Snowy

Captain Haddock, Tintin and Milus represented in a mural in Brussels.

Hergé was inspired by a Fox terrier type "1" by designing Milú.

Snowy is a fictional dog created in 1929, a white, wire-haired Grand Fox Terrier, companion of Tintin in the comic book series that bears the same name as the protagonist, and whose original name (Milou) is due to author Hergé's first girlfriend at the age of 18 (Marie-Louise Van Cutsem, affectionately called Milou). For this reason, many make the mistake that Snowy is a female. However, the attitudes of the mascot and the constant use of the word "chien" (in French, dog) make it clear that Snowy is a male. Master and dog are so inseparable that for many years the series about the adventures of the intrepid reporter was called The Adventures of Tintin and Snowy.

Characterization

In the first albums of the series, Snowy has a central role, since he is the only companion of his owner. Both have true conversations, where the dog occupies the place of confidant and objector at times.

Unlike its owner, Snowy is characterized by having firmer feet on the ground; He is not obsessed with the mission to be fulfilled, his main aspiration being tranquility, which often makes him distrust his master's initiatives (even going so far as to reproach some of them, such as when he considers a "butcher's shop" the rampant killing of animals carried out by Tintin in his adventure in the Congo).

All in all, Snowy's attitude in its first bars is far from what is shown hereafter. In Tintin in the Land of the Soviets , we find a dog not very cautious, somewhat rebellious with his master and actively anti-Bolshevik.

Despite being indecisive at times, Snowy shakes off his hesitations when it comes to rescuing Tintin, calling on his wits and courage. However, at times he allows himself to doubt between a bone found on the road and his fundamental objective of protecting his master.

Another characteristic that shows itself from time to time is the fascination that whiskey holds for this dog, particularly when it comes to the (fictional) brand Loch-Lomond, which causes him not a few Headaches. In this sense, he is very similar to Captain Haddock, to the point that he seems to be a prefiguration of him or nahual of him. The dog and the captain are characters of the same order, who joyfully balance what Tintin may have that is excessively wise or virtuous. It is possibly for this reason that Snowy's role is significantly diminished after the appearance of Captain Haddock in the series.