Our tail-wagging friends have been on the big screen for longer than sound has been in cinema. Dogs have been shaping the film industry since the very beginning, so how did man’s best friend become one of cinema’s most beloved stars?
The silent era
1890s – 1920s
In the early days of cinema, films were silent and black and white, but dogs were already making their mark. Their expressive faces and physical comedy were perfect for a medium that couldn’t rely on dialogue. Dogs often appeared in slapstick shorts and adventure serials, either as comic relief or loyal companions.
This era introduced cinema’s first canine celebrities. Jean, a border collie, appeared in films in the 1910s and was one of the first trained dog actors. Then came Strongheart, a German Shepherd who starred in dramatic features like The Silent Call (1921). His character, Rin Tin Tin, was a German Shepherd rescued from a WWI battlefield. Rin Tin Tin became a box office sensation and is even credited with helping to save Warner Bros. from financial ruin.
The Golden Age of Hollywood
1930s – 1950s
As “talkies” took over, dogs continued to take over the film industry. Now, their barks, whines, and growls could be heard, so their roles evolved into heroic characters. This era of pups was frequently cast in Westerns, war films, and family dramas. They were brave soldiers, wilderness guides, and loyal farm companions. More than ever, they reflected American ideals of loyalty, bravery, and heart.
New Hollywood & family film
1960s – 1980s
As cinema diversified, so did canine roles! During the rise of independent filmmaking and family-oriented content, dogs became even more connected with audiences. One of the most iconic dogs of this period was Benji, a scrappy mixed-breed dog who starred in Benji (1974). Benji was relatable and humble, solving problems and saving the day with street smarts and heart. Dogs also featured prominently in animated films and children’s stories during this time, like Snoopy in A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969), and later The Fox and the Hound (1981), which blended themes of friendship and loyalty through canine characters.
The blockbuster era
1990s – 2000s
The ’90s and early 2000s saw a surge in sports and talent-based dog films, such as Air Bud (1997), which turned the idea of a dog playing basketball into a beloved franchise. Meanwhile, live-action remakes of iconic animated films, such as 101 Dalmatians (1996), reintroduced timeless puppy stories to a new generation. These stories solidified their role as a staple of family entertainment.
The Modern era
2010s – Present
Today, dogs continue to be both box-office draws and emotional hitters. Modern films have been portraying dogs in emotionally charged contexts, exploring the human-animal bond with greater nuance and realism. Movies like A Dog’s Purpose (2017) and Dog (2022) explore themes of reincarnation, grief, and healing, while others, such as Togo (2019), depict real historical events through the lens of a canine perspective. At the same time, CGI and motion capture have enabled filmmakers to bring even more dynamic and fantastical dog characters to life, such as Dug from Up or Max from The Secret Life of Pets. Despite technological advancements, the emotional authenticity that real dogs bring to the screen remains irreplaceable.
Their legacy continues
From black and white to 4 K, dogs have never gone out of style due to their loyalty, heart, humor, and bravery. Across every cinematic era, dogs remind us of what it means to care unconditionally. In a constantly evolving film industry, one thing remains true. As long as there are stories to tell, dogs will be there with their tails wagging and ready to steal the scene!