9 of the Most Famous Dogs of All Time

Nothing makes a film more brilliant than an adorable dog as the main character or sidekick. Whether it's in classic cartoons or iconic musicals, dogs in films celebrate the incredible bond they have with humans. Many of the films in the best classic kids movies and best kids movies on Netflix feature a four-legged friend, and there could be endless debate on which ones are the best.

As dog lovers ourselves, here at Country Living have researched the most famous dogs in films of all time to add to your must-watch list. From Marley and Me to Lady and The Tramp, these famous pups quickly stole our hearts. Take a look at them below...

This fun Labrador pup won over our hearts when he appeared in the heartwarming 2008 film, Marley and Me, alongside Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.

"Labradors are loving and full of personality, intelligent and eager to please," Bill Lambert from the Kennel Club tells Country Living.

"As their name suggests, they have keen retrieving skills and were originally trained and bred for this purpose. Today, Labradors are incredibly versatile; while still widely used for their original purpose, they are also just as suited to being a four-legged family companion as they are to working as a guide or assistance dog."

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This famous St. Bernard pup from the much-loved 1992 film was named after the composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. This breed was chosen for the film because they are incredibly trustworthy, kind-hearted, and intelligent dogs.

"St. Bernards have been used for rescue work, locating lost and stranded travelers in their native Switzerland. Working breeds, like the St Bernard, aid humans in many ways and tend to be specialists in their field, who excel in their line of work," Bill tells us.

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READ MORE: 5 outgoing dog breeds that will bring you out of your shell

Dachshund Slinky is one of Toy Story's most lovable characters. "Despite their small stature, Dachshunds are a lively and courageous breed. Much like Slinky from Toy Story, they are also intelligent, faithful and good-tempered," says Bill.

"Dachshunds are scent hounds, so they have very sensitive noses and were originally bred to hunt and track vermin or badgers."

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This iconic clip from Lady and The Tramp is one of the most recognizable in cartoon history. The 1955 Walt Disney animated film follows the journey of these adorable pups.

Lady, an American Cocker Spaniel, is a beloved companion dog breed, who is also incredibly stylish and classy.

Bill says: "The American Cocker Spaniel is a glamorous breed with a long flowing coat and yet are a lively and cheerful dog, who are also sociable and easy-going. Part of the Gundog group, they can also often be keen to work."

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Dorothy smiles with her adorable Cairn Terrier dog, Toto, in The Wizard of Oz. This heartwarming musical is one of the most iconic films in history.

But why was the breed chosen for the film? Bill tells us: "The Cairn Terrier is a native Scottish breed, taking their name from the Cairn – a small outcrop of stones which are common in the highland moors. The breed is very hardy and are also active, assertive and fearless."

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The Jack Russell Terrier on wheels from Babe: Pig in The City is another one of our favorite characters. Full of energy and with high spirits, the Jack Russell Terrier is bold, fearless, confident and friendly — despite their small size.

The breed was chosen for this film because the character too is confident and assertive.

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This adorable 1981 animation follows the story of Copper, a hound dog, and Tod, a red fox. "Although not known for sure, Copper from Fox and the Hound is likely to be either a Bloodhound or Coonhound.

"As scenthounds, both are known for being affectionate and amiable, but can also be resolute and determined. Bloodhounds tend to be more reserved while Coonhounds can be more outgoing," Bill tells us.

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Much-loved Lassie — a Rough Collie dog — is a brave, intelligent and loyal pup. Traditionally a herding dog, Rough Collies are incredibly friendly and make a great companion dog for families — which is just why one was cast for this much-loved family film.

"They are happy and active as well as being good with children and other dogs," Bill says.

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Elle Wood's much-loved pet Chihuahua, Bruiser, is one of the most famous dogs in Hollywood. Alert and spirited, these dogs are brimming with personality. "They were bred to be companion dogs so they love attention," Bill says.

As well as accompanying Elle at Harvard, Bruiser provides some brilliant entertainment throughout the film. And is also full of personality, much like his owner.

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