As man’s best friend, dogs are often seen alongside their human counterparts on television shows and in books and movies. They play major roles in popular culture, and a little bit of investigation turns up several dogs with names that start with S in the media.

One of the most famous dogs in popular culture, Snoopy made his debut on October 4, 1950. As the imaginative canine companion of Charlie Brown, this lovable canine has appeared in comic strips, television shows and movies for decades. Snoopy is one creative Beagle and imagines himself as everything from the aloof “Joe Cool” to the World War I Flying Ace who faces the Red Baron in aerial combat. He’s also a world-class writer, an astronaut and, of course, a suppertime aficionado. Aside from Charlie Brown, he is the only character to appear in every Peanuts movie and special. Snoopy is also the corporate mascot for insurance company MetLife, and the lovable hound has been seen on everything from postage stamps to blimps. He even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Scooby Doo is another unforgettable dog in popular culture. This Great Dane can be seen with Shaggy, Velma and the rest of the gang in comic strips, television shows and movies. Scoobert “Scooby” Doo was named for a nonsense vocal line in Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” and made his television debut in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! on September 13, 1969 on CBS. The series ran for just two seasons but spawned spinoff series like A Pup Named Scooby-Doo and, most recently, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. There have also been comic strips, movies and more featuring this iconic canine. The cowardly Great Dane is usually seen alongside Shaggy, and the duo shares many personality traits. Most notably, both fear virtually everything, and their ravenous appetites always have them looking for the next meal. The pair is especially fond of “Scooby Snacks.”

Last but certainly not least, Shadow the Golden Retriever hit the big screen in 1993 in the family classic Homeward Bound. In the film and its subsequent sequel, he is an old, wise dog who displays extreme loyalty and obedience to his owner. Accompanied by an American Bulldog named Chance and a Himalayan cat named Sassy, Shadow makes an incredible journey to rejoin his family. The trio travels through mountainous terrain and across the open countryside before finally reaching their destination.