The Dog Stars of MASTERPIECE on PBS
It’s not just human cast members that make a good television series great — let’s hear it for the canine superstars, too! From princely Dash in Victoria, to spoiled Tricki in All Creatures Great and Small, to infinitely loyal Garrick in Poldark, and beyond, we’re celebrating some of MASTERPIECE’s four-legged fan favorites.
Revisit old episodes of your favorite series (featuring your favorite pups!) with PBS Passport, an added member benefit.
- 1.
Victoria's King Charles Spaniel, Dash
Queen Victoria’s lovable, loyal, and dare we say dashing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a constant at the young royal’s side. Tori, the pup who played Dash on screen in Victoria, wasn’t a stranger to the role — believe it or not, it was her second time playing the beloved royal canine on screen, after first playing Dash in the film The Young Victoria (starring Emily Blunt) in 2009.
Watch full episodes of Victoria, Seasons 1-3, with PBS Passport.
- 2.
Poldark's mixed-breed star, Garrick
Before Ross, Caroline, and Prudie, it was Garrick claiming the title of Demelza’s best friend in the world, which he continued to be for many, many years. Through the trials and tribulations of Demelza’s marriage to Ross, her journey into motherhood, and her work in Cornwall as Ross’ wife, Garrick was a constant at his mistress’ side to comfort and protect her — which, of course, then extended to her children and husband, as well. A very good boy, indeed!
- 3.
Poldark's Horace the Pug
Just as one cannot mention Demelza without mentioning Garrick, there is similarly no mentioning Caroline Enys (née Penvenen) without mentioning the adorably pampered prince of a pug, Horace. Where one went, the other always followed (or were carried, technically). After all, it’s all thanks to Horace and his spoiled lifestyle that Caroline sought out Dr. Dwight Enys, her eventual husband, in the first place — and the rest, as they say, was history. (Come on, just look at that face!)
- 4.
All Creatures Great and Small's Pekingese, Tricki
We’re not afraid to admit it: The town of Darrowby just wouldn’t be the same without Mrs. Pumphrey’s beloved, spoiled rotten, and mischievous ball of fluff, Tricki the Pekingese. When not being overfed by Mrs. Pumphrey, Tricki can be found lounging on a silk pillow or escaping the clutches of Tristan Farnon to hunt for more treats.
Watch full episodes of All Creatures Great and Small with PBS Passport.
Revisit our All Creatures Great and Small Season 1 interview with Jill Clark of 1st Choice Animals, the animal handler of the series as well as Derek’s (the original pup playing Tricki) owner.
- 5.
All Creatures Great and Small's Golden Retriever, Jess
While Tricki may be a star of the series, he’s not the only canine star of the series (it is, after call, called All Creatures Great and Small). Ernie, who stepped into the role of Jess after the passing of George (the original Jess), has certainly made his human costars and crew laugh plenty, keeping them on their toes.
Read more about the animal stars of the series in another interview with Jill Clark from Season 4.
- 6.
Grantchester's Labrador Retriever, Dickens
One might think that the primary resident at Grantchester’s vicarage would be, well, the vicar — but they’d be wrong! Since his debut in the series premiere, when he was given to Sidney as a gift by a concerned Amanda, Dickens stole our hearts and the screen in one fell swoop. For a decade, Dickens has provided love and support to the vicars in town, as well as their family and friends, such as Leonard, Mrs. C., and more. The vicars, fashions, music, and more may change as the years go by, but one thing will always stay the same — Dickens, waiting by the door.
Watch full episodes of Grantchester with PBS Passport.
Watch a fun video all about the unofficial mascot of Grantchester.
- 7.
The Durrells in Corfu's Lurcher, Roger (The Durrells in Corfu)
The Durrells in Corfu was rife with animal guests and costars, but none more important than sweet Roger, played by a female lurcher named Mossup. Like Dash in Victoria, Roger was also based on the real life canine companion of Gerald (“Gerry”) Durrell, a lifelong animal lover, zookeeper, writer, and more, played by Milo Parker in the series. Roger (both in real life and in the series!) was known to be loyal and to enjoy adventures around the island of Corfu with Gerry.
Watch full episodes of The Durrells in Corfu with PBS Passport.
