Dogs in the Movies: Rin Tin Tin, Benji, Lassie and More

Dogs have a long history in cinema. As far back as 1905, a dog named Rover made his movie debut in Rescue By Rover, popularizing the name Rover for dogs. Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd, became a canine star in 1925 with the making of the film Where the North Begins. Rin Tin Tin, born in Germany, was a very smart businessdog. He signed all his own contracts with a pawprint. He was taught to do this by his trainer, Lee Duncan, who brought him to the United States. He went on to make 25 films. Rin Tin Tin had a real nose for success.

Lassie is a legend. Lassie's film debut took place in 1943 in the movie Lassie Come Home and the latest Lassie movie was made in 2005. The movie makers are in the 9th generation of the beautiful Collie family who were destined to play the character of Lassie on the big screen.

Rover, Rin Tin Tin, and Lassie are real stars from back in the day. They were glamorous dogs with a real flair for the dramatic and a driving work ethic.

Benji is a more modern hero. Who could forget that little guy? He was sort of a mutt and that made us love him even more. He had a big heart for his friends and after leading them into some kind of mischief, he always saw that they found their way back home. Benji, the dog (not the character) posed for a Playgirl magazine centerfold. The trainer chuckled that the dog playing Benji at that point in time was actually a female. So, that is probably the first time that Playgirl magazine has had a girl in the centerfold.

A debonair dog that won the hearts of snobs everywhere was Eddy. Eddy was the dog who stared at Frasier in a disturbing manner on the hit show by the same name. Eddy is a Jack Russell Terrier. He has real star quality and only works with the funniest humans. Eddy usually plays the straight dog with the ability to say much with his subtle expressions.

Spuds McKenzie was a spokesdog for Budlight, a Budweiser brand beer. Spuds was a real party animal and a real lady's canine. A Bull Terrier with that cute little black circle around one eye, Spuds was irresistable. He made his debut during the 1987 Superbowl and there was no turning back. Spuds was a star and remains an icon until this day.

Who do pups look up to now? Who leads the fashion industry in dog-wear? The 2005 release of Must Love Dogs starred two 6-month-old Newfoundland pups name Molly and Maeve. They shared in the task of creating a character named Mother Theresa. The pups were so lovable that the director, Gary David Goldberg, adopted them both when filming ended. I predict that these two will have a career to rival Mary Kate and Ashley. Their striking black fur shines with the essence of their youth. Any dog would want to be them.

Keep your eyes open. New canine celebrities are born every day. Be the first to spot the next big dog star.