Doctor Who Dog Names

Doctor Who is one of the most popular television programs in the United Kingdom. It has also achieved a cult status in other parts of the world. The show’s plot revolves around an extraterrestrial being called “The Doctor”, a Time Lord who travels around the universe through a spaceship known as the TARDIS. Throughout the different episodes and storylines, The Doctor is usually accompanied by various “companions” as they work together to face different foes and help those in need.

Among the different companions of The Doctor featured in the show, perhaps the most memorable is K9. A pun on the word “canine”, K9 is the name of multiple robotic dogs in the show, with the first one appearing in 1977. The K9 persona was created by Dave Martin and Bob Baker, both of whom still own the rights to the character. While not originally meant to become a recurring character in the program, K9 eventually became a regular after his first feature because the creators thought that he would be a hit with the younger audiences. During the series’ run, there have been at least four distinct K9 units.

First acquired by the Doctor in 1977, K9 eventually incarnated and explored alongside the Fourth Doctor until 1981. In these narratives, K9 became a useful ally to the doctor, thanks in large part to his laser weapon (hidden in his nose), wide computer and encyclopedic knowledge. Personality-wise, K9 is formal and good-mannered, although he can be too literal (and condescending) at times. While he has stated that he was programmed to not show any feelings or emotions, there are certain instances when he displayed egotism and grief. K9 also has a penchant for sharing different random facts, which leads to him boring other characters.

Because of K9’s popularity in the Doctor Who franchise, he eventually became a major character in several television spin-offs of the show, namely K-9 and Company, The Sarah Jane Adventures and K9. Aside from television shows, K9 also inspired several other forms of works. Dave Martin, the co-creator of the K9 character, also wrote a children’s book series called The Adventures of K9, which was published in 1980 by Sparrow Books. Severn House also published a game book series in 1985 featuring K9 and the Sixth Doctor, entitled Make your own adventure with Doctor Who. In the United States, this series was called Find Your Fate – Doctor Who.