We all love a great movie and what makes it even better is when it features a lovable animal character such as a dog. These famous dogs work hard both on and off set with many performing their own stunts, actions and tricks on cue. From supporting roles to the main characters, they certainly know how to warm our hearts on screen. So, who are some of the most iconic dogs that have starred in movies.
Terry as Toto with Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz (1939)
Source: By NBC Television Network - eBay item photo front photo back, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20838884
Toto, The Wizard of Oz
Terry a female Cairn Terrier was most famous for her role as Toto, Dorothy’s beloved pet dog in The Wizard of Oz. Filming wasn’t all glamorous for Terry, who was frightened of the wind machines that created the tornado sounds. She also seriously injured her foot on set when one of the Wicked Witch’s guards accidentally stepped on her. Terry needed two weeks to recover.
Judy Garland (who played Dorothy) formed such a close attachment to Terry, that she offered to buy her from Carl Spitz her owner, but he refused. She was a hard worker appearing in many different films over her lifetime. Due to the popularity of the film, Terry’s name was formally changed to Toto after The Wizard of Oz was released.
Pal, The original Lassie in 1942.
Source: By Photographer: Dell Mulmey, Quinault, Washington - eBay itemphoto frontphoto back, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20267691
Lassie
Pal, a Rough Collie was chosen the play Lassie in the original film Lassie Come Home. Pal was amongst 1,500 dogs to audition for the role and originally a female collie was chosen, with Pal hired as a stunt dog. However, during the early stages of filming Pal performed so well that he was hired as the main star. Pal did his own stunt work for the film and rarely required multiple re-takes.
Pal went on to appear in six more Lassie films. The Lassie character has appeared on radio, television, film, toys, comic books, animated series and juvenile novels.
Red Dog DVD
Source: https://www.amazon.com.au/Red-Dog-Movie/dp/B0058O9NHY
Red Dog
Red dog was a kelpie/cattle dog that is famous for his travels throughout Western Australia’s Pilbara region. He had many owners and travelled for long periods of time on his own, becoming a much loved companion and mascot of the Pilbara mining community. Red dog was called a variety of names by those who knew him including Bluey, Tally Ho and Dog of the Northwest. A statue was created in his memory in Dampier, one of the towns he often returned to.
A movie was created about his memory and was played by Koko an Australian Kelpie. Koko was nominated for seven actor awards and won the Golden Collar award. Following the movie, a spin off documentary titled Koko a red dog story was released exploring the life of Koko.
Beethoven DVD
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-Blu-ray-Charles-Grodin/dp/B01GK655A2
Beethoven
Beethoven is a series of eight American films that revolves around the antics of a mischievous and lovable pet dog and their family attempting to control him. Kris, a 90kg St Bernard played the main character in the first two Beethoven movies. Kris was patient and easy to please and was chosen after months auditioning over twenty different St Bernard’s for the role. Kris was loved by the cast and crew, but he would often drool. He was very affectionate and good natured, forgetting his size and often wanting to sit as close as possible and sometimes on top of you.
After starring in the first two films, Kris appeared in some commercial, print media and various charities and fundraisers. Following this Kris enjoyed a long retirement on a farm with his trainer.
Benji DVD
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Benji-Peter-Breck/dp/B0002H3S6O
Benji
Filmed in Texas, the original movie features a golden mixed breed dog, Benji who is looking for a home. He longs to be part of the Chapman family and when their two young children stumble into danger, Benji steps up to save the day, earning a loving home in the process.
Higgins played Benji in the original movie. He was adopted by his trainer from an animal shelter as a puppy and was believed to be a mix of Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and Schnauzer. Higgins had a successful career in show business that spanned fourteen years. Higgins was able to display a wide range of emotions through his facial expressions. He was intelligent, learning a new trick or routine every week, allowing him to take on complex and varied roles. Some of his tricks included yawning and sneezing on cue.