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

Cornbread

Image: Rafael Cisneros Méndez

With its roots planted in Native American cuisine, cornbread has become a unique staple, especially in the South of our country.

Easy to make and irresistibly tasty , this quick bread stands out for its versatility , making it a great companion to meals of many Americans at different times of the day .

And the best part? You only need cornmeal, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and a couple of eggs to make it! What time of the day do you prefer to enjoy this recipe?

2

Apple Pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Did you know that apple pie was one of the favorite desserts of our first president, George Washington ? While it originated in England, the apple pie was brought to America by European settlers and stayed here to evolve into the special dessert we know today. It is now so linked with American culture that we have the saying, "As American as apple pie," to prove it!

Often enjoyed during Thanksgiving and other holidays as a tasty autumn dessert , this is a slightly more elaborate recipe, but definitely worth a try.

And if you're looking for a special occasion to bake one, May 13th is the perfect date, since it's National Apple Pie Day in the United States!

3

Pecan Pie

Image: Leila Issa

Pecans are a delightful treat, right? And you know what? They are native to North America , especially the South , which is why the wonderful Pecan Pie is associated with this region of the country.

The formula for this tasty dessert is said to have emerged in the late 19th century , with one of its earliest recipes appearing in an 1886 recipe book!

And, while it's a classic during holidays like Thanksgiving , you can actually enjoy it anytime, all year round. In fact, this recipe is so popular that the state of Texas has declared it their official state pie !

4

Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Ir Like

Enough sweet for now. Now, let's talk about a savory delight, the Philly Cheesesteak .

As its name suggests, this classic was born in the city of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, and is believed to be the creation of a hot dog vendor in the 1930s .

Who can resist the combination of a crispy hoagie roll, thinly sliced pieces of steak, onion, bell pepper, and melted cheese? We can't!

Of course, people in Philadelphia have a special day to celebrate this dish: March 24. Have you ever joined the celebration? If not, consider this as a sign to do it next year!

5

Thanksgiving Turkey

Image: Megan Watson

As you probably already know, it is believed that in Plymouth, Massachusetts , a special meeting took place in 1621 . According to myth, English settlers there shared a feast with Native Americans that included primarily turkey , among other foods. This gathering is often considered the very first Thanksgiving , forever linking turkey to this day of gratitude.

For this delicious recipe, you won't need many ingredients; just butter, fresh herbs, an onion, a lemon, some garlic, and salt and pepper to taste, along with your turkey , of course! In addition, you can stuff it with the option of your choice.

And while all this may sound familiar, here's a surprising fact: According to the National Turkey Federation, approximately 46 million turkeys are eaten each year at Thanksgiving!

6

Biscuits and Gravy

Image: Stephen McFadden

Originally from the South of the United States , the Biscuits and Gravy recipe is today a classic comfort food that has also spread to other parts of the country.

Mainly consumed as breakfast but also having special appearances as brunch or dinner, this dish is characterized by its flavor and simplicity.

Depending on the area where it is prepared, the type of gravy may vary, and sometimes, you can find combinations with some extra ingredients, like bacon or eggs . Are you one of the fans of this dish?

7

Po' Boy Sandwich

Image: Anastasia gezalova

While its origin is still debated, there is a story about the birth of the Po' Boy Sandwich that has been accepted by most New Orleanians.

The year was 1929 when a strike of streetcar conductors broke out. In the city of New Orleans , Benny and Clovis Martin decided to support the striking workers. As restaurant owners, they began handing out free special sandwiches to the conductors, affectionately known as "Poor Boys." This name later became associated with the sandwich and, over time, "Poor Boy" evolved into the "Po' boy" we know today, a staple of Louisiana cuisine .

The classic recipe contains the delicious combination of fried shrimp or roast beef, lettuce , tomato , pickles , mayonnaise , and a sauce of choice, all on a good loaf of French bread . Irresistible!

8

Reuben Sandwich

Image: Asnim Ansari

If you love grilled sandwiches, then the Reuben Sandwich is the choice for you.

Its origin is still debated, with two competing stories: one from the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1920 , and the other from Reuben's Delicatessen in New York City in 1914. Whether it comes from New York or Omaha, the Reuben is undeniably an American classic .

Making this dish is quite simple. You'll need rye bread , thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, a good Swiss cheese , and dressing (Russian or Thousand Island dressing). And don't forget to butter the bread before grilling !

With a combination of Jewish deli meats, German sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, this sandwich is a representation of the diverse cultures and cuisines that enrich our nation.

9

Buffalo wings

Image: Clark Douglas

If you offer this dish to a foreigner, you might confuse them a bit. After all, buffaloes don't have wings! The thing is that this delicacy is named after the city where it originated.

The story goes that Buffalo wings were invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York , where co-owner of the bar Teressa Bellissimo created the dish in search of a quick snack. That's when she deep-fried some chicken wings and tossed them in a sauce made from butter and seasonings . She then served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, just as they are served today.

If you're not among the millions who prepare this dish for the Super Bowl , don't worry. You can enjoy it at the National Buffalo Wing Festival , held every Labor Day weekend; you probably guessed where: in Buffalo, New York.

10

Clam chowder

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

Representing New England cuisine , Clam Chowder has become one of America's staples, and its origin and ingredients can prove it.

It is said that when the European settlers arrived on the Atlantic coast , they wanted to recreate their traditional seafood stews. However, inspired by the local ingredients , something entirely new was born. It was a creamy soup with clams and other coastal treats. The first known written recipe for this dish appeared in 1832 in "The New England Farmer" magazine.

And as if all that was not enough, this recipe definitively sealed its status as a classic when it was included in Herman Melville's unforgettable novel, "Moby-Dick" !

1

The ball drop only exists because the city banned fireworks

New Year’s Eve celebrations began in Times Square as early as 1904. That year, New York Times owner Adolph Ochs threw an extravagant fireworks party to christen the paper’s new headquarters.

Two years later, the city banned fireworks over fire hazard concerns. Ochs’ chief electrician, Walter Palmer, proposed a "time-ball" to replace the pyrotechnics. This would imitate a navigational device used by ships. So, on December 31, 1907, a 700-pound iron-and-wood ball, five feet in diameter, lit by 100 twenty-five-watt bulbs, made its first descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square.

The tradition has continued every year since, except in the wartime dimouts of 1942 and 1943. Today’s ball is the ninth version and is the largest ever: 12.5 feet wide, weighing 12,350 pounds, and covered in 5,280 handcrafted Waterford crystal discs.

2

It used to be called "Satan’s Circus"

The area was once called Longacre Square, named after London’s carriage district, because the neighborhood was the center of New York City’s horse carriage industry. It was also one of the most vice-ridden corners of Manhattan. In 1901, the surrounding blocks contained 132 brothels and at least as many saloons. Police called the area "the Tenderloin." Locals called it "Satan’s Circus."

The transformation began when the New York Times decided to build its new headquarters there, betting on the city’s first subway line, which was already planned to run beneath the block. In 1904, the area was officially renamed Times Square in a public ceremony. Later that year, the newspaper moved into its gleaming new tower, then the city’s second-tallest building. The Times only stayed there for 9 years before relocating to larger offices on West 43rd Street. But the name it left behind proved permanent.

3

It was once one of the most dangerous blocks in America

While it lost its "Satan’s Circus" nickname long ago, the tourist-friendly Times Square most visitors know today is almost unrecognizable from what it was just four decades ago. By 1984, more than 2,300 crimes were being committed every year within a single-block radius.

The streets were dominated by drug dealers, street crime, porn and peep show theaters, and open prostitution. The TKTS discount theater ticket booth, opened in 1973, was conceived as an emergency measure, an attempt to pull foot traffic back into a neighborhood that businesses had abandoned. The City of New York and the State of New York, as well as private investors and the non-profit Times Square Alliance, collaborated to reduce the crime rate and welcome the commerce and brands that eventually turned Times Square into a tourist hub.

By 2001, major felony offenses had fallen 62.3% from their 1993 peak. Today, Times Square is one of the most policed and most surveilled public spaces in the United States, with a dedicated NYPD substation on the premises. The same block that was America’s most notorious danger zone now draws 50 million visitors a year.

4

The TKTS red stairs are actually a roof

Most of the millions of tourists who climb the famous ruby-red stairs in Times Square assume they’re just a viewing platform. In fact, they’re a roof. Underneath the 27 steps sits the TKTS booth, operated by the Theatre Development Fund, where theatergoers can buy same-day Broadway and off-Broadway tickets at discounts of up to 50%.

In 1999, a design competition was held for a permanent replacement. The winning concept proposed building the new booth’s roof as a public staircase. It would be a bleacher-style ascent that would give visitors an elevated vantage point over the square. The structure was completed in October 2008. It glows red at night because it is lit entirely from below. About 13,000 people walk past it every day.

5

New York City law requires the lights to stay on

Did you know that Times Square stays aglow by law? A 1987 New York City zoning ordinance requires all new developments and major enlargements on blocks in the area, with frontage on Seventh Avenue or Broadway, to include large-scale illuminated signage.

The regulation was introduced to protect the district’s visual character after years of blank-faced modernist towers had dulled its energy. Buildings are legally required to display a minimum illuminated surface area, and signage must remain lit during designated hours.

6

The most famous building there is almost empty

One Times Square building is famous; the whole world watches the ball drop from it every New Year's Eve. But few people know that it’s all but empty inside. It has no regular office tenants. Its upper floors are largely unused.

When the New York Times vacated in 1913, the building passed through several owners and eventually became what it is today: a structure whose primary economic purpose is its skin. Still, the billboard faces on its exterior generate millions of dollars per year — a single advertising slot can command upwards of $4 million annually. In effect, One Times Square is a 25-story billboard dressed as a skyscraper.

7

50 million people visit every year, more than all Disney Parks combined

Times Square draws an estimated 50 million visitors annually —more than all Disney theme parks worldwide combined. On a typical day, approximately 330,000 people pass through. On peak days, that number exceeds 460,000.

Its official website notes that more people walk through Times Square each year than live in the entire country of Iceland. Visitor spending totals roughly $4.8 billion per year, and for every dollar a tourist spends anywhere in New York City, approximately 22 cents are spent within Times Square’s few blocks.

After a dip during the pandemic, tourism to New York City has rebounded strongly, with the city welcoming over 65 million visitors in 2025 and projecting 67 million in 2027. Times Square remains the single biggest draw within the city, accounting for a disproportionate share of that spending.

8

It’s not actually a square; it’s two triangles

Geometrically speaking, Times Square is not a square. It’s more like a bowtie; two elongated triangles formed where Broadway, a diagonal road that predates the Manhattan street grid by centuries, cuts across Seventh Avenue.

The city’s famous grid was laid out by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811. Broadway, an ancient Indigenous trade route that became a colonial road, was already there and simply too important to straighten. Every point where it crosses a major avenue creates an irregular intersection, and Times Square is the most famous of them.

9

It has witnessed incredible moments in American history

Times Square has functioned, again and again, as the place where Americans gather when history breaks. On May 8, 1945, a.k.a. V-E Day, crowds flooded the streets to celebrate the end of the war in Europe. Three months later, on August 14, 1945, a.k.a. V-J Day, the moment Japan’s surrender was announced, ending World War II entirely, the square erupted again.

Life magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was in the crowd and photographed a sailor spontaneously grabbing a nurse in white uniform and kissing her, an image published in the magazine. Also, on December 31, 1999, the world watched Times Square’s ball drop as the year 2000 arrived and Y2K fears proved unfounded.

10

Buildings are required by law to display bright signage

The exterior of a Times Square building generates more revenue per square foot than almost any interior use could. Running a single billboard requires no HVAC, no tenant improvements, no elevator maintenance, no building management. It requires a screen and electricity. The result is a district where the most valuable real estate in America is literally the surface of things.

Building owners sometimes spend tens of millions of dollars on facade renovations not to improve the building but to improve the view of the building.