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The 1970s gave us disco balls, bell-bottoms, shag carpets—and a groovy cast of beloved dog breeds. These pups were neighborhood stars in family albums, commercials, and hit TV shows. Loyal, hardworking, and charming, they were true icons of the decade. But somewhere between mixtapes and the Y2K craze, their spotlight dimmed. Today, many millennials wouldn’t even recognize their names, let alone their lovable personalities. These dogs may be forgotten by some, but they once ruled the ‘70s with tail-wagging style and heart.
Old English Sheepdog
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The Old English Sheepdog was basically the rockstar of the 1970s dog world—shaggy, lovable, and everywhere. With their distinctive mop-like coats and gentle personalities, they were featured in movies, ads, and TV shows. This breed was famously used as the face of the paint company Dulux, becoming a pop culture staple. Their big, fluffy appearance made them look like walking pillows, perfect for cuddles and photogenic moments. Though still around today, their popularity has declined, leaving most millennials with only vague memories of that giant fluffball from their parent’s stories.
Afghan Hound
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Long-haired, elegant, and aloof, the Afghan Hound was the ultimate glam dog of the ‘70s. Their silky coats and regal demeanor made them the fashion icons of the canine world, often featured in high-end advertisements and luxury lifestyle imagery. These dogs had a mystique about them, always looking like they were about to grace the cover of Vogue. They were adored by celebrities and high society, giving off serious diva energy with every head toss. Today, most millennials associate the look with vintage posters or cartoons, not realizing just how trendy these dogs once were.
Irish Setter
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The Irish Setter was a family favorite throughout the 1970s with its flowing red coat and boundless energy. Known for their affectionate nature and playful spirit, these dogs were a go-to breed for active households and regularly appeared in family sitcoms and magazine ads. Their outgoing personalities and love for outdoor play made them ideal for kids, and their good looks didn’t hurt either. You couldn’t visit a park or beach at one point without seeing an Irish Setter bounding joyfully across the landscape. Millennials may remember them vaguely from old reruns or photos, but their heyday has quietly faded.
Collie
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Thanks to the long-running fame of Lassie, Collies were one of the most iconic breeds of the ‘70s. Their intelligence, loyalty, and heroic nature made them feel like the ideal family dog—always ready to save the day, alert the neighbors, or perform a heartfelt rescue. Collies were a staple in pop culture and in American households alike, known for their gorgeous coats and nurturing personalities. They exuded trustworthiness and were seen as almost human in their emotional depth. While still respected, they’ve slipped down the popularity ladder in favor of trendier, low-maintenance breeds, leaving millennials with distant Lassie nostalgia at best.
Basset Hound
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With their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and laid-back personalities, Basset Hounds were a quirky favorite during the ‘70s. These dogs appeared in cartoons and advertisements, known for their lovable laziness and hilarious expressions. Their low-to-the-ground build made them both adorable and unmistakable. They were often the punchline of jokes or the sidekick in family comedy shows. While their charm is timeless, their slow-paced lifestyle and stubborn streak have made them less popular in today’s fast-paced, high-energy world—leaving millennials wondering why their parents thought sad-eyed drool monsters were the ultimate pet.
Great Dane
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Great Danes were surprisingly popular in the ‘70s, despite being the size of a small horse. Known for their gentle nature and impressive stature, they were the gentle giants that won hearts with their calm demeanor and goofy expressions. This breed became a pop culture phenomenon thanks to Scooby-Doo, and every kid secretly wanted a Great Dane who solved mysteries and was afraid of everything. They were frequently seen lounging on shag carpets or awkwardly fitting into tiny cars. Today’s millennials might recognize them from cartoons, but few have seen one stretched across a couch in real life lately.
Cocker Spaniel
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The Cocker Spaniel was the all-American sweetheart of the 1970s. With their big, expressive eyes, floppy ears, and feathered coat, they were the dog-next-door of every suburban dream. Easy to train and eager to please, Cockers were frequently seen in Sears catalogs and holiday greeting cards. Their popularity boomed thanks to Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” and continued strong into the ‘70s. These days, while they’re still around, their popularity has waned in favor of trendier designer mixes, making them a breed that millennials vaguely remember as “the cute dog Grandma used to have.”
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards were iconic in the ‘70s for their massive size, gentle nature, and heroics on snowy mountains—thanks partly to films and heartwarming rescue stories. With their droopy jowls and cuddly appearance, they were lovable giants that became symbols of loyalty and strength. Many families adored their calm demeanor and willingness to play babysitter to small children. Their depiction in cartoons and slapstick comedies added to their charm. While some millennials may recall the slobbery pup from “Beethoven” in the ‘90s, Saint Bernard’s true fame peaked in an era of fondue parties and wood-paneled dens.
Dalmatian
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Long before Instagram and TikTok trends, the Dalmatian was the ultimate “it” dog, thanks to “101 Dalmatians” and a heavy presence in marketing during the ‘70s. Their striking spotted coat made them stand out in any crowd, and they were often associated with firehouses, parades, and charming chaos. Dalmatians were beloved for their flashy looks, but their high energy and strong-willed nature sometimes caught families off guard. Still, their popularity soared for a decade, making them a staple of ‘70s pop culture. Millennials may remember the Disney reboot, but few know just how famous these fashionable pups once were.
The Shaggy Legends Millennials Forgot
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These ‘70s dog breeds were once kings and queens of suburban lawns, family sitcoms, and printed ads, but many have since slipped off the radar for younger generations. While millennials chase trends like doodle mixes and compact companions, these once-iconic breeds wait patiently in the wings—fluffy, floppy, and still just as lovable. Who knows? Maybe it’s time for a retro revival, where these groovy pups again take center stage. After all, nothing says timeless like a Saint Bernard on a shag carpet or a Collie dramatically barking at the wind.
Toledo, United States.
