Honk Honk, an energetic Boston bull terrier, has now been officially recognised as the first dog to travel the entire world.
This title had previously been attributed to two other dogs: Laika, a Russian dog who orbited the Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957, and Savannah, a rescue dog who accompanied her owner Tom Turcich on foot during a global trek from 2015 to 2022.
However, British journalist and author Sally Smith has verified Honk Honk’s achievement after uncovering records of his extraordinary 13-month journey, which started in New Jersey and saw him cross Europe and Asia before returning home in 1910.
“Honk Honk is finally receiving the acclaim he deserved more than 100 years ago,” said Sally. “I discovered his story while researching my latest book The Women Who Went Round the World. Honk Honk was given to a determined American woman named Harriet White Fisher, who became the first woman to drive around the world.
“The little dog made Harriet’s car, a Type 1 Locomobile, his home for the entire trip, embarking on many great adventures along the way.”
Reports that have now come to light show that Honk Honk roamed the countryside while the car travelled slowly, venturing into jungles to bark at wild creatures and befriending people across the many countries he visited.
“He was a gentle dog, particularly for a Bull Terrier, though he did have some cheeky moments,” said Sally. “He caused a stir in Italy for eating the delicate leaves of a begonia in a garden and had several escapades in India, especially with local animals like jackals, chipmunks, and goats.”
Throughout the long journey, Honk Honk ate a wide range of foods, including soup and bread when there were no bones available. Despite the varied diet and many hazards, he remained healthy and unharmed, avoiding dangers like snake bites. On many occasions, he stayed in luxury hotels with Harriet across Asia, where the staff often lavished attention on him. At other times, he kept watch outside Harriet’s tent while she slept in remote areas. In Sri Lanka, Harriet adopted a monkey, and though Honk Honk initially chased it, they soon became close companions, with the monkey performing tricks and somersaults on Honk Honk’s back.
“It’s a delightful story, and I’m continuing to discover more about Honk Honk’s incredible travels,” said Sally. “He seemed to be a very happy, resilient, and determined little dog.”
Sally’s new book The Women Who Went Round the World tells the full story of Harriet White Fisher’s travels, including details of Honk Honk’s adventures. Published by The History Press, it is available now in bookshops and online outlets. Sally also hopes to uncover more information to eventually write a biography dedicated to Honk Honk’s journey.
