When you think of Mickey Mouse, it’s hard to imagine the mascot of Walt Disney World without his constant companion. They are forever by his side, gazing at him lovingly and are always eager to enjoy a meal together or take a leisurely walk. No, not Minnie Mouse, this describes his best friend – Pluto.

Pluto was not always Mickey Mouse’s closet companion, in fact, he wasn’t even named Pluto until his third cartoon appearance. The pup debuted as a nameless bloodhound tracking Mickey in the 1930 film The Chain Gang, before appearing as Minnie’s dog Rover in The Picnic. His third appearance, in 1931’s The Moose Hunt, the mixed-breed dog was officially introduced as Mickey’s pet, Pluto. Pluto was the third member of what would eventually become known as the Sensational Six, alongside Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy.

Pluto was initially a minor character, appearing as a supporting character in 24 Mickey Mouse films between 1930 and 1937. After receiving his own series, Pluto went on to appear in another 65 films across the next two decades. Among these films, The Pointer, Squatter’s Rights, Pluto’s Blue Note, and Mickey and the Seal were nominated for Academy Awards with Lend a Paw winning for Best Animated Short Film. Since the character does not speak, his films typically relied on physical humor. By expressing personality solely through animation, Pluto became a pioneering figure in character animation.

The lovable pup also starred in the television series Mickey Mouse Works, Disney’s House of Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the new Mickey Mouse shorts, and Mickey & the Roadster Racers. Along with several direct to video films, including The Prince and The Pauper, Mickey’s House of Villains, and a few Christmas specials, the character has appeared extensively in comics over the years. Between cartoons, comics, merchandise, and even within the Disney theme parks, Pluto remains a staple of the Disney franchise and a fan-favorite for Disneyana collectors.