Dogs are undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts humanity has ever been given. For millennia, man's best friend has provided millions of people with help, protection, and companionship. Thus, the video game industry has not neglected to include four-legged friends in some of the biggest video games.

While it would be nearly impossible to list every game that allows us to engage with canine NPCs, we have compiled a list of some of the quality titles that give you the freedom to pet all the virtual good boys.

Updated October 15, 2023, by Chris Sanfilippo: Our latest update adds new spec boxes for the doggy-driven games on our list. These specs include each game's Franchise, Developer(s), Publisher(s), Platform(s), Genre(s), and ESRB Rating.

12 The Sims 4

Dogs have to appear authentic in a game that prides itself on being the premier life simulator experience. While dogs and their feline counterparts may traditionally be available in The Sims' expansion packs, not the base games, they play a crucial part in making the series feel authentic.

The adorable dogs are great friends to our Sims, and they deserve all the love the Sims can give. Maybe that's why some Sims games allow dying dogs to play fetch with the Grim Reaper as they move on.

11 Stranded: Alien Dawn

Do dogs exist in space? According to Haemimont Games, developer of the survival-sim Stranded: Alien Dawn, they do! The early-access title added canines in the expansion "Train And Tame." According to the game's lore, these pups are refugees from other regional spacecraft crashes.

The game now features three widely beloved dog breeds: the Weimaraner, the Great Dane, and the Boxer. Once you discover these furry friends, you can tame them, make them your pet, and train them to defend your camp during predatory attacks.

10 Super Mario Odyssey

Like many of the dogs on this list, the dog in Super Mario Odyssey is not only great in the game for its adorableness. The dog in Odyssey can help our hero Mario find the valuable stars he needs to save Peach and defeat his arch-nemesis, Bowser.

First encountered in the Sand Kingdom, the friendly Shiba Inu will also catch Cappy for a game of fetch. Plus, with a fedora of its own, this dog is one of the cutest canines to make this list.

9 Assassin's Creed Odyssey

The Assassin's Creed franchise has consistently created some of video games' largest, most immersive open worlds. One of the innovations within the series that helped create the feeling of a living world has been the addition of more animals and the ability to pet them.

Odyssey allows gamers to tame wolves and other wild beasts. Players can embrace their wild side with the recently domesticated wolves while showing love to their canine companions.

8 Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 continued the tradition of open-world games featuring a dog as a companion. As a result, their worthy representative, Boomer, is sensibly marked as essential in the game, making him an unkillable ally of the protagonist.

When an enemy does wound him, players get the opportunity to revive his fighting spirit. Of course, like all good boys, he loves his belly rubs; affection is all that is needed to bring him back to his feet!

7 Pokémon X and Y

Pokémon X and Y may not be the most recent titles in the series, but they introduced a fun and adorable mechanic: petting your pocket monsters. Pokémon has grown its roster of animals to seemingly endless numbers, and players can choose from plenty of canine Pokémon to battle and pet.

Whether you prefer the original first generation Pokémon, like Growlithe and Eevee, or more recent additions, like Furfrou and Rockruff, everyone can find a superb dog companion in Pokémon games to show love.

6 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Even people as tough as Metal Gear Solid's Snake need furry friends. With the ability to locate helpful items and enemy locations, D-Dog can become an even better ally of Snake as the bond between the two increases.

With the cosmetic option to give D-Dog an eyepatch, a man and friend can take down foes in a winning (and twinning) way. We don't think he needs it, but it adds some cuteness to a game known for action.

5 Life Is Strange 2

Many games will make dogs a crucial part of the storyline. Whether they are longtime allies or simply personable pups that we meet while exploring, it can be hard to make a game's dogs fill a new role. While it may not be unique, per se, Life Is Strange 2 incorporates several dogs into the achievements system.

The first dog encounter is in Episode 1 of the game. You can play fetch with a cute dog to find the fifth collectible. Later, in Episode 3, another dog demands pets and attention. In return, he brings a collectible skull. Both of these encounters provide players with achievements.

4 Fable 3

The now-dormant Fable franchise was once one of the pillars of Microsoft's Xbox platform. After introducing a close canine companion in Fable 2, its successor brought back the ability to bring along an adorable friend.

One of the entertaining abilities the Fable games provide players is the ability to change the breed of their dogs through DLC. While not an integral feature, it is nice to provide fans with that deepens their immersion and relationship with the adorable animal.

3 Marvel's Midnight Suns

Even superheroes need canine compatriots. For example, Marvel's Midnight Suns features the fierce and loveable hellhound Charlie, who fights by The Hunter's side during the Elder Gods' Blood Gate Trials.

So, can you pet Charlie? It's not only possible; it's required. Petting or praising Charlie at least once daily will raise her combat level. The longer your day-by-day streak gets, the greater the benefits! You can pet a black cat named Ebony, too. But you cat lovers can read more about that somewhere else. This list is for the good doggy girls!

2 Grand Theft Auto 5

Grand Theft Auto 5 may not feature the friendliest dogs in video games, but the game is filled with them. While many dogs randomly appear throughout the expansive world or even in a few missions, there is an extra-notable dog in the campaign.

Chop, Lamar Davis' Rottweiler, is friendly to Franklin and his allies. Chop may have a formidable reputation because of his owners and training, but the canine is loyal and still loves stereotypical canine activities like tricks and fetch.

1 Fallout 4

Dogmeat may have an unfortunate name, but the Fallout 4 co-star is one of the most valuable and lovable dogs in recent video games. The German Shepherd is loyal to the Sole Survivor throughout his missions and is too adorable to ignore in favor of other companions.

With the valuable Lone Wanderer perk allowing gamers to bring along their beloved friend, Dogmeat can shine as a superstar companion. However, while he may not be the brightest, Nick Valentine, John Hancock, and Strong are not nearly as cute.

NEXT: Horror Game Monsters Who Would Make Great Pets