A vast majority of Walter Lantz's work ranges between well worth seeing and must watches, even if some theatrical series are better than others (not unexpected as that is true of pretty much every animation director). He was responsible for some misses, especially in his later work which saw lower budgets, tighter time constraints and old premises repeating themselves, but on the whole he hit more than he missed. With some of his best work being excellent.
1941's 'Man's Best Friend' is not one Lantz's best cartoons, but it is also a long way from being one of his worst. It may not be one of his funniest or most original, but it is well above average and the not so good aspects are more uneven than downright bad. As far as Lantz's work goes, 'Man's Best Friend' is somewhere in the middle, one of those cartoons that does a lot right while a little lacking in other areas. Definitely worth a look if not a must see or a cartoon that is repeat viewings worthy.
'Man's Best Friend' does have many good things. The best thing about it is, somewhat predictably (not meant in a derogatory way), the music, which is fantastic throughout the entire cartoon. Even when the story is uneven in pacing the energy and character in the music are consistent and in a great way. It is just so infectious and clever. The animation is lush and colourful with very rich attention to detail in the backgrounds and well drawn characters.
The cartoon does pick up in the second half, with a fun and lively climax. It is hardly short changed when it comes to the gags, and many of them are well timed and amusing. The dog is an appealing and amusing character. Pinto Colvig's voice acting is characterful.
It is very slight and predictable in story though, and it does show in a first third that takes a bit of time to get going. The hunter is not as interesting a character and is on the under-utilised side.
While the gags amuse, few are hilarious and nothing surprises. Perhaps a little cutesy at times too.
Overall, above average if not a must. 6/10.