Santa's Little Helper the show, but voice artist Frank Welker has also voiced him. Santa's Little Helper has become a popular character following his appearances on "The Simpsons". He ranked 27th in Animal Planet's 2003 television special "50 Greatest TV Animals" that was based on popularity, name recognition, and the longevity of the shows. He has also been featured in merchandise relating to "The Simpsons", such as video games, board games, and comics. Santa's Little Helper is a greyhound that appears on the animated television series "The Simpsons" and is the pet dog of the Simpson family. He can often be seen on
Santa's Little Helper The name "Santa's Little Helper" was chosen because, according to writer Al Jean in the same "TV Guide" article, "we needed a name that would inspire Homer to bet on him, an omen, a Christmas name since he was betting on Christmas Eve. But, at that point, nobody was thinking long-term. We weren't considering what might happen in ten years, when we've got to use this name." Although "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was the first episode of the series to air on TV, it was the eighth episode produced by the staff. It was chosen to air first