Dragons & Superdogs: Rethinking Man’s Best Friend

This Summer, “man’s best friend” comes in some surprising forms, from fire-breathing dragons to alien dogs. As fans fall for Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon, another unlikely companion is about to take flight: Superman’s loyal dog, Krypto.

Last month, How to Train Your Dragon returned to theaters as a live-action film, reintroducing audiences to the wide-eyed wonder of flying through the skies with Toothless, the beloved night-fury who first soared into our hearts over a decade ago. On the Isle of Berk, young Hiccup (played by rising star Mason Thames) forms an unexpected bond with a legendary beast who turns out to be more playful, expressive, and loyal than he is fearsome. Early on, the dragon begs for food like a hungry pet -- licking his lips, lowering his body, and gazing up with wide, expectant eyes as Hiccup holds up a fish. As their bond deepens, Toothless follows Hiccup everywhere, protects him, and shows affection with all the devotion of a playful pup.

This is what makes audiences connect so deeply, not just with Toothless, but with his bond with Hiccup. Pet lovers everywhere recognize the highs and lows, the joys and frustrations, the playtime chaos, the endless treats, and, of course, the all-important scratches and belly rubs.

While Toothless has captured hearts with his playful loyalty, there’s another flying non-dog soaring over the horizon. Is it a bird? A plane? Nope, it’s... a flying dog?

Well, technically, he’s an alien. Superman’s loyal companion, Krypto, makes an appearance in James Gunn’s long-awaited Superman film, now in theatres, and fans couldn’t be more excited (rightfully so) to meet what many are calling "the best worst dog ever." In the early trailers, we were the ones getting the treats — sneak peeks of the white-furred alien dog doing exactly what every dog owner knows all too well: thinking it’s playtime when it absolutely isn’t. As a badly injured Superman lies in the snow, Krypto doesn’t run to help or lick his wounds. Instead, he leaps onto his owner’s back with full force.

Keep in mind, this is the same dog who, in the comics, flies at supersonic speeds and breaks through titanium doors with ease. And I thought my dog was strong.

Still, there’s something undeniably charming about Krypto’s social unawareness. He might not always read the room, but the bond between him and the Man of Steel is clear and powerful. In a recent clip released by DC, we see Superman (David Corenswet) burst through the doors of Lex Luthor’s (Nicholas Hoult) high-rise office, demanding, “Where’s the dog?” Lex, ever smug, replies with a cold, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Without missing a beat, Superman launches Luthor’s desk across the room, restraint clearly not on the menu where his superpowered pup is concerned.

The emotional core of this clip, though, comes when Superman — this all-powerful hero — softly says to Lex, “He’s just a dog.” You may not be crying, but the internet definitely is. Fans have flocked online to praise the emotional depth we’re finally seeing from Superman—something that’s been missing in recent portrayals. The moment has sparked a wave of appreciation.

Luckily, we no longer have to wait to see Krypto soar across the screen in his all-too-adorable matching red cape. And in the meantime, pet owners everywhere can reach down and give their loyal companions a well-deserved scratch.

Whether it’s Toothless or Krypto, there’s something universal about the way animals connect with us, something quiet and wordless. It’s as though there is a hidden dial in our hearts that only they can access and turn clockwise. And while we may not be punching villains or flying over Scottish seas, our everyday adventures — neighborhood walks, squirrel chases, lap snuggles — feel just as epic. Especially to them.