King Furry
King Furry, also known simply as the King (国王 Koku-Ō) in the Japanese version, is an anthropomorphic dog who serves as the reigning monarch of Earth during the events of Dragon Ball. He ascended to the throne in Age 733 and is regarded as a benevolent and admirable ruler. Notably, he is one of the few individuals on Earth who recognizes Goku as the planet’s true hero rather than Mr. Satan.
Appearance
King Furry is an anthropomorphic dog with blue fur, floppy ears, and a distinctive mustache. He typically wears a suit consisting of a red tie, a white shirt, black blazer and glasses emphasizing his status as Earth's ruler. His design gives him a dignified yet approachable presence.
Personality
Despite his position as king, Furry is known for his kind and compassionate nature. He genuinely cares for his people and remains humble, even in the face of crisis. Unlike many rulers, he does not rely solely on his authority but instead listens to the wisdom of others when making decisions. He also demonstrates great courage, standing firm against threats like King Piccolo and Cell despite his lack of combat abilities.
Although he acknowledges the power of figures like Mr. Satan, he is one of the few on Earth who recognizes Goku as the planet’s true protector.
Biography
Background
Originally a Human-type Earthling, King Furry underwent a transformation into a beastman after taking Animorphaline during a period when the drug was widely used. However, the anime suggests that dog kings have ruled Earth for some time, as portraits of past canine monarchs can be seen behind him at one point.
Dragon Ball
King Piccolo Saga
Despite his high political status, King Furry plays a minor role in the series until the King Piccolo Saga. During this arc, King Piccolo invades King Castle in Central City and temporarily seizes control of the throne.
Before Piccolo’s takeover, King Furry was preparing for a grand celebration in his honor, where people from across the Dragon World planned to present him with gifts. However, he is confronted by King Piccolo and his servant Piano, who swiftly usurp his rule. After Goku defeats King Piccolo, Furry attempts to award him the prestigious Blue Star Medal for his heroism, but Goku departs for The Lookout before it can be presented.
Piccolo Jr. Saga
During the Piccolo Jr. Saga, after Piccolo reveals his lineage to the World Martial Arts Tournament audience, King Furry receives reports of the new threat and becomes deeply concerned about his intent to take over the world.
Dragon Ball Z
Cell Saga
King Furry appears on television, announcing that the royal military is preparing an assault against Cell. However, he later informs the public of their failure. While watching the broadcast of the Cell Games, he recognizes Goku as the same fighter who once defeated King Piccolo and notes Piccolo Jr.’s resemblance to his father. When asked if the military should launch another attack on Cell, he declines, acknowledging that only Goku stands a chance of stopping him.
In his final appearance in the saga, after Jimmy Firecracker declares Mr. Satan as Cell’s vanquisher, King Furry expresses skepticism, suspecting that someone like Goku was the true savior.
Buu Saga
King Furry is among the casualties when Super Buu wipes out Earth’s population with his Human Extinction Attack. He is later resurrected by Porunga along with the rest of the planet’s inhabitants and contributes energy to Goku’s Super Spirit Bomb, aiding in the defeat of Kid Buu.
Dragon Ball GT
Baby Saga
King Furry assists in spreading warnings about Earth’s impending destruction due to the Black Star Dragon Balls.
Shadow Dragon Saga
He appears in the saga’s final episodes, where he is among the casualties of Omega Shenron’s attack. However, he is later revived by Shenron.
Other Dragon Ball Stories
Dragon Ball: The Breakers – Episode 2
King Furry is caught in a Temporal Seam alongside Chi-Chi (pre-marriage), Yajirobe (Saiyan Saga), the Survivor, Xiaon, and Nallej, as well as the Saiyan Raiders, Nappa and Vegeta (post-Raditz Saga).
Teaming up with Chi-Chi, he helps rescue the Survivor from Saibamen planted by Nappa. While hiding, Furry and Chi-Chi introduce themselves and learn about the situation from Future Trunks. As they search for a Power Key to activate the Super Time Machine, Vegeta and Nappa begin hunting them. Once both teams manage to activate the Super Time Machine, Vegeta transforms into a Great Ape and destroys the Startup System. In response, King Furry summons the Royal Army to attack Great Ape Vegeta, then escapes with the others using an Escape Time Machine piloted by Nallej. After reaching the base, he learns more about the ongoing crisis from Future Trunks.
Trivia
It is speculated that one of King Furry’s ancestors may have used the Dragon Balls to wish for royal status, as it has been mentioned in Dragon Ball that the first person to use them wished to become king. This could also explain why Earth is governed by a single ruler.
In episode 172 of Dragon Ball Z, King Furry quotes former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, saying, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."