1

Lassie: TV’s Most Loyal Friend

Image: Kanashi

Lassie is the ultimate hero in a fur coat. The famous Rough Collie first appeared in a 1938 short story before becoming the star of her own TV show. Week after week, Lassie showed audiences how a dog’s loyalty and bravery could save the day.

Maybe she was alerting her family to danger or helping strangers; in any case, she was always there to lend a paw. Lassie’s adventures inspired generations of viewers and cemented her place as a true American icon. She was a devoted friend with a loving nature and a natural instinct to know when to act. She became more than just a dog; she became a family member to millions.

2

Rin Tin Tin: From Battlefield to Box Office

Image: Christoph Schmid

Rin Tin Tin’s journey is one for the history books. He was rescued by a soldier during World War I. This German Shepherd was brought to America and became a Hollywood sensation in no time.

With his expressive eyes and fearless nature , Rin Tin Tin starred in over 25 silent films, performing stunts that left audiences in awe—can you believe that? He helped shape the early days of cinema and became a household name of its own.

Rin Tin Tin was more than a movie star, he was a hero in his own right, and that is what guaranteed his name is still popular today.

3

Toto: The Little Dog with a Big Heart

Image: Paul Cuoco

Toto, Dorothy’s loyal companion in The Wizard of Oz , may have been small, but he was packed with personality. A Cairn Terrier named Terry actually played Toto in the iconic 1939 film, winning hearts with her expressive face and boundless courage.

Toto stuck by Dorothy through all of her Oz adventures. Regardless of his small size, his impact was completely the opposite! And we’re not just talking about the movie. Of course, in each scene, Toto showed loyalty and an instinct for getting into and out of trouble, much like our own beloved pets. But his bond with Dorothy was genuine, and fans could feel that connection. Toto’s spirit made him unforgettable, and he’s still celebrated as one of America’s favorite movie dogs.

4

Old Yeller: The Ultimate Frontier Hero

Image: Caleb Fisher

Only a few dogs stuck and became part of America’s identity like Old Yeller. Set in the rugged Texas frontier, his story was all about bravery, family, and love in a world that was nothing but harsh.

The big, yellow dog feared nothing. He didn’t back down from protecting his family from wild animals, sickness, and any threat that came their way. He taught the family he lived with about sacrifice and courage. And we all learned that too!

When you think of Old Yeller, you think of resilience, even though his tale is bittersweet. Even decades later, people remember Old Yeller as a classic story of love and loss.

5

Balto: The Husky that saved a village

Image: Chalo Gallardo

If a dog has a statue, he certainly must have earned it, right? Balto for sure did. His heroic journey is as inspiring as it is legendary.

Back in 1925, a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska, needed urgent medicine, and Balto led the sled dog team through snow and freezing temperatures to deliver it. This brave Siberian Husky’s courage in the face of life-threatening conditions not only saved lives but also made him a hero.

Naturally, his success story spread across America, and New York’s Central Park even built a statue in his honor. Balto became the face of courage and teamwork, and his story has been immortalized in books, movies, and history.

6

Benji: Hollywood’s Lovable Underdog

Image: Johannes W

Has your heart melted already? We certainly have, like two dogs ago, but let’s keep it going with the next one on our list: enter Benji.

Benji charmed his way into American hearts in the 1970s with his scruffy, humble looks and sharp problem-solving skills . This mixed-breed dog starred in a series of movies where he often found himself rescuing people or outsmarting bad guys.

Benji wasn’t big or flashy, but he didn’t need that. He made up for it with his resourcefulness and charm. Viewers loved his quiet bravery and knack for getting out of sticky situations. And of course, that little charming face of him, duh!

7

Eddie: Frasier’s scene-stealing sidekick

Image: Egor Gordeev

Regardless of the director’s intention, dogs will always find a way to become the star of the show. Eddie is an example of that! The Jack Russell Terrier from the hit sitcom Frasier stole scenes with his hilarious antics and unforgettable stares.

In the series, Eddie kept Frasier on his toes, and audiences couldn’t get enough of him. His expressions were worth a thousand words, bringing both humor and heart to the show. The show was a hit, but this character made it relatable. Who hasn’t experienced the mischief of a furry friend? For such a small dog, Eddie made a huge impact and is still fondly remembered.

8

Hachiko: Loyalty That Knows No Boundaries

Image: Oskar Kadaksoo

Hachiko’s story isn’t just famous in Japan; it resonated deeply with American audiences, too. An Akita known for waiting for his owner each day at a train station, Hachiko continued his routine for years after his owner’s passing. How moving is that?

His loyalty became legendary and eventually inspired the American film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale , which introduced his story to US viewers.

If there was any doubt concerning the kind of bonds formed between a human and a dog, Hachiko got rid of all of them! Even in America, Hachiko is celebrated as a symbol of unwavering dedication.

9

Buddy: America’s first guide dog

Image: Brands&People

Speaking of special bonds, Buddy, a German Shepherd, changed countless lives in the 1920s by becoming America’s first official guide dog.

Her owner, Morris Frank, helped establish guide dog schools across the country, proving the incredible help dogs could offer to the visually impaired. Buddy’s intelligence and dedication paved the way for service dogs, and her influence continues to shape assistance programs today.

Her gentle guidance provided not only hope but also independence to many people with disabilities. Buddy’s groundbreaking work showed what dogs could do beyond companionship, which was an invaluable gift in itself!

10

Scooby-Doo: The Detective dog

Image: Dinu J Nair

America has more than just 10 beloved dogs, and the ones we’ve mentioned so far were all real-life dogs. But let’s not forget that cartoon dogs also hold a special place in America’s heart. Take Scooby-Doo, for example.

Scooby-Doo is a fun-loving Great Dane who has been solving mysteries with his human friends since the 1960s. Yes, he was a detective. And yes, he was also very much afraid all the time!

Scooby has become a cartoon favorite and has starred in countless TV shows, movies, and comic books. With his human friend Shaggy by his side, Scooby always stumbled upon clues that saved the day—usually with a few treats along the way. Scooby-Doo’s legacy as a cartoon icon endures, and he has lots of fans around the globe!

1

Most Olympic Gold Medals

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

While many of us struggle with basic swimming techniques, the incredible swimmer Michael Phelps , rightly nicknamed "The Baltimore Bullet" after his birthplace and amazing speed, is the winner of 23 Olympic gold medals. This achievement gave him the world record for the most decorated Olympic male athlete!

But this feat is not easy. In addition to his natural talent, the athlete must follow a rigorous training program and eat approximately 12,000 calories every day. One thing is for sure: that's a lot of food!

2

World's tallest dog ever

Image: leonides ruvalcabar

American animals are also record-breakers! There's nothing like the joy of returning home to your dog anxiously awaiting you, playfully jumping up to greet you, right? However, it can be a bit scary if your dog happens to be the tallest in the world.

This record was set by a Great Dane from Bedford, Texas, who reached an incredible height of 3 feet and 5.18 inches! His owners attest that despite his huge size, Zeus— a fitting name—was actually a gentle giant.

Sadly, Zeus passed away in 2023 at the age of 5, but he is fondly remembered for his impressive record, his animated personality, and his extraordinary beauty.

3

Most cumulative days in space by a female astronaut

Image: NASA

Ever dreamed of traveling to space? As exciting as it sounds, the reality of space travel can be a real challenge and might intimidate many. But this was not the case for Peggy Whitson , the woman who spent the most cumulative days in space.

In 2017, she set the world record , spending 665 days out there. But that's not all; in 2023 , she extended her title by adding 9 more days as an astronaut with Axiom Space during Axiom Mission-2. That's almost two years without gravity!

4

The longest spacewalk

Image: Kobby Mendez

If the idea of traveling through outer space is scary, imagine the experience of "walking" outside the spacecraft, completely alone in an astronaut suit. It's both exciting and intimidating, right?

NASA refers to this activity as EVA (Extravehicular Activity), more commonly known as a spacewalk . Happily, two Americans hold the record for the longest spacewalk . On March 10, 2001 , Expedition 2 astronauts James S. Voss from Cordova, Alabama, and Susan J. Helms from Charlotte, North Carolina, ventured on an impressive spacewalk that lasted 8 hours and 56 minutes!

5

The largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia

Image: Tommy van Kessel

Let's continue with the space theme, though this time, fictional space.

Born on June 14, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Steve Sansweet has been an avid collector since childhood. His passion for collecting Star Wars memorabilia started the first time he saw a Star Wars movie, and he hasn't stopped since.

How many items do you think he has? 30,000? Maybe 100,000? Nope. Steve has a collection of over 500,000 items from the franchise! So many that he founded a museum, the Rancho Obi-Wan , in Petaluma, California. Would you give it a visit?

6

The largest living tree

Image: Taisia Karaseva

Nature also claims its place in the list of world records. General Sherman is the largest living tree by volume on Earth. This giant sequoia stands tall in Sequoia National Park, among the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California .

Want to know its height? This huge sequoia reaches 274 feet and 3.3 inches! And its width is no less special, with a diameter of approximately 27 feet.

But wait, there's more! The tallest tree in the world is also in California . Hyperion , as it was named, stands 380 feet and 9.7 inches tall in Redwood National Park.

7

Most Big Macs eaten in a lifetime

Image: Brett Jordan

While it's crucial to maintain a healthy diet, no one can deny the joy a good burger can bring to both the stomach and the soul. Don Gorske is a 70-year-old man who took this concept to a new level.

Don, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin , proudly holds the record for the most McDonald's Big Macs eaten in a lifetime: more than 34,000! In 1999 , he first broke the record. However, not satisfied with that feat alone, he extended his title, securing his place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2023 .

If you're worried about his health—and we are too—Don himself calms us down: he explains that he doesn't eat the fries and maintains a daily exercise routine.

8

The longest international land border

Image: Redd F

This is a record shared with our Canadian neighbors. While we knew the border between Canada and the United States was extensive, who would have guessed it's actually the longest in the world?

The world's longest international border between two countries spans an impressive 5,525 miles . That is divided into two parts: the border shared between the continental United States and Canada, and the one shared by the state of Alaska with the neighboring country.

And here are more numbers: there are a total of 13 US states on this long border!

9

The longest TV career for a female entertainer

Image: CBS Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Betty White is a familiar face to everyone who has ever turned on the TV. Born in 1922 in Oak Park, Illinois, the talented actress and comedian has worked passionately from a very young age.

She made her TV debut in 1939 , and since then, she has enjoyed a long and successful career. So long that it earned her a world record for the longest TV career for a female entertainer.

So, how long was it? Not 40, not 50, not even 60 years. Betty delighted our screens for over 74 years! That's what we would call dedication, don't you think?

10

Most consecutive wins on Jeopardy!

Image: 金 运

Jeopardy! has kept viewers glued to their screens for many seasons and for many reasons. Its blend of playful competition and engaging topics makes it simply irresistible.

As you already know, some contestants on Jeopardy! have both the skills and luck to win more than once. But one competitor truly stood out from the rest.

Ken Jennings is a software engineer from Utah who won an incredible 74 times! Can you believe it? His streak began in 2004, and from the moment he started until his 74th win, Ken won $2,520,700, earning the world record for the most consecutive wins.

1

Batman and Robin

Image: Yulia Matvienko

The Dark Knight and his trusty sidekick first teamed up in 1940, becoming the ultimate superhero duo. Fighting crime in Gotham City, they set the gold standard for the hero-and-sidekick formula. Generations grew up watching their adventures unfold in comics, on TV, and in movies, making them one of the most recognizable pairs of all time.

2

Simon and Garfunkel

Image: Unseen Histories

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel sang their way into history with songs that helped define the 1960s. Hits like Bridge Over Troubled Water and Mrs. Robinson carried both energy and tenderness, and became the soundtrack of many lives. Even though the duo eventually split, their music remains timeless.

3

Abbott and Costello

Image: Tim Mossholder

This comedy team made America laugh during the Great Depression and World War II. Their "Who’s on First?" routine is still quoted today, proving just how sharp their timing was. They thrived on radio, film, and TV, proof that good comedy can cross every medium and keep audiences smiling for years.

4

Sonny and Cher

Image: De an Sun

This singing couple burst onto the scene in the 1960s with "I Got You Babe." Their playful banter and variety show made them a TV sensation. Even after their marriage ended, they both continued to make their mark, showing us they could share the spotlight and remain pop culture icons either way.

5

Tom and Jerry

Image: Melike İlayda Baksı

This cat-and-mouse pair gave us some of the funniest animated chases ever created. Tom and Jerry first appeared in 1940, and they proved they never needed words to entertain. Their comedy has crossed generations; kids and adults alike still chuckle at their endless games.

6

Joey and Chandler

Image: Ilse Orsel

In Friends , Joey Tribbiani and Chandler Bing gave us one of TV’s most memorable bromances. Between foosball games, recliner time, and their shared apartment antics, they showed the ups and downs of friendship in a way that felt real. Through every argument and every laugh, they stayed best buds.

7

Scooby-Doo and Shaggy

Image: Nik

Since 1969, Scooby and Shaggy have been the lovable cowards of the Mystery Inc. gang. Their appetite for giant sandwiches and their knack for stumbling into spooky situations made them favorites for kids and adults alike. They may not be the sharpest detectives, but their friendship is as loyal as it gets.

8

Bonnie and Clyde

Image: Kishore Chandra

During the Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow became notorious across America. Young and reckless, they were constantly on the run, both criminals and folk legends in the public imagination. Their violent story ended in 1934, but books and movies have kept their names alive in popular memory.

9

Lucy and Ricky Ricardo

Image: Bruna Araujo

In I Love Lucy , Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz broke new ground as a real-life couple playing husband and wife on TV. Lucy’s wild schemes paired with Ricky’s charm created episodes that redefined the sitcom format. Their chemistry made them unforgettable, and their show remains a staple of classic television.

10

Penn and Teller

Image: Call Me Fred

This magic duo mixes illusions with comedy, giving audiences both awe and laughter. With a long-running Las Vegas residency and countless TV appearances, they’re proof that a partnership can stay fresh and surprising for decades.