Banjo-Kazooie Dog Names

While there are not many dogs within the Banjo-Kazooie universe, one of the most interesting included in the game series is Gruntilda’s dog, who goes by three names: Ripper, Legchomper, and Bignacka. Gruntilda Winkybunion, often called just “Grunty,” is the main antagonist of the Banjo-Kazooie series, usually depicted as a green witch with black clothing and an oversized witch’s hat. In the original Banjo-Kazooie game, Grunty kidnaps Banjo’s sister, hoping to steal her beauty so she can be the most beautiful woman in the world. Players never actually see Gruntilda’s dog, though: he is only ever referred to by Grunty’s sister in an in-game quiz show.

Save for Grunty’s dog—which Is never actually seen—the Banjo-Kazooie universe only includes other pets that resemble dogs. For example, a small, lovable, pink creature named Toots often accompanies characters in the games and is a pet of sorts. Toots cannot speak but is able to make high-pitched noises of pleasure. Even though Toots looks sort of like an anteater, it acts like a dog in its close companionship to its owner. It even appears to sing along to one of its master’s songs in the original Banjo-Kazooie game. 

Another dog-like character found in the Banjo-Kazooie universe is Jinxy, a large sphinx with the body of a cat and the face of a bear, which can be found in the original game’s Gobi’s Valley. Despite the odd combination of animals used to create Jinxy’s body, he does resemble a dog, especially in profile, although he is also capable of speaking, unlike Toots. On the other hand, Jinxy is a sphinx, meaning he can’t really move much. He guards treasure in Gobi’s Valley, and, like most good guard pets, he can be persuaded to open up if treated correctly. When you stumble upon Jinxy in Banjo-Kazooie, he complains that his “dose is all blocked up;” if you successfully cause him to sneeze, he thanks you by opening a small door in his base, where a whole bunch of exciting treasure can be found.