Meet The 12 Dogs On Titanic and the 3 That Miraculously Survived

Rocky Kanaka |

Nov 2, 2023

April 15, 1912, will forever be etched in history as the day the unsinkable RMS Titanic met its tragic end taking with it the lives of over 1,500 people. While tales of heroism, love, and loss from that fateful night have been recounted countless times, few are aware of the lesser-known passengers – the dogs.

Here’s a closer look at the canines that witnessed one of the greatest maritime tragedies of all time.

The Pekingese Survivor

Among the elite passengers of the Titanic was Henry Sleeper Harper, heir to the Harper & Brothers publishing empire. Accompanying him was his loyal Pekingese, Sun Yat-sen. As chaos ensued on the sinking ship, Harper and his furry companion managed to secure a spot on Lifeboat 3. Both emerged from the ordeal unscathed, with Sun Yat-sen becoming one of the few canine survivors.

Pomeranians: The Lucky Duo

The Titanic had not one, but two Pomeranians on board. Lady, the pampered pooch of Miss Margaret Hays, found safety in Lifeboat 7. Another Pomeranian, owned by the affluent Mrs. Elizabeth Barrett Rothschild, also escaped the ship’s tragic fate. Their survival stories stand as a testament to the bond between these dogs and their owners.

The Airedale’s Sacrifice

Colonel John Jacob Astor IV, one of the wealthiest men in the world, boarded the Titanic with his pregnant wife Madeleine and their Airedale Terrier, Kitty. While Madeleine was rescued, Astor and Kitty remained behind. Their bond was so strong that even in the face of death, they stayed together.

Mystery of the Chow Chow

Harry Anderson’s Chow Chow was among the canine passengers, but its fate remains shrouded in mystery. While records of the dog’s presence on the ship exist, its outcome post-sinking remains undocumented, leading many to believe it didn’t make it.

The French Bulldog’s Fate

Gamin de Pycombe, a French Bulldog owned by banker Robert Williams Daniel, was another unfortunate canine passenger. Despite Daniel’s survival, his beloved pet wasn’t as fortunate.

The Great Dane’s Loyalty

Ann Elizabeth Isham’s Great Dane was more than just a pet; he was a loyal companion. When offered a spot on a lifeboat, Isham chose to stay with her dog rather than leave him behind. Their inseparable bond led them to face the tragedy together.

The Mysterious Toy Dog

Mrs. Helen Bishop’s toy dog, whose breed remains a mystery, was another survivor of the disaster. Both owner and pet were among the fortunate ones to escape the sinking ship.

The Three Who Survived

In the midst of the Titanic’s tragic sinking, a glimmer of hope emerged for three canine passengers. Sun Yat-sen, the Pekingese, and two Pomeranians, Lady and Mrs. Rothschild’s unnamed pet, defied the odds and survived the catastrophe. These three dogs, each with their unique tales of survival, serve as symbols of resilience and the enduring bond between humans and their pets. Amidst the overwhelming loss, their stories stand out, reminding us of the unexpected moments of hope and survival even in the face of unparalleled adversity.

In the aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking, these 12 canine tales serve as poignant reminders of the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets. Amidst the stories of bravery and sacrifice, the dogs of the Titanic remain an enduring testament to loyalty and love.