Dogs as Movie Stars

Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Benji, Detective Rex, Beethoven, Fly, Pluto, Scooby Doo, Snoopy, and the list goes on! Some of them are fictional, some cartoon creations, yet there’s something that unites them all: dogs are devoted, smart, extremely loveable and funny. Therefore, you’re probably not surprised to learn that they have been part of the TV culture for almost 120 years!

The first movie star

According to Historic Film House, the very first dog to ever appear in a film was a spaniel in Thomas Edison’s 40-second film clip when he was experimenting with making a film. This was in … 1894! Edison’s short film was one of the first ones ever recorded. It depicted a man, slowly moving a long stick while a dog sleeps nearby. This black dog with the white stripe down the neck is the first dog on film! We don’t know his/her name but it’s a definitely the first furry actor!

Modern day: Palm Dog for Switzerland

This summer we had a big news closer to home: Swiss-French film won first Palm Dog Award at Cannes. Swiss French actor and director Laetitia Dosch took home an unprecedented award for Le Procès du Chien (Dog on Trial).

Starring in Dosch’s directorial debut Dog on Trial, eight-year-old Kodi plays Cosmos. Kodi, a Griffon mix was praised for his “breathtaking” performance as a guide dog for a visually impaired man, who goes on trial over an attack, in a case whose outcome could mean death.

According to Palm Dog.com, Palm Dog Woopets was founded in 2001 by Toby Rose, a cinema and dog enthusiast. It has evolved into a must-attend event of the Cannes Film Festival. It became a platform for celebrating the bond between humans and dogs. This event honors the most memorable canine performances, showcasing the diversity and richness of the relationship between filmmakers and their loyal companions.

Starring your dog

If you’re encouraged by the prospect of having your favorite four-legged friend star in a movie, there’s a long list of musts. Every dog has a talent, but they need to be unveiled and most times it’s possible to achieve the desired outcome through intensive training and full obedience. There are not only dog talent scouting agencies these days, but stars of Instagram! So there are other ways to make your pup become famous! Do you have a dog channel you follow? If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear which ones! Get in touch via one of our channels and we’d be happy to feature your pup!