Protagonists:

Weed
(Akita Inu/Kishu (mix) The son of Gin and Sakura. Weed was the only pup Sakura had in the anime and had to take care of her due to a starvation disease she had caught.In the manga, Weed is one of three pups: Weed, Joe, and Yukimura. When he spots the same flock of birds the English Setter GB is hunting, he tries to steal one and retrieve it to his mother. Overcome by emotion, GB eventually gives him the bird and Weed thanks him, never telling him his name due to the fact he does not have one yet. Nonetheless, later he is named by GB and leaves with both him and Smith to find his father. Weed's kind heart wins over many more comrades and he eventually surpasses his father Gin when Weed defeats Hougen with the Battouga in a final battle at Gajou and Weed becomes the leader of Ohu. He has a very forgiving attitude, often deciding to let his opponents go free rather than kill them; often to the annoyance of everyone around him. Toward the middle of the series, Weed falls in love with a Kishu Inu named Koyuki. The sequel to Ginga Densetsu Weed, Ginga Densetsu Weed: Orion, features their four puppies.

Jerome
(Shikoku Inu) A trained guard dog and assassin. He was sent after Kaibutsu by his creators in order to kill the mutant. He originally had 15 subordinates; the last four of them face Kaibutsu with Jerome at Gajou. He later became Weed's advisor, and taught him several fighting techniques. Jerome gathers a group of other followers including Ryo to aid Weed in his fight against Hougen after Weed banishes Jerome for murdering Lector and Thunder. In episode 26 Hougen throws him into the river while Weed jumps in after him, Jerome saves Weed by keeping his head up and then floats down the river. In the manga, Jerome doesn't die, he survives and falls in love with Lydia or in Japanese Ridia. They eventually mate and have six puppies.

Ken
(Great Dane/Saluki mix) The son of Ben and Cross, and brother to George and Miney, Ken leads a small group of soldiers on the border of Ohu. His best friend and co-leader is Kagetora. He and his pack joined Weed after seeing his strength and courage. At one point, he and Kagetora went to find Ben, Cross, Kurotora, and their packs; after finding them, the new reinforcements joined Weed's pack. Ken is very strong and very protective of his friends and family.

Kagetora
(Kai Ken) Often shorted to Kage. Son of Kurotora and brother to Harutora and Nobutora. Kagetora is very impulsive, loyal, and proud. When he and Ken went to find their family and packs, Kagetora's brothers joined his pack, while his father, Kurotora, defended the fortress Gajou from the evil Great Dane, Genba. Voiced by Eiji Takemoto in the anime.

Kyōshirō Shirogane
(Kishu Inu) Formerly one of Hougen's scouts,and The leader of a large but strong group of juvenile dogs, all abused or abandoned by their parents. After several episodes of dispute, Weed wins Kyoushiro's loyalty, and the entire pack comes under Weed's leadership. He almost defected when Jerome was exiled, but Jerome convinced him to remain with Weed. Kyoushiro is a bit headstrong and rash at times, but he always fights for Weed with all his strength.

Tesshin
(German Shepherd) Son of Kurojaki, leader of the legendary Koga dogs. A ninja-dog that possesses over the ability to mimic the leader's Battouga, passing it over to Weed by letting him practice on a branch. Later, Weed performs successfully on a hog. (Note: Tesshin was the pup affectionately titled "Chibi" in Nagareboshi Gin. His father was the enemy of Akame and the Iga, Kurojaki of Koga.) Tesshin proves to be one of Weed's most loyal and skilled comrades.

Rocket
(Borzoi) Formerly one of Hougen's scouts, he defected and joined Weed's group. His loyalty was solidified when his brothers, Missile and Jet, were murdered by Hougen. Though Jerome and the others were hesitant to trust him, he proved himself by rescuing GB in episode 8. In episode 14, he led the pack to his hometown, Wakayama, in hopes of recruiting some natives. But, instead, he was lost and was held captive by Kamakiri, only to be rescued by Jerome. Voiced by Tsuyoshi Maeda.

GB
(English Setter) Weed first encountered GB whilst hunting a bird, trying to steal it from GB. When GB hears that Weed's Mother is ill, he gives the bird to Weed. However, because of his actions, GB is punished by his leader, and sent to hunt for another bird. When hunting for this bird on a duck pond, his friend, Sasuke, is attacked by a Guard Dog. Weed notices, and helps Sasuke, whilst encouraging GB to do the same. Weed's selfless actions re-lit a candle in GB, and he joined with Smith and Weed to help find his Father: silver tora-ge Gin, leader of Ohu. He is now Weed's godfather and closest friend, showing minor moments of bravery and courage. GB is one of the weaker fighters of the groups, but he wins over the others for his humor and his kind heart. In the last few episodes of the Weeds series GB tries to stand up to Hougen in a fight near a river. Hougen over powers him and Jerome saves his life. Voiced by Naru Kawamoto. GB dies on manga 59 when he is killed by a hybrid bear.

Mel
(Golden Retriever) A puppy about the same age as Weed, and formerly a slave of rogue dog Blue and his two minions. He was ordered by Blue to kill Weed, but Weed told him that Mel must listen to his own heart and do what he thinks is right. Mel then gained his first movement of courage and attacked Blue, only being beaten in a few seconds and thus leaving Weed, Hook, GB, and Smith to save the day. When Weed, Smith, and GB turn to leave, Mel changes his mind to stay and leaves Hook to go with the Akita/Kishu, stating that he wants to be as strong as Weed. He has shown considerable tenacity, especially in defense of Gajou when obviously outnumbered by Hougen's army. Voiced by Akiko Kobayashi.

Hiro
(Great Pyrenees/St. Bernard mix) Nicknamed "the ballsnatcher" due to his signature attack of tearing the testicles from his enemies. He helped John and Reika escape from Hougen's clutches, then joined Weed's group. He seeks vengeance on Kamakiri for murdering his father and gouging out his right eye. He finally defeated Kamakiri and avenged his father in episode 22. Voiced by Kenji Nomura.

Shigure
(Kai Ken mix) Kagetora's cousin, Kurotora's nephew and the only survivor of his brothers. Ordered by Shouji to go to Mutsu and get reinforcements because he is the fastest, he swore to get revenge on Genba for taking his brothers' lives. In episode 17, he and Tesshin knocked Genba over a cliff and made his head collide with a rock that causes him to have permanent brain damage and grow violent to everyone. He then returns to his uncle with Tesshin to tell him he has avenged his brothers. Voiced by Eiji Takemoto.

Buru, Dodo, and Shōji
(Kai Ken mixes) Three of Kurotora's nephews that died in episode 13 in the fight with Genba's army when they tried to take over Futago Pass in Ohu. The fourth brother, Shigure, survived. He ran away from the fight to give a message to the Big Four of Mutsu. When the fight was over Genba felt like they were taunting him and he said, "How annoying. They died laughing at us" and when two of his followers asked him if they should treat the bodies with courtesy due to their bravery, speaking as though they were praising them, Genba became even more enraged, grabbing the corpses by the scruff of the neck and then hurled their bodies into the river below, claiming that there was "no need to honour the enemy." Kurotora vowed to avenge them.

Sasuke
(Shiba Inu) One of GB's friends. Weed saved him from a guard dog in the first episode, then he left on his own to find his old master. He turned up in episode 19, a slave of Hougen, and GB and Weed were able to bring him into the Ohu soldiers. Sasuke is shown to be a little absent-minded and slow to catch on, cheerfully revealing GB's identity to Hougen's soldiers in episode 19 and nearly resulting in both of their deaths. Voiced by Makoto Ueki.

Hook
(Dalmation mix) Formerly a pet, and a slave to Blue before that, he escaped to avenge his brother, Kuro's death. Working for Weed independently, he informed Gin about Weed, and helped Gin in secret during his detention by Hougen. He safely brought Reika to Gajou after Weed's first encounter with Hougen. Voiced by Kan Tanaka.

Reika
(Akita Inu mix) Daughter of one of Gin's old comrades. She was captured with John and Gin by Hougen, but escaped with John and Hiro. A pet, she is unaccustomed to fighting, but in episode 24 she bravely attacks Hougen, and pushes him into an icy river in an attempt to drown him, also falling in in the process. Jerome jumps into the river after her and saves her from drowning. Voiced by Rie Nakagawa.

Heita, Hanji, and Ryu
(Shikoku) The brothers of Ryo and followers of Jerome (after he is exiled by Weed). They are anime-only characters. In the last episode, Ryu and Ryo try to avenge Jerome's death by hurting Hougen, but Ryu gets slain in the process.

Ryo
(Shikoku) The sister of Heita, Hanji, and Ryu and a follower of Jerome (after he is exiled by Weed). She, much like her brothers, is skilled in climbing trees and scouting. She and her brothers are anime-only characters. In the last episode, Ryu and Ryo try to avenge Jerome's death by hurting Hougen, but Ryo is taken by the throat and held hostage for a short while by Hougen.

Gin
(Akita Inu) The hero of the battle with the bear demon Akakabuto 14 years ago, and now the ruler of Futago Pass. Gin was captured and held hostage by Hougen, but later rescued by Kyoushiro and Toubē. He then recovered, passing his leadership on to his son Weed. Voiced by Hiroki Touchi.

Akame
(Kishu Inu) One of Gin's direct lieutenants. The last living Iga ninja dog. He assists in the defense of Gajou after escaping during Gin and John's capture by Hougen. In the manga, he stated that if Gin send him to Ohu instead of John, it was because John would have stayed and fought to the death. Voiced by Takashi Matsuyama.

John
(German Shepherd) Gin's best friend and first lieutenant, taken captive by Hougen alongside him. He escapes, but is severely mangled by Hougen and his dogs and left to die. He was killed by Hougen in episode 9 when attempting to deflect Hougen and his followers while escaping with Hiro and Reika. John fights to the bitter end and never bows down to Hougen. He dies as a true soldier of Ohu. Johns fangs are buried in Gajou with his body. Tōru Ōkawa

Kurotora
(Kai Ken) One of Gin's commanders and the only surviving one of three Kai brothers. Kagetora, Harutora, and Nobutora's father and Shigure's uncle. Voiced by Tadashi Miyazawa.

Ben
(Great Dane) One of the oldest of the surviving Ohu soldiers from the battle with Akakabuto. Ken's father, Moss' half-brother, and the life-long ally of Kurotora. He's still very strong despite advanced age, but virtually blind, due to poison. He has to be guided by his mate, Cross. Voiced by Katsuhisa Hōki.

Cross
(Saluki) The only female Soldier of Ohu, strong and competitive with a fierce temper. Ben's mate, and mother to Ken. She serves as Ben's eyes in his old age. Voiced by Keiko Mizutani.

Smith
(French Spaniel mix) One of Gin's commanders. He lost his leg after saving GB from being hit by a car. He was sent off during Kaibutsu's invasion to protect Sakura and inform Gin of the attack. He was killed by Kaibutsu in episode 4 in attempt to save Weed. Voiced by Ryūsei Nakao.

Moss
(English Mastiff) One of Gin's closest allies and once was the leader of Kasumi-dake. He and Musashi came to Ohu from Shikoku after hearing the situation in Futago Pass from Jerome.

Toube
(Tosa Inu) Toube was the champion of the Fighting Dog Middle-Weight Division after he defeated Musashi in a match, but came to Hougen as a soldier. Toube accompanied Genba, Hougen's little brother, and was punished by Hougen by having his eye ripped out for not protecting Genba. Hougen then throws Toube off a cliff, assuming he would drown. Weed rescued Toube from drowning and eventually developed an alliance with the hesitant dog. After Kyoushiro went to Hougen, Toube went to set the leader free and also to see what Kyoushiro's true intentions were. He froze to death after fighting for his last time against Kamakiri in episode 21. Toube said that he would never fall, and Jerome helped him stand until he finally froze.

Musashi
(Tosa Inu) Musashi was the champion of the Fighting Dog Middle-Weight Division. Musashi went up against Toube in the ring and lost. He came to Ohu with Moss to help Weed rescue Gin and defeat Hougen.

Tokimune
(Akita Inu) He was to be Gin's substitute while Gin was gone traveling along side with the other two substitutes for John and Akame. He and the other two substitutes were running up in a death trap when the Humans started shooting. He was pierced in his leg while the other two were shot dead to the ground with their subordinates. Tokimune was also killed by Kaibutsu in episode 3.

Noss
(Hokkaido mix) He was the one of Jerome's fourth lasting subordinates. He was supposed to guide Weed into Gajou to locate and drag out Kaibutsu but was attacked and thrown out of Gajou with a giant flesh-wound across his chest up to his neck. In the manga he was decapitated and his head was thrown out at a warning to everyone.

Robert
(Mastiff mix) Another one of Jeromes subordinates who was the final four to be with him. His roll in the formation that Jerome created was to attack at Kaibutsu chest first and to tear out part of Kaibutsu. Then the next dog would tear out more flesh until the heart was yanked out by Kaibutsu himself. Before he dies, he spits out the chunk of meat he bit out.

Rocca
(Doberman Pinscher) Another of Jerome's comrades to kill Kaibutsu. He attacks second after Robert to kill Kaibutsu but fails and was ripped right off him.

Hoiler
(Gascon Saintongeois) The final member of Jerome's pack. He saves Mel from falling to his death off the mountain and told him he is considered a real soldier too. He was to attack after Rocca, but is thrown from his head, resulting in instant death.

Gohee
(Human) The previous owner Riki and Gin. In the beginning of the episode it was told that he lead the attack against the demon bear Akakabuto that was a successful kill when Gin killed him. In GNG he did not lead the attack but was actually brought there during the middle of the attack by Uncle Smith.

Akatora
(Kai Ken) The oldest out of his Three brothers. He was mentioned by his nephew Kagetora when he was telling Kaibutsu that Akatora blinded Akakabuto knowing that was at least he can do for the Ohu army. Akatora means Red Tiger in Japanese.

Chutora
(Kai Ken) The middle brother between his brothers. He was mentioned by Kurotora when he was introducing his nephews Shōji, Buru, Dodo, and Shigure. He died somewhere between GNG and GDW.

Kisaragi
(Siberian Husky) The father of Izou and his Brothers. Mentioned by Kurotora when he was saying "who ever is the last one standing will go retrieve Kisaragi and tell him about the crisis. He was contacted by the last living brother of Chutora sons Shigure and he sent his sons out to help the fight. In the manga he didn't attend the battle because he was afraid that his old age would slow him down.


Antagonists:

Hougen
(Great Dane) A rogue boss dog in the Southern Alps. His ears are cut short for past dog fights (cut ears are used so that the competitors could not pull the dog down by their ears). He took the injured Gin captive and intended to take over Futago Pass using Gin as a trump card. In the past, he and his brother Genba were man-eaters, and cannibals as well, devouring their comrades one by one when they were left in a shed by a careless breeder. When he came back, they devoured him as well. It is said this is the direct cause of his cruelty. In episode 26, Weed and Hougen battle for Ohu, and Weed got killed. However, he resurrects after encouragement from the spirits of his dead friends, and the young dog succeeds in gravely wounding Hougen. As Hougen lies in the snow, Gin and the other dogs move forward to finish him off, but are stopped by Weed, who passionately tells them that if they cannot forgive their enemies, the war will never end. Hougen uses this opportunity to climb to the top of Gajou, screaming down at the dogs that he will kill them yet. As he gloats, he is struck by a bolt of lightning and killed instantly. Voiced by Kōji Ishii.

Kaibutsu
(Appears to be a Lion crossed with an elephant and a dog)Also known as experiment P4, he is a genetically altered dog created by humans from an untested cloning technique but something went wrong and he was created psychotic. After years of testing along with the nature of his DNA, he became an enormous beast that weighs almost 600 pounds. During the torturous lab tests, to test his strength, durability and speed he often cried out to the other dogs through a small vent shaft, but Jerome was the only dog who ever stopped to comfort him. After escaping the laboratory, Jerome and his corps were sent to destroy him. Kaibutsu eventually took shelter in Gajou where he massacred dogs and devoured the traveling humans as he pleased. He was betrayed terribly by his only friend, Jerome, who said no matter what, dogs should remain loyal to humans. With the combined strength of Weed, Ken, Kagetora and Jerome, Kaibutsu's suffering finally came to an end when he fell from a cliff and was impaled on a fallen tree limb in episode 6. Voiced by Kong Kuwata. Kaibutsu literally means "monster" in Japanese.

Genba
(Great Dane) Hougen's younger brother. He looks almost identical to Hougen, except he has longer ears and yellow eyes. He leads Hougen's invasion of the Futago Pass in episode 13. The two brothers had made a promise after devouring their cruel owner that they only ever wanted to be killed by each others fangs. Hougen fulfilled this promise in episode 18 out of mercy after he went insane due to a massive head injury once being thrown off a cliff by Tesshin and Shigure. In episode 18 Genba goes crazy, and Hougen decides to end his suffering by killing him. Voiced by Masami Iwasaki.

Kamakiri
(Irish Wolfhound) He allies with Hougen in the takeover of Futago Pass. After Genba's death, however, he develops ambitions of his own. Kamakiri is also the murderer of Hiro's father Yukima, and tore out Hiro's right eye when he was a puppy. He claims he does not even remember such a thing when Hiro accuses him of it. He ripped off Jerome's left ear in episode 14. Later on in episode 22, he was defeated by the vengeful Hiro, with his fangs and testicles ripped off. Before Hiro leaves, however, he told Kamakiri to head south where there was a high population of rats - prey easy to catch with no fangs. As Hiro leaves, Kamakiri attempts to bite Hiro on the back, but without his long upper fangs, he immediately loses his grip and slides to the ground crying in pain, despair and defeat. It is later implied he may have died, as Hougen mentions seeing birds circle the area where he had last been seen. Voiced by Yoshitaka Kaizu.

Blue
(Beauceron/Malamute mix) Another one of Hougen's past leaders. He was first seen in one of Hook's memories when he was telling Weed about why he shouldn't fight him and how he killed his brother. He then ordered Mel to kill Weed when Mel opposed him and he defeated Mel but didn't get a chance to kill him. He then ran from Weed and the others in the middle of the street saying "I'm going to meet up with Nero" before he got hit by a truck. When another truck came and was about to hit him, Weed try to save him but he threw Weed out of the way, telling him right before he died "If I met someone like you a long time ago I would never had done any of this".

Lector and Thunder
(Doberman Pinschers) Brothers that are Hougen's top assassins. Their teeth are essentially steel. Weed used a branch on Thunder's fangs, knocking them out. He later knocked out Lector's fangs in episode 16. Jerome killed both of them in episode 16. Jerome kills Thunder and Lector by biting them to death as Weed watches and orders him to stop. His disobedience leads to Jerome's exile from Weed. Lector is voiced by Teruaki Ogawa, and Thunder is voiced by Susumu Akagi. Thunder is also called Sanda.

Buruge
(supposedly Labrador Retriever mix) One of Hougen's three generals. He was once a fighting dog who, because of his unyielding determination, earned such nicknames as the Death God and the Demonic Warrior. During the Battle of Gajou, he fights and is defeated by Kyoushiro. When Kyoushiro shows kindness to him by letting him live he cries tears of regret and decides to leave Hougen's forces. Voiced by Kōji Yusa.

Bat
(supposedly Labrador Retriever) Another of Hougen's generals. He is a blind dog with extremely sharp senses, which he calls his "mind's eye." Like Buruge, Bat was fighting against Ohu. He was defeated by Ken and Kagetora. When they showed him kindness by sparing his life, he also shed tears and joined Ohu.

Kite
(supposedly Greyhound mix) Another of Hougen's generals. His front legs were replaced by indestructible metal legs by humans who wanted to make him an assassin dog. During the Battle of Gajou, he fought Tesshin and lost. Just as with Bat and Buruge, Tesshin showed him kindness and he cried. When he, Bat, and Buruge were brought to the healing springs by Sasuke, they were shown even more kindness from Gin when he demanded they heal their wounds by joining him in the hot spring. They cry tears of regret and vow to never ally themselves with the likes of Hougen again. Voiced by Daisuke Ono.

Nero
(Siberian Husky) One of Hougen's past rogue leaders in the mountain areas. Seen in episode 1 as GB's and Sasuke's evil leader who ordered GB to find him some duck meat or he would kill him. Later seen in episode 6 trying to use his men to kill Hook when Gin, John, and Akame came and John defeated him and had him running back to Hougen. Hougen killed him in front of his own men.

Stone
(Malamute) A member of Kamikiri's pack who makes his first appearance in episode 14. He lured Weed's pack into a trap to be killed by the humans but they came out alive because of Jerome.

Bell
(Mastiff) He was one of Blue's followers (One of the few who actually speaks) and was defeated by hook and begged him not to kill him and Ned after Blue abandoned them (Bell and Ned disappear afterwards.)

Ned
(Unknown) He was Blue and Bells friend until Blue abandoned him to die where he was spared by Hook and ran off with Bell. In the manga he begs Hook to spare his life. Hook obliges and tears one of his ears off.