Famous dogs have been capturing the hearts of viewers for nearly a century!
Dogs are popular in movies primarily due to their universal appeal and the emotional connection they foster with audiences. Their loyalty, relatable personalities, and capacity to express a wide range of emotions make them perfect for T.V. and movies.
Additionally, different dog breeds have a stage presence that adds authenticity and realism to stories.
Here’s a list of the most famous Hollywood dogs in American history!
10 Uggie:
The Jack Russell Terrier who gained fame for his role in the film “The Artist” and was awarded the Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
9 Benji:
The mixed-breed dog who starred in a series of films, TV shows, and commercials, known for his resourcefulness.
8 Buddy:
The Golden Retriever who played the title character in “Air Bud” and its sequels, showcasing incredible athletic abilities.
7 Hooch:
The Dogue de Bordeaux who starred alongside Tom Hanks in “Turner & Hooch,” known for his slobbery antics.
6 Rin Tin Tin:
A German Shepherd who rose to fame in silent films and became one of the first true canine celebrities.
5 Beethoven:
The lovable St. Bernard featured in the “Beethoven” film series, known for his misadventures.
4 Old Yeller:
The Labrador Retriever/Mastiff mix who starred in the classic Disney film “Old Yeller.”
3 Eddie:
The Jack Russell Terrier who played Eddie Crane in the TV series “Frasier,” known for his scene-stealing moments.
2 Lassie:
The Rough Collie known for her incredible loyalty and problem-solving skills, featured in numerous films and the long-running TV series.
1 Toto (Terry):
The Cairn Terrier who played Dorothy’s faithful companion in “The Wizard of Oz.”
These Hollywood dogs have left a lasting impact on American pop culture, bringing joy to audiences of all ages with their memorable performances on the silver screen.
Toto: The Beloved Canine Star of “The Wizard of Oz”
Did you know that Toto, the adorable Cairn Terrier, was a SHE not a HE?
That’s right! Toto was a girl!
She is certainly the most iconic and beloved dog in cinematic history.
Although her real name was Terry, she became widely recognized by her character name, Toto, due to her unforgettable role in the timeless classic, “The Wizard of Oz.”
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Toto, exploring her origin, the incredible journey to stardom, and some fun trivia about one of America’s most famous dogs.
Toto’s Humble Beginnings
Toto, whose birth name was Terry, was born in 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. She began her career in Hollywood as a young and relatively unknown dog, making her first appearance in the film “Bright Eyes” (1934), starring the legendary Shirley Temple. It was here that she caught the eye of Carl Spitz, a renowned Hollywood animal trainer, who recognized her potential.
From Terry to Toto
Upon joining Carl Spitz’s animal training company, Terry’s name was changed to Toto to better suit her character in the upcoming film “The Wizard of Oz.” This transformation marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for both Toto and the film itself.
Toto’s Iconic Role
In 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” was released, catapulting Toto to stardom. She played Dorothy’s faithful companion, Toto, in this beloved cinematic masterpiece. Her portrayal of the loyal and brave little dog captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Toto’s role was pivotal in the film, as she accompanied Dorothy (played by Judy Garland) on her journey through the magical land of Oz. Her presence added a sense of comfort and companionship that resonated with viewers of all ages.
@ozsessed Let’s talk about Toto from The Wizard of Oz! #fypシ #wizardofoz #judygarland #hollywood #cairnterrier #NextLevelDish
♬ Main Title (The Wizard of Oz) – MGM Studio Orchestra & MGM Studio Chorus
Fun Facts About Toto
Now, let’s explore some lesser-known and delightful facts about the charismatic canine star:
Gender Discrepancy:
One intriguing fact about Toto is that she was a female Cairn Terrier playing the role of a male dog in “The Wizard of Oz.” This gender mix-up was not uncommon in early Hollywood, and her performance was so endearing that it hardly mattered to the audience.
Salary Envy:
Toto earned a weekly salary of $125 during the filming of “The Wizard of Oz.” Surprisingly, this was more than what many of the Munchkin actors received for their roles in the film.
Injury on Set:
During the filming of “The Wizard of Oz,” there was a brief but unfortunate incident where one of the Wicked Witch’s guards accidentally stepped on Toto. This resulted in her being temporarily replaced by a double, Terry’s stand-in, while she recovered from the minor injury.
Iconic Basket:
Toto’s iconic picnic basket, used in the film, was custom-designed to safely and comfortably hold her. It featured a hidden trapdoor through which she could pop her head out, creating the illusion of her exploring the basket.
Life After Oz:
Following her unforgettable role in “The Wizard of Oz,” Toto appeared in a total of 13 different films. She often played similar small dog roles in various productions.
Final Resting Place:
Terry, who played Toto, passed away in 1945 at the age of 11. She was buried at her owner Carl Spitz’s ranch in Los Angeles. In 2011, a Toto memorial was erected at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to honor her contributions to cinema.
Enduring Legacy:
Toto’s legacy lives on through her iconic role in “The Wizard of Oz,” which continues to enchant new generations of viewers. Her portrayal of Toto remains one of the most beloved canine performances in cinematic history.
Toto, originally known as Terry, was not just one of many famous dogs but a true Hollywood legend. Her portrayal of Toto in “The Wizard of Oz” left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, and her enduring appeal continues to captivate audiences today. This plucky Cairn Terrier with a heart of gold will forever be remembered as Dorothy’s loyal companion on the yellow brick road to cinematic greatness.
