You’ve seen them on HGTV, leaning against a porch railing or lounging in the grass while a Mississippi sunset glows behind them. If you’re a fan of Home Town, you know that the scenery in Laurel isn't just about the heart pine floors and the copper gas lanterns. It’s about the life lived inside those houses. And for Erin and Ben Napier, that life has always involved massive, fluffy dogs that look like they belong on a bag of premium kibble.
But if you think their house has always been full of the same "polar bears," you haven't been paying close attention to the Instagram updates.
The truth is, the lineup of erin and ben napier dogs has changed quite a bit over the years. It’s been a journey of "gentle giants," heartbreaking losses, and some very expensive "dropouts" that found a better life on a farm than they ever would have in a duck blind.
The Great Pyrenees Era: Baker and Chevy
For a long time, the Napiers were synonymous with Great Pyrenees. If you aren't familiar with the breed, they basically look like Golden Retrievers that went through a growth spurt and decided to become clouds.
Erin used to call them "fat polar bears."
Baker (named after Studebaker) and Chevy (named after Chevrolet) were the original duo. Baker was a rescue, while Chevy came from a working farm. These dogs weren't just background characters; they were the guardians of the early years of the show.
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Chevy passed away first, leaving Baker to hold down the fort. When Baker eventually passed in July 2021 after 12 years of life, it wasn't just a blow to Ben and Erin. It hit their oldest daughter, Helen, incredibly hard. It’s one of those things every parent dreads—explaining why the big, fluffy friend isn't in the backyard anymore.
The "New Baker" and a Growing Pack
You can't really replace a dog like Baker, but you can honor the name. In early 2022, the family introduced a new Great Pyrenees puppy, affectionately dubbed "New Baker."
Why the same name? Honestly, it was for Helen. She was four at the time and deeply lonely without her "animal friend."
But the Great Pyrenees didn't stay the only stars of the show. As the Napiers moved toward spending more time at their "country house"—the 1930s Tudor farm they renovated on Home Town—the dog dynamic shifted again.
The Hunting School Dropouts: Finn and Annie
In late 2023, the family added two Labradors to the mix: Finn (a chocolate Lab) and Annie (a black Lab).
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Ben joked about them on The Jennifer Hudson Show, calling them "hunting school dropouts." These were dogs with champion bloodlines, bred by River Town Retrievers to be elite athletes. The problem? They didn't want to do the job.
- They wouldn't get in the water.
- They refused to retrieve.
- Basically, they just wanted to snuggle.
The breeders realized these two weren't going to be "bird dogs," so they essentially told the Napiers, "You can just have them."
It’s a pretty sweet deal for the dogs, really. Instead of sitting in a cold marsh at 5:00 AM, they spend their days fetching toys for Helen and Mae and probably eating better than most humans.
The Brinkley Scare of 2025
More recently, in October 2025, the Napier household went through a genuine scare with their dog Brinkley.
Brinkley went missing for four days. For anyone who has ever had a dog wander off, those four days feel like four years. Erin shared on social media that just as they were starting to lose hope, Brinkley turned up at a police officer’s house about seven miles away from their home.
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Whether he walked seven miles or hitched a ride is anyone's guess. The girls, Helen and Mae, were reportedly devastated during the search and ecstatic upon his return. It’s a reminder that even for famous HGTV stars, the "lost dog" panic is a universal equalizer.
What to Know if You Want a "Napier Dog"
If you’ve been watching the Napiers and thinking about getting a Great Pyrenees or a Lab, there are some things you should probably know before you go out and buy a 100-pound fluff ball.
Great Pyrenees Realities
- The Bark: They are livestock guardians by nature. They bark at leaves, shadows, and the wind. Your neighbors might not be as charmed by them as you are.
- The Shedding: Erin isn't exaggerating with the "polar bear" comparison. You will find white fur in your coffee, your car, and your carpet forever.
- The Personality: They are independent. They aren't "Velcro dogs" like Goldens; they think for themselves.
Labrador Realities
Labs like Finn and Annie are much higher energy. Even if they "fail" hunting school, they still need to move. They thrive on the farm life the Napiers provide. If you live in a small apartment, a Lab might turn your sofa into confetti out of sheer boredom.
Final Thoughts on the Home Town Hounds
The erin and ben napier dogs aren't just props for a TV show. They represent the different stages of the Napiers' lives—from the early days in Laurel with Baker and Chevy to the chaotic, joyful farm life with Finn, Annie, and the "new" Baker.
If you're looking to follow in their footsteps, start by checking your local rescues. Baker was a rescue, after all. You might not find a "hunting school dropout" with a champion pedigree, but you'll definitely find a dog that—just like Finn and Annie—decided their real calling is being a professional snuggler.
Check your local Great Pyrenees rescue groups or Labrador retriever organizations if you want to bring a bit of that Home Town energy into your own backyard. Just make sure you have a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner ready.