Dogs on Film: 7 of the Most Famous and Beloved Movie Pups
A movie can have a big effect on you. During the film you may become enchanted, entranced, and emotionally invested in the characters on the screen. And when the characters happen to be adorable dogs from Jack Russell Terriers to St. Bernards, it's even easier to become attached.
As W.C. Fields famously said, "Never work with animals or children." And for good reason -- they are scene-stealers. We've compiled a collection of 7 of the most famous, beloved, and notorious movie dog characters.
1. Beethoven
The St. Bernard character named Beethoven made his debut in the John Hughes-penned family comedy aptly named Beethoven back in 1992. There were then six sequels starring a variety of different large, lovable St. Bernards.
Find out more about Beethoven
2. Lassie
Lassie has to be one of the most famous dog characters ever. The fictional Collie was in movies, on the radio, on TV, and in books. The first - and most famous - Lassie portrayer was a Collie named Pal who took on the Lassie role from 1943 and 1951. After he retired, eight generations of Pal's descendants played the role.
Find out more about Lassie
Related: 20 precious photos of sleeping puppies
3. Toto
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't know of Toto, the adorable dog that starred in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. Toto was played by a female Cairn Terrier whose real name was Terry. Get this: Terry was paid more than many of the human actors in the film! She must have had a great agent. And she even has an autobiography called I, Toto.
Find out more about Toto
4. Marley
Tear-jerker Marley & Me is all about the dog. In the film, the Yellow Lab Marley was played by 22 different dogs!
Find out more about Marley
Related: 10 best small dog breeds for families
5. Shiloh
Before Angelina Jolie named her daughter Shiloh, this Beagle was the one famous for having the name. The 1996 film tells the tale of an abused pup running away from home. There were also two sequels.
Find out more about Shiloh
6. Old Yeller
This 1957 film was once a big deal (and a tear-jerker), and baby boomers have much nostalgia for the film. The film is about a young boy's relationship with a Black Mouth Cur.
Find out more about Old Yeller
Related: 25 album covers featuring adorable dogs
7. Buddy
Who doesn't love a film about a basketball playing Golden Retriever? The dog who played Buddy in this 1997 feel-good film was named Buddy in real life too!
Find out more about Buddy
- By Sunny Chanel
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