14 Dog Breeds That Were Popular in Movies and TV Shows

Dogs have stolen the spotlight in movies and TV shows for decades. Some have melted our hearts, while others have made us laugh a lot. From heroic hounds to adorable sidekicks, these famous dogs made their breeds unforgettable. Here are 14 dog breeds that became popular thanks to Hollywood and television.

Lassie – Rough Collie

Lassie was a well-known TV star—and a cultural phenomenon. The Lassie franchise, starting with Lassie Come Home (1943) and continuing with a long-running TV series, showcased the Rough Collie’s intelligence and heroism. Did you know? The role of Lassie was played exclusively by male Collies, even though the character was female. 

Beethoven – St. Bernard

Before Beethoven (1992), St. Bernards were only known for rescuing stranded travelers in the Swiss Alps. But this movie changed everything for these pups. The movie’s chaotic scenes—like Beethoven shaking off gallons of drool or wrecking furniture—made people laugh a lot. After the film, St. Bernard adoptions spiked, though many new owners were unprepared for their size and care needs!

Toto – Cairn Terrier

Toto (played by a female dog named Terry) was more than Dorothy’s assistant in The Wizard of Oz (1939)—she was basically a co-star. Even though she was a tiny dog, Toto was super brave and she didn’t even hesitate to take on the Wicked Witch’s guards. Terry (the real dog) actually made more money than some of the human actors on set, earning $125 a week, which was a pretty big deal back then. 

101 Dalmatians – Dalmatian

We bet you’ve watched this movie because of the dogs! When 101 Dalmatians (1961) and its live-action remake (1996) came out, everyone wanted a Dalmatian. But Dalmatians aren’t the easiest family pets. While they look stunning with their unique spots, they are highly energetic, require tons of exercise, and can be stubborn. Unfortunately, many families who adopted them after the movies didn’t realize this, leading to a surge in abandoned Dalmatians at shelters.

Hooch – Dogue de Bordeaux

In Turner & Hooch (1989), actor Tom Hanks played a detective forced to team up with a stubborn Dogue de Bordeaux. This pup was rather unknown before the film, but Hooch’s super destructive behavior (wrecking furniture and breaking windows) made people fall in love. Off-screen, these dogs are incredibly loyal and protective, though they do drool—just not as dramatically as Hooch!

Scooby-Doo – Great Dane

Scooby-Doo’s signature traits—his goofy personality, love of snacks, and habit of jumping into Shaggy’s arms—made him one of the most beloved cartoon dogs ever. But Great Danes are far from the cowardly pup portrayed in Scooby-Doo (1969–present). They are known as “gentle giants” and were originally bred to hunt wild boar. If Scooby were a real Great Dane, he’d probably be the bravest member of Mystery Inc.!

Eddie – Jack Russell Terrier

Eddie, the scene-stealing Jack Russell Terrier from Frasier (1993–2004), was played by a dog named Moose. Even though he was tiny, Eddie had a huge presence—honestly, he often outshined the human actors with his hilarious expressions. His secret talent was that he could hold a stare for an awkwardly long time, which became his signature comedy move. 

Benji – Mixed Breed (Terrier Mix)

Benji was the ultimate underdog—literally. The 1974 movie Benji starred a scruffy little stray who ended up saving the day. What made him so special was that he was not some fancy purebred. He was a mixed-breed rescue, proving that even the most ordinary-looking dogs can be total heroes. The movie helped spread awareness about shelter adoptions and why rescue dogs deserve a chance.

Marley – Labrador Retriever

If you’ve ever had a Labrador Retriever, you can probably relate to Marley & Me (2008). Marley wasn’t just a troublemaker—he was THE troublemaker. From chewing furniture to breaking through doors (yes, dogs can do that), he showed the crazy energy of Labs. The film made people laugh and cry, but it also reminded them that raising a pooch is a journey filled with love, patience, and the occasional destroyed shoe.

Comet – Golden Retriever

Here comes another Retriever on our list! Full House (1987–1995) made Comet one of TV’s most lovable dogs. But here’s a fun fact—Comet was actually played by the same pup who later became the star of Air Bud! This Golden Retriever wasn’t just adorable; he had serious skills in both acting and sports. On-screen, Comet was the perfect family dog—loyal, playful, and always ready for cuddles.

Bruiser – Chihuahua

Legally Blonde (2001) changed how people saw Chihuahuas. Instead of being just tiny lapdogs, Bruiser (played by a dog named Moonie) proved that Chihuahuas could be confident, smart, and even stylish. After the movie, many people rushed to get Chihuahuas as fashion accessories—only to realize that they have big personalities and need just as much training as larger breeds!

Max – Belgian Malinois

The 2015 movie Max told the story of a heroic military dog, putting the spotlight on the Belgian Malinois breed. A lot of people mistake them for German Shepherds, but these pups have their own thing going on—they’re insanely smart and work in police and military roles. But the thing is, Malinois isn’t for beginners. They need nonstop training and mental challenges to stay happy.

Snowy – Wire Fox Terrier

In The Adventures of Tintin, Snowy was not a normal pet—he was Tintin’s fearless little friend. Unlike most movie dogs on our list, this pup had a sharp humor and was always saving the day. Wire Fox Terriers are full of energy and are super smart, but they are also very stubborn. If you’re thinking of getting one, get ready for endless adventures (and probably a whole lot of mischief, too!).

Rin Tin Tin – German Shepherd

Yes, that’s a real name. Rin Tin Tin was a real-life hero. Rescued from a World War I battlefield, this German Shepherd became a silent film star in the 1920s and helped a lot in shaping the breed’s image as courageous and loyal. His success even saved Warner Bros. from bankruptcy (you can find more about it on Google). Today, German Shepherds are still one of the most popular and respected breeds.