A 10 Hilarious Far Side Comics That Show Why Dogs Are Man’s Best Friend
In The Far Side, dogs are portrayed as “man’s best friend,” just as they are in real life, but with a humorous twist that adds a bit more bite to their bark. Gary Larson is known for depicting animals in absurd ways, and dogs are no exception. In his comics, they often behave in hilariously human ways, showing that they aren’t too different from their owners after all.
While the relationship between humans and dogs is generally seen as heartwarming, like any friendship, there are moments of tension behind the scenes. Dogs can be disobedient, and humans are sometimes difficult to live with too. Over the years, Gary Larson has captured the many sides of the owner-pet relationship with his signature comedic style.
Here are 10 of the funniest Far Side comics that highlight the complex and ultimately loving relationship between dogs and their human companions.
Credit: Gary Larson
1. What We Say to Dogs vs. What They Actually Hear
First Published: October 25th, 1983
In this first Far Side cartoon, readers get a humorous look at the contrasting perspectives of a human and a dog. The top panel shows an owner repeatedly telling his dog to stay out of the garbage. While the owner thinks his instructions are clear, all the dog hears is a jumble of words, with the occasional mention of their name.
Gary Larson brilliantly plays with the idea of how humans often speak to their pets as if they understand every word. In reality, dogs can only comprehend the words they’ve been trained to recognize, and even then, their understanding is limited. This owner’s repeated commands are unlikely to have any effect unless he finds a better way to communicate with his furry friend.
2. This Dog in The Far Side Has No Idea What’s Coming
First Published: May 25th, 1985
Building on the theme from the previous comic, this second Far Side cartoon humorously highlights one advantage humans have over their dogs: a full understanding of what’s being said. The comic shows a dog excitedly announcing, “Guess what? After we go to the drugstore and the post office, I’m going to the vet’s to get tutored.” Unfortunately, the dog has misheard the situation he’s actually about to be “neutered,” not tutored.
While the confusion here is comically unintentional, it’s not uncommon for pet owners to tell their dogs half-truths about where they’re headed, especially when the destination is one they don’t particularly enjoy, like the groomer or the vet. Even in The Far Side, dogs fall victim to being tricked by their owners, all in the name of preserving their peace of mind.
3. Some Dogs Prefer to Skip Training
First Published: July 20th, 1985
Dogs aren’t always the most receptive to their owners’ training, but in this Far Side cartoon, one dog takes his frustration to a darkly comedic extreme. An owner is trying to teach his dog patience by balancing a treat on the dog’s nose and instructing him not to move in a condescending tone. Meanwhile, the dog thinks to himself, “This is it I’m going to kill him.”
Gary Larson’s signature style in The Far Side often delves into the complicated dynamics between humans and animals, pushing readers to reconsider how they perceive the creatures around them. This comic plays with the dog’s inner thoughts and highlights how being talked down to, even in training, might not always go as expected. While withholding treats may seem like a harmless training tactic, this comic humorously suggests that it could stir up more resentment than we realize perhaps even unleashing the pet’s wrath.
4. The Far Side’s Dogs Take Control and Turn the Tables on Their Owners
First Published: November 25th, 1987
Gary Larson’s The Far Side is known for questioning the traditional dynamics between humans and animals, and this comic perfectly exemplifies that playful interrogation. In this particular strip, a man discovers a letter written in his dog’s sloppy handwriting, revealing that the dog and its canine companion have decided to take the car out for a joyride. The following panel shows the two dogs cruising down the road, carefree and having a blast behind the wheel.
In this turn of events, the roles are reversed typically, it’s humans who leave their pets behind on short notice. But in Larson’s world, the dog gets to take control for a change. The letter even includes a mockingly written “Stay home! Stay!” mimicking the common command humans use with their pets, adding a hilarious touch to the situation with a dose of written-out laughter. The comic highlights the absurdity of our typical owner-pet relationship, flipping the script in true The Far Side fashion.
5. The Far Side Puts Dogs’ Loyalty to the Test in Court
First Published: October 16th, 1980
Dogs are often seen as the epitome of loyalty, always by their owners’ side no matter what. However, in The Far Side, that loyalty is put to the test in hilarious and absurd ways. In one such comic, a dog is preparing to testify against its owner in a courtroom. The defendant, clearly distraught, tells his lawyer, “My friends all warned me that this breed will sometimes turn on you.”
The sight of a dog in a courtroom setting is both unexpected and delightfully ridiculous, which is what makes this Far Side strip so funny. Gary Larson’s ability to provoke a “What?” moment is at the heart of his work, making readers do a double take at increasingly absurd scenarios. In this case, a dog airing its grievances against its owner in front of a jury is the perfect example of Larson’s knack for blending the mundane with the surreal, delivering a comedy that’s both unpredictable and utterly hilarious.
6. The Far Side’s Genius Invents a Canine Decoder
First Published: March 25th, 1992
In one of The Far Side‘s most amusing strips, a scientist attempts the impossible creating a device that allows him to finally understand what dogs are thinking and communicating with them properly. He believes that by solving the mystery of canine behavior, he’ll bridge the gap of misunderstandings and truly connect with his four-legged friends. However, when the device is activated, the professor is in for a rather anticlimactic revelation.
Instead of profound insights, the dogs around him all have a single thought: “Hey! Hey! Hey!” The dogs repeatedly greet anyone and anything they come across with boundless excitement, translating their barks into this simple phrase. It turns out, dogs’ innermost thoughts are nothing more than their joyful enthusiasm to see their owners. In the end, the comic humorously reminds us that sometimes the simplest things like a dog’s unconditional excitement are all we need to understand about their feelings.
7. Two Dogs Eagerly Await Their Usual Meal
First Published: November 24th, 1982
Dogs’ love for food is universally recognized, but in The Far Side, that love is humorously contrasted with the reality of what they’re actually eating. In this comic, a woman is seen preparing a meal for her two dogs, who are eagerly awaiting their usual fare. One dog turns to the other and excitedly says, “Oh boy! It’s dog food again!”
While some pet owners may indulge their furry companions with table scraps or gourmet treats, most stick to the tried-and-true, store-bought dog food. These two dogs, however, seem to know no better, and for them, canned dog food is as good as it gets. The comic gently pokes fun at how some dogs can develop an unwavering enthusiasm for the same meal day after day. But beware: If the owner ever expands their palates, they might just find that their dogs won’t settle for anything less than the best!
8. The Far Side Highlights the Dangers of Testing Dogs’ Patience
First Published: June 3rd, 1987
In The Far Side, Gary Larson often explores the comical extremes of pets’ behavior, and this comic offers a darkly humorous warning about testing dogs’ patience. In this particular cartoon, a dog has had enough of his owner’s refusal to give in to his begging, and he takes matters into his own paws. As the owner attempts to eat in peace, the dog pulls a gun on him, declaring, “Hey, bucko… I’m through begging.”
While it’s common for dogs to beg for food during mealtime, Larson amplifies this scenario to a shocking level, turning the typical pleading for scraps into an outright threat. The comic humorously exaggerates the lengths a dog might go to when their patience is pushed too far. Of course, this outlandish situation serves as a reminder never underestimate a dog’s determination, especially when food is involved!
9. This St. Bernard Becomes a Hero in The Far Side’s World
First Published: November 2nd, 1990
In Gary Larson’s The Far Side, a St. Bernard becomes the unexpected hero when a man cries out for help from an outdoor bathroom. The traditional image of a St. Bernard with a barrel around its neck gets a humorous twist in this comic as the dog arrives with toilet paper attached to its collar, ready to save the day. Historically, these dogs were known for carrying barrels of brandy to aid in rescue missions in snowy mountain ranges. But in Larson’s world, this special breed is now on duty for an entirely different kind of emergency helping those in need of toilet paper. This playful take on a classic rescue dog concept showcases Larson’s knack for blending absurdity and wit to challenge the ordinary in the most hilarious ways.
10. On The Far Side, Dogs Are Just Like Us With A Hilarious Twist
First Published: April 23rd, 1993
In this final comic, Gary Larson perfectly captures how much dogs and humans have in common. An elderly man relaxes on his porch, grumbling at the young ones running past his yard. Right beside him, his two senior dogs mirror his behavior, side-eyeing the energetic puppies running by.
Larson frequently explores the humorous notion that dogs act just like us, blending the absurd with the relatable. This comic is a wonderful reminder that, despite the challenges they face or the differences between them, the bond between humans and dogs remains strong and heartwarming. Growing old alongside a loyal canine companion is a thought that resonates deeply, and Larson shows us that a dog truly is a best friend for life.
The Far Side
Writer: Gary Larson
Colorist: Gary Larson
Summary
Created by Gary Larson, The Far Side is a beloved comic strip series that ran from December 1979 to January 1995. A global sensation, the series delved into life’s surreal moments, featuring a mix of humans and anthropomorphic animals. In 2020, Gary Larson returned to drawing, reviving The Far Side by sharing new comics on his official website.
