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Entertainment • Television

The Littlest Hobo

The Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based on a 1958 film of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based on a 1958 film of the same name. It follows an ownerless German Shepherd that travels from place to place and helps people in need, with the dog leaving at the end of each episode. The property had two TV runs: a syndicated series from 1963 to 1965 and a CTV revival from 1979 to 1985.

Premise

The series follows Hobo, an ownerless German Shepherd who moves from town to town and assists people facing problems. Each episode ends with the dog moving on rather than staying with the people he helps.

Broadcast history

The Littlest Hobo first aired in syndication from 1963 to 1965. It returned in a revival on CTV from 1979 to 1985, spanning six seasons.

Origin

The television property was based on a 1958 film of the same name directed by Charles R. Rondeau. The dog-centered premise was retained across the film and television versions.

Cultural significance

The series became well known in Canadian television history as a family-oriented adventure drama. Its theme of a helpful wandering dog made it distinctive among live-action series.

Key facts

  • The series centers on a wandering German Shepherd who helps people in trouble.
  • The title character is typically portrayed as highly intelligent and self-reliant.
  • The original television version aired in syndication from 1963 to 1965.
  • A revival aired on CTV from 1979 to 1985.
  • The concept originated with a 1958 film of the same name.
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Canadian context

The series is part of Canadian television history and was produced in Canada, with its revival airing on CTV.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Littlest Hobo?
It is a Canadian television series about an intelligent ownerless German Shepherd who travels from place to place helping people in need.
When did The Littlest Hobo air?
It first aired from 1963 to 1965 and was revived on CTV from 1979 to 1985.
What was The Littlest Hobo based on?
It was based on a 1958 film of the same name.
What kind of animal is Hobo?
Hobo is a German Shepherd dog.
Was The Littlest Hobo a Canadian series?
Yes. The series is identified as a Canadian television production.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Littlest_Hobo
    Supports: Canadian origin, premise, film basis, original and revival run dates, episode counts
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Littlest_Hobo_episodes
    Supports: Series premise and broadcast history
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078644/
    Supports: 1979–1985 series dates and Canadian release information
  4. Kiddle — https://kids.kiddle.co/The_Littlest_Hobo
    Supports: Created by Charles R. Rondeau, German Shepherd premise, Canadian origin