Superman: What Kind Of Dog Is Krypto?

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Following the initial release of James Gunn’s 2025 “Superman” film trailer, there was much excitement among fans about the role of Krypto the Superdog. However, some viewers expressed reservations regarding the appearance and size of Superman (portrayed by David Corenswet) alongside his canine companion, sparking discussions on social media about the suitable breed for Krypto. Based on the minor details in the trailer, it seems that the version of Krypto in the DC Universe is a mix of terrier-like breeds. However, since he’s an extraterrestrial dog, his specific breed may not align with Earth’s classifications.

In his creation of Krypto for the live-action series, Gunn drew inspiration from his personal rescue dog, Ozu. However, it’s important to note that this on-screen Superdog significantly departs from his comic book counterpart’s appearance. Although DC Comics hasn’t officially specified Krypto’s breed, many fans have suggested he resembles a white Labrador Retriever. Gunn himself described Krypto as a “generic white dog” on Threads, sometimes also a Lab, German Shepherd, Husky, or Dalmatian.

In his debut in the 1955 “Adventure Comics” Volume 1 issue #210, Krypto appeared as a white Labrador Retriever, a look he retained for most of his comic book career. However, there are variations of Krypto within the comics that resemble other breeds mentioned by Gunn. Since we can’t pinpoint the specific breed of the Steel Canine, it leaves room to speculate about which dog breed Krypto might actually be.

There are many versions of Krypto out there

Initially appearing in a comic book, Krypto was typically depicted as a Labrador, though this wasn’t explicitly stated within the comics. Over time, his traditional white fur and distinctive features like an S-shaped collar and red cape have been consistent. After Superman’s departure in Alan Moore’s 1986 story “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?”, Krypto sacrificed himself to save his master. In the new continuity established post-Crisis, other dogs took on the name, such as alternate universe counterparts and a small, white mutt resembling Gunn’s version, who was actually owned by Bibbo Bibbowski, a resident of Hobb’s Bay.

In 2001, Krypto made his official comeback in “Action Comics” (Volume 1) issue 776 within the Post-Crisis narrative. Initially, his origin was modified to align with his first comic appearance, depicted in “Superman: Secret Origin” #2 and resembling a Labrador. However, this changed after the New 52 overhaul in 2012. In “Action Comics” (Volume 2) issue 5, Krypto was reintroduced with a surprising new appearance. Throughout the New 52 timeline, Krypto’s visual depiction fluctuated between a Husky-like figure, a white wolf, and even hinting at a Panthera-esque form on the cover of “Superboy” (Volume 6) issue 21.

I’m thrilled that the New 52 phase didn’t linger for too long. Fast forward to 2016, and DC Rebirth brought back many elements of the Post-Crisis continuity, including restoring Krypto to his classic look. Yet, it’s intriguing how the “Dog of Steel” can be depicted as varying from a Great Dane to a Cretan Hound, all depending on the artist’s creative vision.

Krypto in other media

Beyond numerous appearances in comic books, Krypto has also been portrayed in various other forms of media. His initial adaptation occurred in the 1960s “The Adventures of Superboy” series on CBS. However, following his removal from comic book lore in the 1986 “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Krypto was rarely seen in subsequent projects. He made cameo appearances in shows like “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Superman: The Animated Series,” and “Justice League Unlimited,” but it wasn’t until 2006 that he got his own series, “Krypto the Superdog.” In this show, Krypto (voiced by Sam Vincent) was initially Superman’s dog, but he was also given to a young boy named Kevin (Alberto Ghisi), with whom he embarked on some humorous adventures.

Ever since, the Steel Canine has become a staple in animated movies and shows, gracing screens in series like “Legion of Super Heroes,” “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse,” “Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons,” and even the fun crossover “Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!” But let’s not forget the highlight – 2022’s “DC League of Super-Pets” where Krypto (Dwayne Johnson) partners up with Ace the Bat-Hound (Kevin Hart) and a bunch of other Super-Pets to save the Justice League!

In the realm of live-action adaptations, James Gunn’s “Superman” won’t mark the debut of Krypto in our world, as Krypto has already made appearances before. For instance, during Season 4 of “Smallville,” Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and Lois Lane (Erica Durance) encounter a super-powered Golden Retriever in an episode titled “Krypto.” Despite the episode’s name and Clark’s suggestion, they decide to call the dog Shelby instead. Shows like “Titans” and “Superman & Lois” also have their own versions of Krypto, but unlike the former that bestows many of Superman’s powers upon him, the latter does not grant any abilities to its Golden Retriever version.

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2025-01-15 00:31