Oh, where do I even begin with these magnificent canine characters that have graced our silver screens and warmed our hearts? As a dog lover who has spent more time than I care to admit binge-watching dog videos on YouTube, I must say that each of these four-legged friends holds a special place in my heart.
For millennia, dogs have been integral to human society, earning the title of ‘humans’ most loyal companions’. It wasn’t long after the advent of cinema that they started sharing the screen with their human counterparts. By mid-20th century, these devoted pets evolved into cinematic stars in their own right.
For many years, numerous beloved canines have graced both the big screen and television, yet not every dog embodies the ideal “good boy” or “good girl.” Some are downright chilling, as viewers of “Cujo” can attest to. Fortunately, the most memorable movie dogs aren’t those that instill fear; instead, they’re the ones we long to stroke, play with, and even call our own. Whether they portray heroes or offer comfort and support, there’s no disputing the significant role dogs play in cinema.
In various fictional stories and real-life scenarios, these canine characters have left an indelible impression on our pop culture. Their tales, whether portrayed by animated or live-action dogs, have significantly contributed to popular culture. The ranking of these dogs is determined by their overall “good dog” qualities, as demonstrated in their movies and cultural influence. As you’ll discover, each of these remarkable pooches has made a memorable impact on the silver screen.
Dogpool – Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
“In this exciting collaboration between Deadpool and Wolverine, a multitude of familiar faces from past Marvel ventures make appearances. The storyline also introduces the Deadpool Corps, a group that enlists over 100 different versions of Deadpool – ranging from Ryan Reynolds’ Nicepool to Matthew McConaughey’s Cowboypool, and including Headpool (Nathan Fillion) and Welshpool (Paul Mullin).”
In a quintessentially Canadian twist on Deadpool, the character Nicepool possesses an exceptionally peculiar pet named Mary Puppins, or Dogpool for short. Dogpool is portrayed by Peggy, a 5-year-old pug and Chinese crested mix, who happens to be Britain’s ugliest dog. Surprisingly, Deadpool finds himself smitten with Dogpool, even bestowing upon her the highest of compliments by calling her a “Unicorn.”
Dogpool, a faithful and affectionate canine, often appears with her tongue hanging out, showing her devotion. Although Mary Puppins isn’t Deadpool’s actual dog, they seem quite comfortable together on-screen, especially since most of their shared scenes involve the dog licking him. She doesn’t have many significant roles in the film, but she manages to win over Deadpool’s heart during their initial encounter. Throughout the movie, she dons a costume inspired by Deadpool, complete with goggles, and luckily for us, she’s not involved in the final fight. Despite her unique looks, it’s clear that Dogpool is a well-behaved dog.
Copper – The Fox and the Hound (1981)
As a gaming enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as: “In ‘The Fox and the Hound,’ I find myself immersed in the tale of a red fox named Tod and a hound called Copper, both voiced by legends like Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell. Born into our respective worlds, we meet as infants, unaware of the roles society expects us to play. Despite the preconceived notions, Copper and I quickly form an unbreakable bond, struggling to comprehend why we’re destined to be adversaries.”
In a narrative setting, Copper is meant to be a hunting dog but is instructed to view Tod as his foe. Yet, Copper ridicules this idea and asserts their bond as genuine. This scene reflects the ease with which young children form friendships, only for societal norms to sometimes create barriers. As they grow up, Tod and Copper develop into mature individuals, with Copper completing his training to excel as a hunting dog.
As I long to reconnect with my dear friend after such a prolonged absence, I find myself entangled in complications. Eventually, an unexpected interloper, a bear, enters the scene, and both me and Copper spring into action to protect Amos, his beloved owner. In a tense moment, when Amos aims his weapon at me, Copper bravely stands his ground, unwilling to retreat, demonstrating not just his loyalty as a friend, but his honor as a noble hound, ready to lay down his life for a comrade.
Buddy – Air Bud (1997)
“The story of ‘Air Bud’ revolves around Josh Framm (Kevin Zegers) and a special dog named Buddy they encounter near an abandoned church. Following a harrowing escape from an abusive owner (Michael Jeter), Buddy demonstrates an extraordinary talent for basketball on an improvised court. Impressed, Josh brings Buddy home, and his mother (Wendy Makkena) graciously agrees to keep him as a pet.”
In the end, Josh becomes part of his school’s basketball squad, known as the Timberwolves. At his initial match, Buddy, the escape artist, scores a basket. The audience adores Buddy, so they make him their mascot, allowing him to perform during halftime shows. The Timberwolves advance to the State Finals, but unfortunately, one player gets injured. Since there’s no regulation against dogs playing basketball, Buddy steps in and not only plays on the team but also guides them to a triumphant victory.
Buddy is an exceptionally gifted canine actor from the movies, and his charm makes it difficult not to adore him. The movie “Air Bud” launched a series of films totaling an impressive 14 installments. However, the actual dog who portrayed Buddy did not live to witness this success; he passed away just a year after the film’s release in 1998, at the young age of 9 years old.
Zero – The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
In an unusual twist, Zero is an engaging canine character, unlike many movie dogs, as he is completely inanimate, or as some might say, as lifeless as a doornail. This is hardly unexpected considering he is Jack Skellington’s faithful friend from the film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Zero gives off a ghostly vibe with his body shaped like a flowing white sheet and a head that strongly resembles a dog. If someone mentioned “ghost dog,” chances are, Zero would be the one you visualize.
In the movie, instead of just tagging along with Jack, Zero assumes a significant role, almost as a co-lead character. He’s not just a follower; he’s faithful and caring, stepping in for Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer when Jack hijacks Santa Claus’ sleigh. On a dark and hazy night, Zero’s glowing, pumpkin-like nose serves as a beacon, leading them safely through the fog.
Zero, the beloved ghost dog, has been showcased across various media outlets following his initial appearance. This includes video games and a manga series titled “Zero’s Journey.” In this story, Zero finds himself in an unknown place called Christmas Town while Jack searches for him. The manga produced by Tokyopop serves as a continuation of the original film, with Tim Burton granting his approval for the storyline. This comic book series offers fans more of their cherished character who often doesn’t receive sufficient focus in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Brandy – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
In “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” directed by Quentin Tarantino, we find a story loosely based on the real-life events surrounding the Manson Family’s tragic murder of Sharon Tate (portrayed by Margot Robbie). The film features Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, who shares his life with a lovable pit bull named Brandy. Pit Bulls are often overlooked and misrepresented in films, but “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” beautifully illustrates why this breed should not be judged so harshly.
In a turn of events, individuals belonging to the Manson Family, identified as Tex (Austin Butler), Sadie (Mikey Madison), and Katie (Madisen Beaty), intrude upon Rick Dalton’s residence with an intention to cause mischief. They encounter trouble but not before stumbling upon Cliff, who is under the influence of LSD. When Tex attempts to shoot Cliff, the stuntman orders his dog, Brandy, to attack. Brandy bites Tex, protecting Cliff, and then aggressively targets his lower body. Later, Rick commands Brandy to assault Sadie as well.
In the captivating world of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” I found Brandy to be an embodiment of a true heroine, a “good girl” who fearlessly stands up for her loved ones, making her one of the most inspiring figures in the movie. Interestingly, Brandy wasn’t a human actress, but rather three remarkable pit bull terriers named Sayuri, Cerberus, and Siren. Their exceptional performances were rewarded with the prestigious Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival, an accolade that was graciously received by director Quentin Tarantino at the ceremony.
Gromit – Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (1989)
In the various “Wallace and Gromit” animated movies, Gromit serves as one of the main characters. The creator, Nick Park, initially introduced this duo in the short film “A Grand Day Out,” released in 1989, featuring Wallace (played by Peter Sallis), a mad scientist, and his canine partner Gromit. Since then, they’ve been featured in numerous shorts and films, with Gromit consistently proving to be the more intelligent of the pair. Despite this, it’s often Wallace who creates confusion and trouble.
Throughout Wallace’s zany antics, it’s usually Gromit who ends up rolling his eyes or facepalming before stepping in to save the day. He’s a prime example of a sidekick who, despite playing second fiddle, is actually the one pulling all the strings due to Wallace’s clumsiness. Now, don’t get me wrong, Wallace is a fantastic character, but he can’t hold a candle to his loyal canine companion. When Gromit isn’t busy solving Wallace’s messes, he loves nothing more than curling up with a good book, knitting a cozy sweater, or tinkering with inventions. As a fan, I can’t help but admire this extraordinary dog!
Absolutely, it seems like Wallace, my friend, is oblivious to the extraordinary talents hidden within his canine companion, Gromit. Interestingly enough, whenever Wallace finds himself in a jam (which happens more often than not), he turns to Gromit for assistance, and time and again, Gromit comes through, rescuing him from his predicaments. Now, if you’ve ever wondered about Gromit’s brains, well wonder no more! He holds degrees from the prestigious Dogwarts University in engineering.
Beethoven – Beethoven (1992)
In this family-friendly comedy titled “Beethoven,” a St. Bernard named Beethoven is taken from a pet store and manages to break free. His journey leads him to the home of the Newton family: George (played by Charles Grodin), Alice (Bonnie Hunt), and their three kids. Interestingly, this script was penned by Edmond Dantès – a name you might recognize from “The Count of Monte Cristo” – but in this case, it’s actually a pseudonym for John Hughes.
The Newtons nickname their newly adopted pup Beethoven, inspired by its synchronization with Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony.” Initially small like most puppies, it doesn’t take much time for Beethoven to expand into a large, drooling, untidy canine. Given St. Bernards are big creatures, George initially finds the mess and disruption less than appealing. However, his sentiments change when Beethoven is kidnapped. Fortunately, this incident leads to their family rescuing Beethoven and also liberating a group of captive pups, turning the day around for everyone involved.
Initially, Beethoven was a massive success when it debuted. To this day, it’s renowned as one of the heartwarming movies featuring a canine protagonist. The film’s popularity gave rise to six more films, a television show, and even a video game. Interestingly, Beethoven was portrayed by Chris, who was known for being lethargic, drool-prone, and often found lounging around the house according to his trainer. Chris made his appearance in the first Beethoven movie, and he lived until the age of 12, which is quite unusual for his breed’s life expectancy.
Old Yeller – Old Yeller (1957)
“The movie ‘Old Yeller’ has been a film that resonates deeply with viewers since its release over 60 years ago, causing distress in children. However, it’s worth noting that this emotional impact hasn’t deterred it from achieving a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in the late-1860s following the end of the Civil War, the story revolves around the Coates family, particularly Katie (Dorothy McGuire), who must fend for her two teenage sons, Travis (Tommy Kirk) and Arliss (Kevin Corcoran), after their father, Jim, leaves.”
Travis finds a black mouth cur, which he adopts and names Old Yeller, reflecting the dog’s yellow coat and his bark. Arliss utterly loves Old Yeller, though he’s a lot to handle because he steals meat from the smokehouse and eggs from the chicken coop. He proves his worth by scaring away an angry momma bear, winning the family to his side. Throughout it all, the rising tide of a rabies epidemic rears its ugly head, brought by feral hogs. Later, Old Yeller fights off a rabid wolf, keeping him away from the family. It’s a bittersweet moment — while Old Yeller demonstrates his love for his family, the family knows that he likely contracted rabies. Ultimately, this is proven to be true, and in the end, Travis reluctantly shoots Old Yeller, knowing there is nothing else they can do to save him. The titular dog was played by Spike, a rescue from an animal shelter in Van Nuys, California.
Charlie – All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
Watching “All Dogs Go to Heaven” means you’re aware that a canine character will meet its end in the storyline. However, what makes this film special is how effortlessly it makes you adore a charming dog like Charlie B. Barkin (played by Burt Reynolds), who shares an adventure with his pal Carface Caruthers (Vic Tayback). The narrative unfolds in 1939 New Orleans and revolves around Charlie, the owner of a casino, and his canine partner Carface. Unfortunately, Carface betrays their partnership and ends Charlie’s life.
In the afterlife, Charlie, who was always good by nature, learns the title of the film. However, he’s not thrilled about his demise because he yearns for revenge against Carface. Escaping heaven, Charlie returns to Earth, only to be informed that upon his next death, he’ll end up in hell. There, he reconnects with an old friend and meets a young girl named Anne-Marie (Judith Barsi), who can communicate with animals. Leveraging this ability, Charlie manipulates her for his own selfish ends. When Carface kidnaps Anne-Marie, Charlie learns a valuable lesson about doing what’s right. He bravely rescues her, sacrificing himself in the process. Afterward, he comes back as a ghost to make amends with Anne-Marie and is ultimately readmitted into heaven.
Hachikō – Hachikō Monogatari (1987)
Regardless of whether you’ve watched the Japanese movie “Hachikō Monogatari” or not, chances are, you’re familiar with its tale through social media. The film is a heartwarming portrayal of a true story about a dog named Hachikō, often referred to as Hachi. This Akita was owned by Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in agriculture, who developed a strong relationship with Hachi over time.
Every day when Ueno returns from work, there waits Hachi to welcome him home. Over time, Hachi becomes a familiar sight at Shibuya Station, known for his punctual and persistent presence. Tragically, Ueno passes away unexpectedly at work, causing Hachi to miss him dearly. During the funeral proceedings of Ueno, Hachi follows the procession reluctantly, unable to bear the thought of Ueno’s final departure.
Every day, Hachi heads to Shibuya Station, patiently waiting for Ueno’s arrival. The movie concludes approximately a decade following Ueno’s passing, with Hachi’s death marking its end. However, after Hachi’s demise, he is reunited with Ueno in the afterlife. The story of Hachi was also adapted into an American film titled “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” starring Richard Gere. It’s unknown what the canine actor’s name is in “Hachikō Monogatari,” but three Akitas named Layla, Chico, and Forrest played the role in the American version.
Dug – Up (2009)
The film “Up” begins with one of the saddest montages ever seen in cinema, depicting the loss of Carl Fredricksen’s wife Ellie. However, as the story progresses, it subtly transitions from the sorrow to demonstrate that life is still worth living for Carl, despite losing Ellie. This transformation is achieved through a young boy named Russell and his canine companion Dug.
Dug is a Golden Retriever communicating via a unique collar invented by adventurer Charles Muntz (portrayed by Christopher Plummer). However, it soon becomes clear that Muntz, whom Carl idolized as a child, is not the hero he thought, as Muntz orders his pack of dogs to chase after Carl, Russell, and Dug. This pursuit is fueled by Muntz’s decades-long quest for a mysterious bird species.
In his own way, Dug isn’t the sharpest or most attentive conversational canine, but he’s got a heart of gold and unwavering loyalty. He plays a crucial role in helping Russell, Carl, and others rescue Kevin from Muntz, earning him hero status. Dug is an exceptional dog, and any dog enthusiast would be thrilled to have him as their cherished pet, collar with words or not. For those eager for more of Dug’s escapades, check out the “Dug Days” sequel shorts on Disney+.
Lassie – Lassie Come Home (1943)
Not many animal actors have achieved the level of fame that Lassie has. Although she isn’t always portrayed by the same dog, every time a Lassie movie features the loyal collie, she demonstrates incredible canine abilities. Lassie originated from a short story published in 1938, which was later expanded into a novel titled “Lassie Come-Home” in 1940. The novel was then adapted for the big screen as “Lassie Come Home” in 1943.
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel captivated by the legendary character who first graced our screens in feature films, making a profound mark on pop culture since then. This iconic figure is none other than Lassie, the smart and resourceful canine who goes above and beyond to safeguard her loved ones. It’s almost impossible not to be smitten by this incredible dog!
Titled “Lassie Come Home,” this story unfolds during the Great Depression in England. The family who owns Lassie, a Rough Collie dog, is compelled to sell her to a wealthy duke (portrayed by Nigel Bruce). Despite her new circumstances, Lassie repeatedly manages to elude her owner and finds herself in Scotland. In an incredible display of determination, she breaks free once more and embarks on a long journey across England, ultimately returning home to Yorkshire where she is joyfully reunited with her original family, who initially parted ways with her at the start of the movie. The role of Lassie was played by a male dog named Pal, who went on to star in eight additional films and four episodes of a television series before passing away in 1958 at the age of 18.
Toto – The Wizard of Oz (1939)
In the story of The Wizard of Oz, Toto – a clever and loyal Cairn terrier – journeys with Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland) throughout their magical adventure in the Land of Oz. Toto plays an essential role, demonstrating intelligence, deep affection for Dorothy and her friends, and even sharing the spotlight as a significant character, almost on par with Dorothy herself.
It’s interesting to note, Terry – the female Cairn terrier from the 1939 film – earned more than many actors in the movie. Despite her small size, Terry delivered a powerful performance that resonated with audiences. The success of the film eventually led to a name change for Terry, who became known as Toto. This might have caused some confusion for Toto, but it didn’t stop her from making an enduring impact. To this day, “The Wizard of Oz” remains one of the most-watched movies in history, ensuring that Toto left a lasting mark even after her passing in 1945.
In various films and television programs throughout the years, Toto – a beloved canine character – has undeniably gained significant recognition, often standing out among other dogs. Though not always portrayed by a Cairn terrier, it is Toto’s essence and the profound impact he holds in Dorothy’s life and on popular culture as a whole that makes him the standout dog of his kind.
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2024-08-02 03:31