10 Greatest Star Trek Pets

8. Crocodog

Crocodog
Paramount Pictures

You'd be forgiven for thinking at first glance that this magnificent creature is a mirror universe version of Porthos.

Over the years, Commander Kruge's pampered pet in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock has become known simply as a Klingon monster dog. But we don't like that kind of body shaming around here. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we think this beast is just as awesome as any other pet on this list. Especially when he seems to enjoy nose-scritches so much.

For a start, he looks like a cross between a crocodile and a dog, and the result is pure punk. He commands the bridge with as much charisma and authority as Kruge himself; you just know he's always rolling a 20 on Intimidation checks. He might look like a crocodog, but that attitude is all cat. There's a 50/50 chance he'll take your hand off when you try to pet him...and we kind of love it.

Slimy skin, scraggly hair, gnarly teeth...he's like something on a metal album cover. No wonder Kruge was incensed when his beguiling crocodog was killed in battle.

Not every pet has to be cute and charming to earn a special place in our hearts. Sometimes, the stranger our little friends are, the more we love them.

Contributor

Katherine has been boldly going since childhood, when the BBC Two 6pm Star Trek slot changed her life. She was drawn in by the franchise's optimism, compassion and flair for character-driven storytelling. She's been writing stories since she could pick up a pen and has spent far too much time immersed in television, films, books, music and theatre. She loves any chance to talk or write about her favourite fandoms, of which there are many. When not busy writing, she can usually be found playing video games or explaining why the concept of a transporter is actually terrifying.