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Before social media and viral dog memes, dogs stole hearts the old-fashioned way—through greeting cards and bedtime books. These pups appeared on get-well notes, Valentine’s cards, and watercolor pages with eyes so expressive and ears so floppy they practically jumped off the paper. Whether sketched in soft pastels or painted wearing birthday hats, some dog breeds had that timeless charm—the kind you’d find in card shops and storybooks alike. They were warm, whimsical, and wonderfully memorable long before they had hashtags or trending status.
Basset Hound
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No dog has ever looked more dramatically misunderstood than the Basset Hound, which is precisely why they’ve dominated sympathy cards for decades. With their droopy eyes, long ears, and perpetually pouty face, Bassets became the poster dogs for “Sorry you’re feeling down” and “Life’s hard, isn’t it?” Their soulful expressions translate beautifully to watercolor and pencil sketches, capturing that blend of adorable and pitiful that makes you want to hug the paper. They’re cartoon gold, too—slow-moving, loyal, and often hilariously stubborn. If you’ve ever received a card that said, “Hang in there,” there’s a strong chance a Basset was staring back at you.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are all-American dogs with hearts so big that they practically glow through paper. Their fluffy coats and beaming smiles made them favorites for birthday cards, family-themed illustrations, and any book that needed a lovable best friend. They’re the golden standard of wholesome. Whether catching a Frisbee, sitting with a kid in a picture book, or peeking out of a mailbox in a holiday card, Goldens radiate warmth and joy. They could run for mayor of Greeting Card City and win in a landslide.
Pug
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Pugs are made for cartoons—period. With their big bulging eyes, squished faces, and knack for simultaneously looking both ridiculous and royal, they’ve headlined many a card captioned “I didn’t choose the pug life, the pug life chose me.” Pugs have also been darlings of illustrated calendars, children’s books, and Valentine’s messages that require maximum cuteness with minimal effort. Their faces are naturally meme-like, which made them stars of humor cards long before the internet took over. In short, pugs sell feelings and laughs.
Dachshund
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Dachshunds have been stretching their way across greeting cards and illustrated books since the beginning of adorable time. Their sausage-shaped bodies and expressive little faces lend themselves beautifully to visual gags, heartfelt holiday greetings, and whimsical children’s tales. Whether dressed in a Santa suit or illustrated in a parade of polka dots, the Dachshund’s iconic silhouette is a creative goldmine. Their small size, fierce loyalty, and comical stubbornness make them relatable to kids and adults alike. It’s almost unfair how easily a Dachshund steals the show, with only three inches of height.
Cocker Spaniel
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Thanks to their sweet expressions and luxurious ears, Cocker Spaniels were the darlings of vintage greeting cards and mid-century illustrated books. Artists loved capturing their gentle nature and fluffy coats, making them a go-to for Easter greetings, “thinking of you” notes, and heartfelt storybook companions. Their big brown eyes convey a kind of emotional depth perfect for warm sentiments and nostalgic charm. Basically, they’re the visual equivalent of a hug. If a dog could wear a bonnet and look adorable instead of annoyed, it would be a Cocker Spaniel.
Scottish Terrier
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Scottish Terriers have been the stars of countless holiday cards, thanks partly to their bold silhouette, regal posture, and undeniable charm when dressed in tartan. You’ve definitely seen one standing next to a wrapped gift, wearing a bow tie, or being dragged across snow-covered streets by cartoon children in Victorian attire. Their spunky personality and upright ears made them ideal for comical and classy illustrations. They scream old-school sophistication… with a mischievous twinkle. No festive fireplace drawing is complete without a Scottie near the stockings.
West Highland White Terrier
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The Westie was practically engineered to sell greeting cards. Small, perky, and snowy white, they often wear party hats, dragging wrapping paper through the house, or peeking out from gift boxes. Their wide eyes and eager stance give them instant joy in any illustration, especially during the holidays. They also balance elegance and chaos like no other breed—perfect for stories or cards that need a little sugar and spice. If you’ve ever said, “Awww,” while looking at a Christmas card, odds are a Westie was involved.
Saint Bernard
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In illustrated books, Saint Bernards are often used as the noble, giant-hearted heroes who rescue kids from snowstorms and offer comfort in difficult times. Their massive size and gentle faces make them ideal characters for storytelling, especially when warmth and loyalty are part of the plot. On greeting cards, they’ve served as huggable symbols of friendship, with droopy eyes and furrowed brows that say, “I care deeply, and also I brought snacks.” They’re the dog version of a weighted blanket. And let’s be honest—no illustrated winter scene feels complete without a Saint Bernard barrel.
Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with huge personalities, which means they translate very well to exaggerated illustrations and cards full of sass. Whether giving side-eye on a “Sorry I forgot your birthday” card or dramatically wrapped in a blanket like a Victorian ghost, Chihuahuas are masters of expression. They’re beloved in funny birthday cards, sassy thank-yous, and kids’ books requiring a feisty sidekick. Their tiny bodies paired with huge confidence make for fantastic visual humor. Basically, they’re the drama queens of the greeting card world—and we love them for it.
English Bulldog
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The English Bulldog brings much “meh” energy in the most lovable way possible. Their resting grump face and slow-motion lifestyle make them stars of birthday cards, retirement cards, and general messages like “Hang in there.” In illustrated books, they often play the role of the slow but wise companion or the friend who always shows up… eventually. You can practically hear them snort through the page. If a card with a dog in pajamas says “Not today,” you can bet it’s a Bulldog.
Maltese
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With their flowing white coats and button eyes, Malteses bring elegance and softness to any illustrated story or card. They’re especially beloved in romantic and sentimental cards that come with glitter and cursive fonts. They lend a touch of whimsy and warmth to bedtime books and fantasy illustrations, often looking like little cloud creatures come to life. Malteses radiate sweetness, making them natural fits for “thinking of you” notes and friendship themes. And they don’t mind a tiara in a drawing—actually, they expect one.
Border Collie
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Border Collies have made their mark in illustrated books as the intelligent, noble companions guiding children on magical adventures or helping with farm life. Their sleek coats, alert expressions, and “I understand you better than you understand yourself” energy make them ideal for emotionally driven illustrations. They’ve been featured on cards in everything from rustic farm scenes to motivational messages. They look good mid-leap, mid-run, or mid-thought. If your greeting card said “You’ve got this!” and featured a focused pup, that was a Border Collie.
French Bulldog
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French Bulldogs are the ultimate compact comedians with faces practically made for illustration. Their big bat ears, smooshed snouts, and unimpressed expressions are a cartoonist’s dream, so they’ve graced everything from snarky birthday cards to laugh-out-loud “get well soon” messages. In illustrated books, they often play the lovable oddball or the quirky sidekick with just the right mix of sass and sweetness. They sit funny, sleep funnier, and always look like they just rolled out of bed 30 seconds before a photo shoot. If your card made someone laugh out loud with a dog that looked mildly confused by life, chances are it was a Frenchie.
Pomeranian
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Pomeranians are like fluffy exclamation points on paper—tiny, expressive, and impossible to ignore. Their round eyes and over-the-top fluff make them the star of glam birthday cards and over-the-top illustrations that need just a little extra sparkle. They’re sassy, photogenic (even in sketch form), and love a spotlight—even a printed one. In kids’ books, they’re the spunky best friend who never backs down. In greeting cards, they’re the diva who knows it’s all about them.
Afghan Hound
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Afghan Hounds bring high-fashion drama to the world of illustration with their long, flowing locks and model-worthy poses. They’ve starred in greeting cards that scream glamour—think “Happy Birthday, Darling” with extra sparkle—and often appear in illustrated books as mysterious, elegant characters with a flair for the fabulous. Their aloof yet fabulous energy makes them perfect for satirical humor or exaggerated sophistication. Artists love drawing their luxurious coats billowing in the wind like walking an invisible runway. If your card featured a dog that looked like it just declined an invitation to brunch for being too fabulous, it was definitely an Afghan Hound.
The Real Card Designers Had Four Legs
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Without these dogs, greeting cards would be wilted flowers and cringey puns. These pups delivered the warmth, humor, and heartfelt charm to turn folded paper into full-blown emotion. Painted in pastels, inked in whimsy, or glittered up like party pros, they’ve starred in storybooks and stolen hearts from card racks for generations. They didn’t need a TikTok following—they had stationery magic. And honestly, if dogs could collect royalties, they’d be running the Hallmark empire by now—one floppy-eared masterpiece at a time.
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