Toto, the Cairn Terrier
Many of us know the line from the beloved film, The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy laments to her canine friend, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” But what others may not know is the story behind this famous doggie actress, even though this is easily one of the most famous dogs in history. Toto, whose real name was Terry, was abandoned as a puppy. Luckily, for her, however, she was adopted by German immigrant, Carl Spitz, who was the unofficial dog-trainer of Hollywood.
With his help, she was trained to become one of the most coveted canine actresses of her generation, starring alongside some of the time’s biggest stars, including Judy Garland. Before her close up in The Wizard of Oz, Terry was already well-versed in the ways of the silver screen. By the end of her career, she had been casted in 17 films, living to be 11-years old.
Rin Tin Tin the German Shepherd
Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd
Perhaps not only one of the most famous dogs in history but also the most famous of his breed, Rin Tin Tin was found in war-ravaged France during WWI and adopted by an American soldier named Lee Duncan. The rest of Rinty’s – an affectionate nickname he would come to be called – litter, sadly, didn’t make it. In his new life in Los Angeles, Rin Tin Tin was catapulted to stardom when he caught the eye of a filmmaker at a dog show where he reportedly jumped 12-feet high.
Shortly thereafter, Rin Tin Tin came to star in nearly 30 films, many of which were written specifically for him. Before his sudden death – which left his owner devastated – Rinty was the unofficial doggie mascot of Warner Bros. Studios, effectively saving the small studio from bankruptcy.
