May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars and Galactic Dog Breeds

What do you call a puppy Jedi-in-training?

A pawdawan!

What side of the force is Darth Vader drawn to?

The bark side.

Star Wars fans anticipate a special day each year - May the Fourth, a pun on the saying “May the Force be with you.” Amid the fanfare of costumes, events, and movie marathons, you may be forgetting to include another character near and dear to you – your puppy!

Dogs have more in common with Star Wars than you may think. See how dogs compare to Star Wars characters, clever Star Wars name suggestions for your puppy, and how to celebrate May the Fourth in style with your dog. 

If Dogs Were Star Wars Characters

Have you ever thought, “What if Star Wars characters were dogs?” By pairing your favorite character with a dog breed, you can see similarities that are not so far-fetched. The same traits we love about the Star Wars cast can also be found in different dog breeds. We match the physical characteristics and personalities of dogs with these beloved Star Wars characters. 

Princess Leia Organa & Cocker Spaniels

Princess Leia Organa from the planet Alderaan is a fearless hero of the Rebel Alliance, helping to take down Darth Vader and destroy the Death Star. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who cares deeply for her friends and allies, often putting their well-being above hers and going to great lengths to protect them. 

Like Leia, a Cocker Spaniel is intelligent, courageous, and loyal to family. While Leia faces hardships, she is resilient and tries to maintain a positive attitude while defending the Rebel Alliance. A Cocker Spaniel has a strong sense of duty to its family, sticking right by its owner’s side, and providing comfort and unwavering support. 

Star Wars fans instantly recognize Princess Leia’s hairstyle of buns on either side of her head. Cocker Spaniels also have notable hair on the sides of their heads. Their velvety, long ears covered in silky hair fall gracefully down the sides of their head, adding to their charm. Princess Leia’s iconic hairstyle is unmistakable like those lush ears on a Cocker Spaniel.  

Chewbacca the Wookiee & Alaskan Malamutes

Did you know that a dog inspired Chewbacca the Wookiee’s character? Film editor Marcia, Lucas’s then-wife, had an Alaskan Malamute called Indiana. Lucas told Star Wars Galaxy magazine, “A Malamute is a very large dog—like 130 pounds and bigger than a human being and very long-haired. Having her with me all the time inspired me to give Han Solo a sidekick who was like a big, furry dog. Not quite like a dog, but intelligent.” You may be piecing together that Indiana also inspired Indiana Jones’s name in the 1981 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark. 

Alaskan Malamutes are large Nordic sled dogs that thrive going on adventures, just like Chewbacca. They stand 23-25 in. tall and weigh 75-85+ lbs. and have powerful shoulders, a deep chest, and a thick, waterproof coat. While an Alaskan Malamute does fit the description of a large, furry dog, they don’t quite match the same colors as Chewbacca. However, they both are playful, loyal, and friendly, ready to work hard for their human companions.

Ewoks & Brussels Griffons

Viewers meet Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor in Return of the Jedi. They are small, primitive woodland mammal-like creatures whose behavior was based on Viet Cong guerilla fighters and the Miwok Native American tribe in California. Their distinct appearance is modeled closely on the comical look of the Brussels Griffon dog breed with their short ears, large eyes, and the same facial structure as Ewoks. Like an Ewok’s short frame, Brussels Griffons are smaller dogs, weighing up to 12 lbs. and standing 8-10 in. tall. Their pouty lips, flat faces, and disgruntled “Grumpy cat” expressions make heads turn. 

While they may look cute like stuffed animals, any Star Wars fans know Ewoks would not cuddle with you when they weren’t fighting with catapults and rocks! However, Brussels Griffons are “Velcro dogs” and remain right by their owner’s side, unlike the Ewoks’ independent attitude.

In addition to Indiana the Malamute, Lucas kept several Brussels Griffons as family pets and claims Brussels Griffons were the inspiration behind Ewoks. However, a costly copyright infringement dispute in court over the origins of Ewoks threatened his original idea. The court ruled in favor of Lucas, citing that the “alien teddy bears” were indeed a Lucas Films creation. 

Tauntauns & Siberian Huskies

Tauntauns are reptomammal snow lizard inhabitants of the icy planet Hoth appearing in ​​The Empire Strikes Back. They are covered in thick, shaggy fur and have sturdy, muscular limbs adapted for traversing rugged landscapes capable of carrying both riders and cargo for the Rebel Alliance across long distances. Their loyalty, survival instincts, and adaptability made them valuable assets in the fight against the Galactic Empire.

Siberian Huskies are a perfect match for a Tauntaun with their weatherproof, cold-tolerant coats and assisting humans who find themselves in perilous situations. Hans Solo jumps on a Tauntaun despite terrible weather conditions to search for Luke after he does not return to the base while on patrol. Like Tauntauns, Siberian Huskies helped save lives by delivering diphtheria antitoxin during an outbreak in the remote town of Nome, Alaska. Bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia and later prized by the Inuits, the ancestors of Siberian Huskies have assisted humans for as long as 9,500 years!

The stamina, endurance, and work ethic of Siberian Huskies mirror a Tauntaun’s ability to haul heavy loads for miles. Like Tauntauns, Siberian Huskies are built perfectly to navigate vast frozen landscapes without tiring, proven each year in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. TaunTauns and Huskies feature distinctive facial markings or patterns on their faces and bodies resulting in a unique array of colors. While they are obviously not as large as Tauntauns, Siberian Huskies are light on their feet despite their bushy coats. They weigh no more than 60 lbs. and stand 20-23.5 in. tall. Both Tauntauns and Siberian Huskies are resilient, strong creatures capable of helping humans in incredible ways. 

Rey & Shiba Inu

Rey is a central character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy with a mysterious background. As a scavenger, she lives independently before meeting BB-8 the droid and ex-stormtrooper Finn. Throughout the trilogy, Rey discovers her connection to the Force as a Jedi Master, harnessing its power and demonstrating remarkable abilities. She forms deep bonds with fellow heroes such as Finn and Poe Dameron, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, and ruthless Kylo Ren. Rey is a symbol of independence and hope while helping to restore balance to the Force.

Rey displays similar characteristics to Shiba Inus. They are quick and agile dogs, traits that Rey possessed as she became a Jedi, took down Kylo Ren, defeated Palpatine, and other wins for the Force. Shiba Inus are independent dogs, a characteristic necessary for Rey to survive as a scavenger alone on the desert planet of Jakku. Rey faces several problems and relies on her intuition to guide her. Likewise, Shiba Inus are highly intelligent dogs that enjoy problem-solving and love to take on challenges. Both Rey and Shiba Inus are alert to what is happening around them, proving invaluable to Rey as she tries to survive her circumstances and a new identity in the galaxy.  

Need a Name For Your Puppy? Check Out Our List of 25 Star Wars Names For Dogs

Diehard fans look for Star Wars dog names when adopting a puppy. Not sure which name to choose? Check out these common and lesser-known Star Wars-themed names for your dog to show your devotion to your favorite franchise. 

• Luke
• Leia
• Hans Solo
• Yoda
• Obi
• Kenobi
• Chewbacca (or Chewbarka)
• Anakin
• Bark Vader
• Jabba
• Jedi
• Pawdawan
• Padmé
• Naboo
• Hoth
• Andor
• Tatooine
• Jar Jar Binks
• Biggs
• Tala
• Boba
• Babu
• Jannah
• Dexter
• Rey

How to Celebrate May the Fourth With Your Puppy

Want to include your puppy in Star Wars festivities? The possibilities are endless! Use some of these suggestions to bond with your puppy while immersing yourself in the lore of Star Wars. 

Have a movie marathon

Get your pupcorn and snuggly blanket ready for a Star Wars movie marathon with your puppy. You can watch the movies in chronological order or by release date.

Look the part

There are plenty of Star Wars dog costumes to choose from, whether you purchase them or make DIY Star Wars dog costumes yourself. You can turn your puppy into an Ewok, R2D2, C3PO, Darth Vader, Yoda, a Storm Trooper, Princess Leia, Luke, an AT-ST Walker, or another favorite character. You can even wear a matching one! 

Attend a “Bark Vader” event 

Check to see if your community offers any dog-friendly Star Wars events to celebrate “May the Force be with you” Day on May 4. You’ll have a great time meeting other Star Wars enthusiasts as your puppy works on socialization skills. 

Throw your own Star Wars party for dogs

Planning a dog party is a fun opportunity to socialize for both humans and puppies. Get creative with a Star Wars theme, including invitations, games, a costume contest, party favors for dogs and humans, and of course, a viewing of your favorite Star Wars movie. 

Give your puppy Star Wars dog treats

Whether you buy them or make DIY Star Wars dog treats for dogs, you’re sure to have a happy pup! Be sure to use ingredients safe for dogs and foods that won’t cause upset stomachs. Watch your puppy’s treat intake so they do not become Jabba the Hutt! 

May the Pawrade Puppy Be With You

If you’re a movie buff but are feeling lonely, May 4th is a perfect date to adopt a loyal, furry friend. You can navigate the Galactic Empire together with an unbreakable force of love. Use the Force to check out our puppies for sale, and pick your favorite to rule the galaxy.

*Cover image courtesy of Reddit user u/DoorKnobCrack