Dogs have played memorable roles on the big screen, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to family living rooms worldwide. These four-legged stars have all made our hearts warm, our eyes water, and left us doubled over in laughter. But did you know that most of these puppies performed in movie stunts that would surprise even the strongest stunt doubles?
Dogs have played a significant role in movie history since the first century as popular leading actors, supportive pooches, and action stars. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs like Lassie, Toto, Beethoven, and Marley have starred in countless films, saving the day, supporting human characters, and even appearing in horror movies, demonstrating their versatility and timeless appeal.
In this article, we examine the dog breeds utilized by the movie industry in movie stunts that have gone on to become legends.
Dog Breeds Used in Movie Stunts
Here is the list of the best dog breeds that are ready to come on your film screen.
1. Rough Collie
Rough Collie is the first one to be mentioned when discussing iconic dog actors. Played by a Rough Collie, Lassie and her appearances in films and television, such as Lassie Come Home, cemented the name into the heritage of every house.
This dog breed is known to be intelligent, loyal, and to possess a remarkable instinct, such as jumping into rivers, leading people into the woods, and even reacting to certain human emotions through subtle body gestures.
This dog was so famous that it even received fan mail and had several dogs play her role over the decades. She was not merely a pet, but a star, and the proper breed, with proper training, can reach people and enter cinematic history. Training a canine star takes time, patience, and a lot of reward-based learning.
2. German Shepherd
Rin Tin Tin was a legendary German Shepherd hero who appeared during the silent film era, long before the advent of Lassie. Rin Tin Tin was saved on the battlefield during World War I, and after that, he became one of the main characters of over 25 films.
German Shepherds are particularly well-suited for movie stunts due to their exceptional agility, strength, and loyalty. The bond between the German Shepherd dog and its owner plays an important role in the animal’s comfort and confidence during filming.
German Shepherds have been instructed to jump through windows, scale barriers, and create fighting clips that leave audiences in awe. This loyal dog breed is one of the most versatile in the world.
Rin Tin Tin was once so beloved that he nearly won an Academy Award for Best Actor. If only animals could officially receive them!
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Do you remember the Jack Russel Terrier named Eddie who was in the TV series Frasier? These small yet mighty dogs are in high demand on TV and in films due to their vibrant antics and outspoken personalities.
These pups have also featured in films such as The Mask, where they could steal the entire clip given their fast reflexes and intelligence.
These dogs are some of the most well-known in Hollywood. Jack Russell Terriers have an abundance of energy, are highly intelligent, and are never tired of performing and adventures, which makes them one of the best breeds used in movies as stunt dogs.
4. Golden Retriever
Can there be a more heart-warming dog than a Golden Retriever? This breed is known for being easygoing, faithful, and relatively easy to train. Whether running across fields or cuddling on set, this breed lives out the dreams of pet lovers everywhere.
Golden Retriever won more hearts in the movie Air Bud, wherein the main actor played basketball and demonstrated incredible tricks.
This dog was not just playing; he was performing real sports stunts that required months of professional preparation. According to the AKC, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dogs, known for their eagerness to please and emotional intelligence.
Instructors work closely with both the dog and its handler or owner to prepare for complex stunt sequences. In Air Bud, over forty dogs auditioned before the perfect pup was chosen.
Some roles required dogs to rehearse daily for weeks before shooting began. It’s no wonder the Golden Retriever remains a top pick for films focused on family, kids, and heartfelt moments.
5. Saint Bernards
The Saint Bernards became a comedic sensation in Beethoven, a film that combined humor, chaos, and a whole lot of slobber.
These super-sized pups with their shaggy fur are very tame, and they were initially developed to be used in mountain rescue.
These dogs will never jump through burning hoops, but their frame and temperament are more suited to physical humor and strength scenes, such as chasing cars, dragging owners, or charging bad guys.
Saint Bernards are gentle and are best suited for clips involving family, children, and other dogs, where chaotic situations are set up yet cannot harm a thing.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are famous as Einsteins of the dog. They are often featured in movies and films, such as Babe and Snow Dogs, and are known for being quick thinkers and problem-solvers with good memories, as well as performing stunt routines.
These dogs are also among the fastest learners, as they are initially bred for work. In one movie, A Border Collie was instructed to ‘act hurt’ during a dramatic setting, demonstrating the depth of its understanding of commands.
Each dog goes through an extensive training course before they’re ready to perform on camera, sometimes even needing to hit specific marks with their feet for precise blocking.
VCA stated that this dog breed needs a job to be happy. Fortunately, there are enough opportunities with these intelligent animals to make their way to Hollywood.
7. Cairn Terrier
And when it comes to the history of film, it is impossible to bring it up without Toto, the brave and famous pal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Having been portrayed by a Cairn Terrier, Toto was not physically large, although his character played a significant role in one of the most beloved stories in movies.
This type of breed is self-assured, vigilant, and spunky. Cairn Terriers have high energy and a love for performing on the big screen; therefore, they are frequently selected to fill a role.
Toto’s legacy lives on as one of the most recognizable pups ever to grace the screen. And, yes, he was out of a litter of film dog pals. Toto’s legacy also inspired generations of pet lovers to adopt this spirited breed, hoping to find a little star of their own.
Conclusion
From the famous German Shepherd to the energetic pups of Legally Blonde and the unforgettable loyalty of Old Yeller, dogs have done more than just act. They have brought characters to life. Guided by the dedicated owner, each dog actor has left a lasting mark, showing that a four-legged friend can move hearts just as much as a human character.
These canine stars have taught us about loyalty, love, and life through every heroic stunt, emotional talk, and bittersweet ending. While some faced death in their tales or lived only one shining moment on-screen, their star power still shines bright.
Whether it’s Marley making us laugh and cry, or tribute posts honoring past legends, these dogs remind us of what truly matters. They may have walked across red carpets, but they forever stay grounded in cinema, leaving pawprints on our hearts and the ground to stand on.
