Hollywood Hounds: Top 10 Celebrity Mutts

No we’re not talking Britney Spears and her incredibly neglected, anxiety-ridden, pharmaceutically addicted Chihuahua. That would be a shame; I’m half expecting the next Enquirer headline to read, “ASPCA Pilfers Brit’s Prized Pups.” Who knows, they could’ve done that a long time ago. Or should’ve. Not for our discussion here, besides, we think the dogs are entirely more interesting than the slobbering celebrity owners anyway. No, what we’re doing here is paying homage to the top dogs of the silver screen.

We’re showcasing the real celebrity mutts!! Albeit, nary a Hound or Mutt in this regal lot.

1. Numero Uno, Top Dog, Leader of the Pack…whatever tag you wanna throw at this pooch, he’s fine with it. Won’t change him a bit. The gifted hund in question, you ask? None other than Rin Tin Tin. Sure some may say Lassie, or Benji, but this gracious German has everything in ordung. He started first (1922), and blazed the trail for all other canine performers to come. Hollywood Walk of Fame, 26 movies, countless television portrayals…all this and he was found in a bombed out dog kennel in France during World War I. This of course, before migrating to the West Coast of America and turning Hollywood on its paws!! (The WWI story is true, look it up for yourself)!

2. Lassie – gotta be. Aside from the Gentle German previously mentioned, Lassie is a lasting American icon. Maybe even more so than Rin Tin Tin, we just had to give it up to Tin for making his way out of war torn France! Lassie’s popularity is due in large part to the television success achieved over a 20 year run. The breed and the ideal of the dog are far more memorable than a specific pooch. There were actually several Lassies (duh!) used during the filming of that small screen gem. Humble beginnings in the Saturday Evening Post, and still a model to this day. For not only all Collies, but all canines!

3. Although this next choice in our incredibly accurate, entirely important compilation of cinematic canines is not necessarily “real”, he is most certainly one of the world’s most beloved Beagles. Charles Shultz first penned the Black and White Bombardier back in 1950 with the first run of the Peanuts comic strip. Snoopy is arguably the most successful mutt on this list. With theme parks, current running comics, tv specials…etc., this pooch rakes in the dough. And remember, he did all this without uttering a single bark. There is a lot to be said for silence…

4. Higgins. That’s right, you read it correctly! Higgins! No, I’m not going to launch into some soliloquy spouting off Magnum P.I. lines. I’m simple honoring the true recipient of our entire movie going praise over the last couple of decades. You see, Higgins was the original Benji. Following Higgins’ original contribution to major motion pictures, much like the Courageous Collie honored above, there were several actual dogs that played the part. Rather than honor the human who created the captivating movie franchise (latest release in 2004!), we choose to pay tribute to the original Tenacious Terrier. Higgins!

5. I can’t believe it either, two Terriers in the top 5. We ain’t in Kansas no more, and rounding out the fifth spot is Dorothy’s hero terrier, Toto. Although we’re talking about a character again, rather than a specific dog, we had to include this intrepid traveling companion in the top 5. Terry was the original mutt in the movie back in 1939, and rumors surround as to what breed Terry was actually reppin’. From Boston Terrier (NOT!) to Yorkie, controversy continues to spin! We’re going with Cairns Terrier. Aside from saving the day, it’s also rumored that Terry raked in about $125 a week. Compare that to what the munchkins were making ($50), and figure out who the real star was!