A salute to movie dogs: Canine Hall of Fame

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 10 July 2008 10:43

The death of a pet can bring so many memories to mind — the bright eyes, the warm greetings, the meaningful companionship. Any of us who welcome four-footed friends into our lives cherish the joy that we share. Our family dog, Dodger, who died last week after 12 wonderful years was, actually, an avid movie watcher. Perhaps that was because he was, in fact, named after a famous character of page and screen (The Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist). Or, perhaps, it was because there were few weekend evenings in our home without a movie on the family schedule. So, in Dodger’s honor, here is a look at the “Canine Hall of Fame” on the silver screen:

Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Perhaps the most famous dog on film is, of course, Dorothy’s sidekick in this endearing musical from 1939. Certainly enough fuss is made over the Cairn terrier and, after all, Judy Garland does utter more than a few famous lines, such as, “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.”

Willie in Patton. While George C. Scott is busily ranting and raving as the legendary general his four-legged friend William — or Willie for short — is as timid as his master is brave. He’s at his best in the scene where Patton speaks to a group of English ladies during the war only to have Willie steal the show in a brief encounter with a poodle.

Lassie. Any list of favorite movie canines must include this world-famous collie. While many of us best remember Lassie’s heroic deeds from the long-running television series, the legend began on screen with many film appearances from Lassie Come Home in the 1940s to The Magic of Lassie in the 1970s. And, miraculously, the dog never ages.

Old Yeller. From the movie memories of my childhood, few images are as clear as the first time I experienced the magic of “the best doggone dog in the West.” The star of the show is a stray lab mix who brings a family together in the Texas frontier of the 1860s. And the ending is as touching today as ever.

Bull’s Eye in Oliver! Leave it to master villain Bill Sikes — in this Oscar-winning adaptation of the Broadway musical — to introduce this lovable bull terrier to movie audiences. Despite having such a mean master, the canine manages to steal a few scenes between musical numbers.

Pongo and Perdita in 101 Dalmatians. It’s no surprise that many memorable dogs come from movies made by a master dog lover, Walt Disney. The original animated version of this delightful story, from 1961, is still a favorite. Even though they are the creation of animation artists, these Dalmatians reach directly to the heart.

Bruiser in Legally Blonde. If there were an award for the best dressed canine in a movie, a sure-fire nominee would be this adorable chihuahua who goes off to Harvard Law School with Reese Witherspoon in this delightful comedy. Certainly their outfits and accessories are well coordinated.

Betsy in Bowfinger. Few movie sight gags are as memorable as when Steve Martin’s dog appears in a set of shoes in this fun frolic about a down-and-out schlock producer/director trying to make just one more film. The canine perfectly captures in the insanity of the moment and the piece.

Winky in Best of Show. This classic “mockumentary” from the genius of Christopher Guest perfectly captures in loving insanity every dog parent feels at one point or another. Detailing the competitive spirit behind the Mayflower Dog Show, Guest reminds us that, at some moments, the dogs and their owners should simply switch roles. Stealing this show is this delightful Norwich terrier who captures our hearts.

Asta in The Thin Man. In 1930s Hollywood, no dog could rival the fame of this photogenic wire fox terrier. As the beloved pet of a pair of sleuths — played by William Powell and Myrna Loy — the lovable Asta was in the middle of solving the crimes of the moment. And the dog went on to support the couple through five movie sequels.

Verdell in As Good As It Gets. What a challenge for any canine performer: Try to steal a scene from Jack Nicholson! This adorable Brussels griffon succeeds as the one dog who can tame the elusive Jack. When Jack won his third Oscar for his performance, he should have thanked the dog for their onscreen chemistry.

Beethoven. Charles Grodin demonstrates the essence of parenting patience as the master of an outrageous 200-pound Saint Bernard. Leave it to Dean Jones, in a rare villainous turn as a mean-spirited veterinarian, to put the dog in peril. But, have no fear, the star survives to appear in a few subsequent sequels.

The next time you watch a movie as a family, give your dog a hug. Or, better yet, do it right now. All dogs, and masters, need a hug now and then.