Real-Life Dog Breeds of Scooby-Doo and Other Famous Dogs in Movies
If you've ever wondered what kind of dog Scooby-Doo is, or Snoopy, we're here to set the record straight. Which famous dogs in movies are your favorites?
Real-Life Dog Breeds of Scooby-Doo and Other Famous Dogs in Movies
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Comedian W.C. Fields once said, “Never work with children or animals.”
While it certainly isn’t easy, we’re glad Hollywood never listened to his advice. Since the beginning of movies, dogs have made us laugh, cry and otherwise delighted us on the silver screen. Hundreds of movies have been made with leading dog characters over the years, and these are the cream of the crop.
And if you've ever wondered what kind of dog Scooby-Doo is, or Snoopy, we're here to set the record straight. Which famous dogs in movies are your favorites?
Scooby-Doo (Great Dane) – ‘Scooby-Doo’
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Lovable crime-solver Scooby-Doo was created by Iwao Takamoto to be reflective of a Great Dane, but without all the regal air of the real dog. Scooby is clumsy and not terribly heroic. For Takamoto, however, that was the point. “[I learned] what made a prize-winning Great Dane and went in the opposite direction,” he said. “[His] legs were supposed to be straight, so I made them bowed; I sloped the hindquarters and made his feet too big. He was supposed to have a firm jaw, so I receded it. [Even his color is wrong]."
Despite his less-than-enduring attributes, Scooby-Doo has enduring popularity that has lasted more than 50 years, and he and the gang always get their man!
Great Dane Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Patient, Dependable
Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
* All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club.
Lassie (Collie) – ‘Lassie Come Home’
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This Collie from both movie and television fame always saves the day for kids and adults who find themselves in precarious situations. Lassie has been part of Hollywood popular culture since her screen debut in 1943's “Lassie Come Home,” and she's been on screen somewhere ever since.
Nearly all the dogs that played Lassie were male, as they looked larger on screen and shed less than their female counterparts. At last count in 2014, 11 generations of Collies from the same family have played the pup! Lassie's popularity continues to endure — the remake of “Lassie Come Home” was released worldwide in early 2020.
Collie Overview
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Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud
Height: 24-26 inches (male), 212-24 inches (male)
Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Beethoven (St. Bernard) – ‘Beethoven’
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Director John Hughes created “Beethoven” about a lovable St. Bernard who escapes a pet store robbery and endears himself to everyone in the family, except the grumpy dad, played by Charles Grodin. (Don't worry, he comes around!).
Like most St. Bernards, Beethoven is larger than life in his wacky antics, love, loyalty and sloppy kisses. He's been such a popular movie dog that he has spawned seven sequels!
St. Bernard Overview
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Temperament: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive
Height: 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female)
Weight: 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Fly and Rex (Border Collies) – ‘Babe’
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Fly and Rex are a pair of Border Collies who work Mr. Hoggetts' farm as sheepdogs. Fly teaches the orphaned pig Babe how to become a herder against Rex's wishes. Rex takes a while to warm up to the pig, as he feels his position on the farm is being infringed upon, but soon he realizes the pig's worth.
In the end, Fly and Rex cheer on Babe as he becomes a bonafide sheep-pig, while mending their relationship in the process.
Border Collie Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Energetic
Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
Weight: 30-55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Miss Agnes (Shih Tzu) – ‘Best In Show’
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Of all the dogs in “Best In Show,” Miss Agnes is the most fabulous of any of the competitors, due in part to her owners, Scott Donlan and Stefan Vanderhoof (played by John Michael Higgins and Michael McKean).
Their attentiveness and love for old musicals make them some of the quirkiest in this all-star lineup of goofballs. And what other breed could better represent “Gone With The Wind's” Scarlett O' Hara?
Shih Tzu Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Bruiser (Chihuahua) – ‘Legally Blonde’
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Moonie, aka, Moondoggie, played Bruiser, the fashionably sassy companion to Reese Witherspoon's Elle Woods. Moonie's star gets to shine bright when he takes center stage in “Legally Blonde Two: Red White and Blonde,” with a plot that revolves around his pedigree and romantic interests.
The four-legged "Gemini vegetarian" comes out of the closet in the sequel and brings his owner into the fight for animal rights after Woods discovers his mom was used for testing at a cosmetics company.
Chihuahua Overview
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Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Hooch (Dogue de Bordeaux) – ‘Turner & Hooch’
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This cop-dog buddy film stars Tom Hanks as a small-town investigator and neat freak named Scott Turner, who takes in Hooch, a dog that witnessed his owner's murder. Hooch isn't easy to live with — he's a big, slobbering, rambunctious pup who ruins most of Turner's things.
This unlikely duo reluctantly forms a bond as they solve a crime and find a romantic interest for Turner in the town vet, played by Mary Masterson.
Dogue de Bordeaux Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Courageous
Height: 23.27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
Weight: 110 pounds & up (male), 99 pounds & up (female)
Life Expectancy: 5-8 years
Rin Tin Tin (German Shepherd)
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Rin Tin Tin was the first animal star in Hollywood. He was a puppy when an American G.I. found him in war-torn France in World War I and took him home. After realizing how adept he was at tricks, he brought him to Hollywood, where he became an overnight sensation.
With 27 successful films, he helped save Warner Bros. Studios from bankruptcy.
German Shepherd Overview
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Temperament: Confident, Courageous, Smart
Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Pete the Pup (American Staffordshire Terrier) – ‘Our Gang’
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Pete the Pup took over the role of Petey, a lovable companion to the “Our Gang” kids (aka "The Little Rascals"), from his dad, Pal the Wonder Dog, after 1930. The trademark ring around his eye was drawn on to match his father's natural markings.
After his death in 1946, guardian and trainer Harry Lucenay said of his puppy progeny: "He was a gentle, playful and warm dog."
American Staffordshire Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Confident, Smart, Good-Natured
Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Snoopy (Beagle) – ‘Peanuts’
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Charlie Brown's dog has a personality all his own that rivals any of the other “Peanuts” characters. Although Snoopy is a Beagle, he was created in the likeness of a black and white mix that the comic's creator, Charles Schultz, had as a boy.
According to Schultz, Snoopy likes to present himself as independent from Charlie Brown, but he needs the boy more than he cares to admit. They sometimes get annoyed with each other — when Snoopy's dinner is late or when Charlie Brown discovers his dog's unusual fantasy life — but they love each other just the same and hug each other often.
Beagle Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Merry
Height: 13 inches and under, 13-15 inches
Weight: Under 20 pounds (13 inches and under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Uggie (Parsons Russell Terrier) – ‘The Artist’
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So many rescues become Hollywood royalty, and Uggie was no exception. Born in 2002, he would have had a different outcome had he not been adopted by animal trainer Omar von Muller, who put him in show business.
Like most actors, he starred in commercials before becoming a scene-stealer in the 2012 homage to silent films. Uggie won a Palm Dog award at Cannes Film Festival that year and is also the first dog to place his paw prints in front of Hollywood's famed Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
Parsons Russell Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Clever, Athletic
Height: 14 inches (male), 13 inches (female)
Weight: 13-17 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Frank (Pug) – ‘Men in Black’
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What breed looks more like an alien than a pug? A dog named Mushu played Frank, a wisecracking alien who later becomes a Men in Black agent. Despite his short screen time in the franchise, he stole every scene he was in.
He was slated to star in the franchise's third installment but passed away before it started shooting. However, he lives on in “Men In Black: The Animated Series” and in the video game “Men in Black: Alien Crisis.”
Pug Overview
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Temperament: Charming, Mischievous, Loving
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Chiffon (Old English Sheepdog) – ‘The Shaggy Dog’
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This 1959 Disney classic tells the story of a teen boy who turns into an Old English Sheepdog due to a curse from an ancient ring. The only way the curse can be broken is through his heroism — which should be a no-brainer for the loyal Sheepdog.
If you don't think lightning can strike twice — it does. The teen boy who found the cursed ring is turned once again into a dog in 1976's “The Shaggy D.A.” (That's right, the Sheepdog is now a district attorney.)
Old English Sheepdog Overview
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Temperament: Adaptable, Gentle, Smart
Height: 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female)
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Toto (Cairn Terrier) – ‘The Wizard of Oz’
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Perhaps the most famous movie dog of all, Toto was a female pup named Terry and had 18 movie credits in her illustrious career. Initially abandoned by her owners, Terry was adopted by Carl Spitz, the owner of the Hollywood Dog Training School, which is still in business.
She made $125 a week on the set of “Oz,” which is the equivalent of about $2,150 today. Ever the consummate professional, she did all her own stunts and even lived with actress Judy Garland for a while after hurting her paw on set when one of the witch's guards stepped on her by accident. Today, you can visit her memorial marker at the famed Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where many greats she worked with rest nearby.
Cairn Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Alert, Cheerful, Busy
Height: 10 inches (male), 9.5 inches (female)
Weight: 14 pounds (male), 13 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Verdell (Brussels Griffon) – ‘As Good As It Gets’
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Verdell, the monkey-faced pup of “As Good As It Gets” was played by six dogs, although the role was credited to only one, Jill, because she got the most screen time.
The spicy, loyal and adorable Griff won a legion of fans when the movie was released, which is understandable, as not many other breeds could steal the spotlight from legendary actor Jack Nicholson.
Brussels Griffon Overview
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Temperament: Loyal, Alert, Curious
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Skip (Jack Russell Terrier) – ‘My Dog Skip’
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Skip, the Jack Russell, who brings a boy out of his shell and shows him unconditional love, was played by Enzo, who you might know better from his legendary turn on TV's "Frazier" as Eddie.
The whip-smart pup was lauded by the film's actors and director Jay Russell, who said, "Skip never failed us. I wish I worked with actors who were as well prepared as Skip. There was not a trick or a piece of business we asked the dog to do that he wasn't able to do; it was uncanny. The trainers were so good; they could stop him on a mark, he could lift his leg; he could somersault. I expected to see him reading 'The New York Times' any day."
Jack Russell Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Alert, Inquisitive, Lively
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 9-15 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Mother Theresa (Newfoundland) – ‘Must Love Dogs’
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In this romance for dog lovers, Mother Theresa was played by two, six-month-old Newfoundland puppies, who split their screen duties equally. The adorable, giant Newfies were chosen by director Gary David Goldberg, who said, "The dog in [the] book wasn't a Newfoundland, but I'm crazy for Newfies; they have such sweet natures and their eyes are so expressive."
He later adopted both puppies.
Newfoundland Overview
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Temperament: Sweet, Patient, Devoted
Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Lady and Tramp (Cocker Spaniel and Mixed Breed) – ‘Lady and the Tramp’
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All the dogs in the 2019 live-action version of Disney's classic were rescues from all over the U.S. Monty (the Tramp) came from a kill shelter in Arizona, and Rose (Lady) hails from Texas from a family looking to rehome her.
Rose was said to be the alpha on set, and all the dogs got along famously during the shoot. Afterward, the canine cast was adopted into loving forever homes.
Cocker Spaniel Overview
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Temperament: Gentle, Smart, Happy
Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
The Bumpus Hounds (Bloodhounds) – ‘A Christmas Story’
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The boisterous Bumpus Hounds ruin Christmas in this holiday classic, but their short time on screen is always memorable and hilarious. Their main objective is bothering Ralphie's Old Man, who lets out a torrent of unintelligible curse words whenever they're nearby.
Yes, they steal the Christmas turkey, but the Parker family gets to spend a memorable holiday at a Chinese restaurant.
Bloodhound Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
Weight: 90-110 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Brandy (Pit Bull) – ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’
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Brandy, Cliff Booth's (played by Brad Pitt) loyal companion, saves the day in the climax of the movie. Up until that point, she's his exceedingly well-trained, better half who lives on a diet of Wolf's Tooth dog food in rat and raccoon flavors.
She's played by animal actor Sayuri of Delaware Red Pit Bulls, and her hyper-expressiveness earned her the 2019 Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Pit Bull Overview
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Temperament: Confident, Smart, Good-Natured
Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Marley (Golden Retriever) – ‘Marley and Me’
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Have your tissues at the ready as you watch Marley's influence on a family’s most formative years from 1989 through 2004 in “Marley and Me.” As with any dog, his support of and loyalty to his family is unwavering, and he is the "heart" of the household.
Twenty-two dogs played Marley from puppyhood to his senior years, and at the end of the shoot, 11 puppies were up for adoption. In a moment of life imitating art, actress Jennifer Anniston, who played Jenny Grogran in the film, gave one a forever home.
Golden Retriever Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (male)
Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Hachi, (Akita) – ‘Hachi: A Dog's Tale’
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“Hachi: A Dog's Tale” tells the true story of Hachik?, a loyal dog with an unshakable attachment to his loving owner. One day, his owner suffers a cerebral hemorrhage at work and dies, and the dog waits at the train station every day for the next 10 years.
“Hachi: A Dog's Tale” places the story in a modern American context, but the movie’s themes of unconditional love and loyalty are timeless.
Akita Overview
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Temperament: Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal
Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female
Weight: 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Winky (Norwich Terrier) – ‘Best In Show’
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Winky, owned by Cookie and Gerry Fleck (Catherine O' Hara and Eugene Levy), takes home the top prize at the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. After his win, the couple puts out an album of Terrier-related songs that aptly describe the breed's personality:
God loves a terrier, yes he does
God loves a terrier, that's because
Small, sturdy, bright and true they give their love to you
God didn't miss a stitch
Be a dog or be a b*tch
When he made the Norwich merrier with its cute little derriere
Yes, God loves a terrier.
Norwich Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Alert, Curious
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 12 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Baxter (Border Terrier) – ‘Anchorman’
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Baxter, anchorman Ron Burgundy's better half and voice of reason, was played by two dogs, Peanut and Quince. Quince was rescued from a supermarket parking lot and took to the movie business like a duck to water.
Baxter has proven so popular in the Anchorman franchise that there have been talks of giving him his own film.
Border Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Happy, Plucky
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 13-15.5 pounds (male), 11.5-14 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Benji (Mixed Breed) – ‘Benji’
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Even though he's worked in television and film for decades, Benji was the dog of the 1970s. The original Benji was a rescue dog named Higgins, who was found at a Burbank, California, shelter. He had similar coloring to a Border Terrier but was believed to be a mix of Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and Schnauzer.
“Benji” was such a success that it spawned several sequels and TV shows between 1974 and 2004. It was revived in 2018 for Netflix with a new star named Fairfield playing the titular character. Joe Camp, “Benji’s” creator, calls the character a "living manifestation of love, hope, compassion and the values of persistence toward a goal."