their pet-status as we look at five characters who would be perfect and pawsome, and five who definitely need a leash.
Put on the Leash: Raja
Jasmine is the princess of Agrabah, so it makes sense she would be given an extravagant and protective pet. Raja is about as loyal and loving as pets get, and while he does seem like a fantastic feline friend, aren’t we forgetting one teensy-weensy but ever so crucial, little, tiny detail? Raja is a giant tiger!
Seriously, he might be a trained tiger, but at the end of the day, Raja is a 600-pound carnivore with razor-sharp claws and fangs. Something tells us Prince Achmed would have left Jasmine’s garden with more than a chunk of his puffed out pants missing.
Perfect Pet: Pongo
Because who wouldn’t want a dog able to deliver his own internal monologue? All joking aside, Pongo is definitely a fun and faithful companion. He’d be the most loyal hound you could ever ask for. Plus, you’ll never know when you’ll need a slick-and-spotted wingman for your next date. It certainly worked for old Roger, didn’t it?
Another thing to keep in mind is that unlike most of his breed, Pongo seems to be a trifle more intellectual and insightful than your average canine. True, this is still a Walt Disney production and realism isn’t exactly something they’re known for. But it’s still a charming thought.
Put on the Leash: Si and Am
Some cats are absolutely adorable, some are a bit of a handful, but then we have these two twin terrors from Lady and the Tramp. They might look pretty and sing the catchiest song in the entire movie, but they are by no means tamed cats. The moment Aunt Sarah’s back is turned, they crash and trash the whole downstairs.
While it is in the feline nature to paw, claw, and climb, we think we might need to invest in more than a few spray bottles before letting this perilous pair anywhere near your home. But maybe we’re just dog people, so let’s move on.
Perfect Pet: Dodger
Dodger, or as we like to call him, the only dog cool enough to be voiced by Billy Joel. Oliver and Company might not be the most well-remembered Disney animated features, but this cool guy is responsible for one of the most played songs from any ’80s Disney flick.
Dodger is the epitome of a cool dog. He’s got a snazzy red bandanna, a lovable big-shot attitude, a sense of rhythm, and dare we say it, a “New York State of Mind.” You just know Dodger’s the kind of dog perfect for exploring new sweet spots in the city, or just hang out around the house.
Put on the Leash: Hyabusa
Shan-Yu’s bird of prey, Hyabusa, is without a doubt one of the most intimidating villainous sidekicks there is… until he gets turned to kung-pao chicken by Mushu. That all being said, falconry isn’t exactly a sport everybody should take up. It’s not exactly like keeping a little parakeet after all.
Hyabusa is definitely a fearsome creature, obeying nobody else but his master. He’s probably not the most affectionate creature on our list, and should probably be best left to the professionals. Especially if you have small creatures around the house or swords you don’t want swiped.
Perfect Pet: Todd and Copper
Now how on earth can we split up these two? Todd and Copper are easily a pair of the cutest and cuddliest critters Disney has ever developed. As long as you don’t have any temperamental cows to disturb or crotchety hunting dogs voiced by Pat Butrum to antagonize, these two would be great pets.
Even as full-grown adults, they’re still the best of friends and loyal companions. Todd might need a little extra attention to keep him out of trouble, but we’re certain a loyal hound like Copper will take care of that for us. Either way, what’s wrong with having a pair of pets like these?
Put on the Leash: Gwythaints
We’re not going to lie, the Horned King’s Gwythaints are two of the coolest minions we’ve ever seen. Though the book series has them as a pair of monstrous avian creatures, we prefer the wyvern inspired designs in Disney’s version. That all being said, these dragons aren’t exactly something we’d keep in our house.
If we had a proper haunted castle, we’d certainly make a fine roost for them to dwell, but we don’t really see them getting along well with our home furniture. Claw marks on the couch might be the least of your worries with these vicious beasts.
Perfect Pet: Cheshire Cat
If you want to split hairs, we know that Dinah is really Alice’s pet. But really, if you were to be asked about the cat from Alice in Wonderland which one are you going to go with? The Cheshire Cat is definitely one of the most beloved characters in the film, even if he’s a little ambiguous to which side he’s on.
If the original is too much for you, there’s always the much furrier and stranger Burton version. Not only is this incarnation a bit more ethereal and mysterious, but he also has the dulcet tones of Stephen Fry providing his rather dream-like voice. Either way, who doesn’t want more whimsy in their life?
Put on the Leash: Stitch
Yes, he might be blue, cute, and fluffy, as well as being one of the studio’s most beloved characters. But let’s take a Lilo and Stitch reality check, shall we? He’s a genetic experiment whose primary function is to obliterate everything he touches. So unless you’ve got some easily repaired housing, better think twice before wanting this little monster.
Though some may say, “but Stitch is reformed, he won’t wreck the place,” he can have quite the temper tantrum if properly provoked. Remember, his destructive programming is repressed, not eliminated.
Perfect Pet: Pluto
Of course, you can’t go wrong with the old classics. Pluto has been Mickey’s pal since the ’30s, and decades later they’re still the best of friends. Pluto does all the stereotypical dog tricks, fetches the paper, and is a heck of a watchdog, but as any cartoon fan knows, he’s capable of so much more.
He’ll go on adventures, bring you your gala tickets, and even come to your rescue or chase down Mortimer Mouse if need be. He might be an old dog, but he’s got several tricks that keep things interesting. If he’s good enough for Mickey Mouse, he’s good enough for us.
