( CNN ) -- It 's a shame what `` Family Guy '' has done to its dog . On Sunday 's episode of the animated Fox series , the Griffin family pooch , Brian , was killed . ( Seriously . ) The intelligent and verbose pet was headed into the street to play with his ace companion , mischievous baby Stewie , when he was struck by an oncoming car . His injuries were so severe , he ended up having to say farewell to the family he 's bonded with since 1999 . Naturally , fans do n't know what to make of this shocking news , with some having suggestions for another character who could 've said goodbye : . To make matters worse , the series has replaced Brian with another pup named Vinny , voiced by `` The Sopranos ' `` Tony Sirico . According to `` Family Guy '' executive producer Steve Callaghan , creator Seth MacFarlane is a `` big fan of 'The Sopranos ' and always loved Tony Sirico in particular , and he thought it would be fun to write a character based around his voice and his personality , '' he told E ! News . Apparently , the idea to kill off Brian was thrown out into the writers room , and `` it sort of caught fire '' as `` a fun way to shake things up . '' `` As soon as this idea came up , we started talking about what the next couple episodes could be , and we got very excited about the way this change will affect the family dynamics and the characters , '' Callaghan said . MacFarlane 's hit is now in its 12th season , and the creator has said that he 'd be OK with `` Family Guy '' ending its run . In an October 2011 interview with The Hollywood Reporter , the multitasking actor/writer/producer said he 'd have been fine with wrapping the series a few years ago . `` Part of me thinks 'Family Guy ' should have already ended , '' he told the magazine . `` I think seven seasons is about the right lifespan for a TV series . I talk to fans , and in a way I 'm kind of secretly hoping for them to say 'we 're done with it . ' `` Viewers might wonder whether this move is a way to dissuade them from tuning in , but Callaghan does n't foresee any backlash . `` Our fans are smart enough and have been loyal to our show for long enough , to know that they can trust us , '' he told E ! . `` We always make choices that always work to the greatest benefit of the series . ''
` ` Family Channel 's '' final episode featured a major character death . The family dog , Brian , died after being hit by a car . They are shocked by his death .