Story by Sheila Paz

Lights, camera, paws! Throughout the annals of cinema, a select few pets have transcended their roles to capture our hearts with their unforgettable performances. These iconic animal actors have not only enchanted us on screen but also profoundly influenced our views on pet ownership. For instance, Collie ownership surged in popularity after the world fell in love with Lassie — let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a dog that can save you from a well and look fabulous doing it? Similarly, the American Pit Bull Terrier saw a rise in admiration thanks to Petey from “The Little Rascals.” Petey taught us that every gang, even a mischievous one, needs a loyal sidekick with a perfect eye patch. And let’s not forget Toto, the Cairn Terrier who bravely faced flying monkeys and wicked witches in “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy may have wanted to go home, but we all wanted to follow Toto down the Yellow Brick Road. Join us as we celebrate their legendary roles and imagine how these famous furballs might fare as beloved companions in our homes. Spoiler alert: They might not save you from evil wizards, but they will definitely steal your heart (and probably your snacks).

Canine celebrities

Lassie: The heroic heartthrob

Who can forget Lassie, the heroic Rough Collie who first appeared in Eric Knight’s 1938 short story “Lassie Come Home”? Lassie’s journey from novella to the silver screen in 1943 and then to TV, thanks to Pal, the male Collie trained by Rudd Weatherwax, made her a household name. With a legacy spanning over 17 TV seasons and countless films, Lassie remains an enduring symbol of loyalty and bravery.

At home: Rough Collies are known for their intelligence, loyalty and gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. They thrive in active households where they can get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. However, they require regular grooming to keep their luxurious coats in good condition.

Old Yeller: The brave companion

Spike, the dog who played Old Yeller, was discovered as a homeless pup by Hollywood trainer Frank Weathermax. Initially lacking the fierceness needed for the role, Spike underwent rigorous training to become the brave and loyal dog we all remember. His heart-wrenching performance in one of the most touching boy-and-dog stories ever told continues to resonate with audiences.

At home: Labrador Retriever/Mastiff mixes, like Old Yeller, are loyal, protective and great with families. They need regular exercise and proper training to ensure they are well-behaved and happy. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions.

Petey: The lovable rascal

The lovable Petey from “Our Gang” (later “The Little Rascals”) has a history as colorful as his iconic eye circle. Played initially by Pal the Wonder Dog, an American Pit Bull Terrier, Petey charmed audiences with his playful antics. After Pal’s passing, his son Lucenay’s Peter continued the legacy, becoming a beloved character known for his unmistakable look and heartwarming performances.

At home: American Pit Bull Terriers are affectionate, loyal and great with families. They need proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved and confident. Their playful and energetic nature makes them a joy to have around, but they also require regular exercise and mental engagement.

Toto: The tiny trailblazer

Toto, the adorable Cairn Terrier from “The Wizard of Oz,” captured hearts with his unwavering loyalty to Dorothy. Played by Terry, a talented female Terrier discovered by trainer Carl Spitz, Toto navigated a fantastical world of flying monkeys and witches with ease. Terry’s performance was so memorable that she was officially renamed Toto, leaving a lasting paw print in film history.

At home: Cairn Terriers are energetic, loyal and good with children. They can be a bit stubborn, so consistent training is essential. They thrive in environments where they get plenty of physical activity and mental challenges.

Benji: The shelter superstar

Higgins, a shelter dog turned superstar, brought the lovable character of Benji to life. Discovered by animal trainer Frank Inn, Higgins learned to perform tricks that made him a natural fit for the role of Benji, the heroic dog who saves kidnapped kids. Higgins’ portrayal was so iconic that he came out of retirement to star in the film, cementing his place as a beloved canine actor.

At home: Mixed-breed dogs, like Benji, are often intelligent, loyal and adaptable. They can make wonderful pets due to their unique traits and resilience. Adopting a mixed breed from a shelter can be incredibly rewarding, as these dogs often have a lot of love to give and can thrive in a variety of home environments.

Beethoven: The gentle giant

The lovable Saint Bernard, Beethoven, introduced audiences to the joys (and chaos) of having a giant, furry family member. Played by Kris, a gentle giant with a lazy disposition, Beethoven’s antics brought laughter and love to the big screen. After Kris’s passing, a trio of Saint Bernards — Benz, Dolly, and Boomer —continued to bring Beethoven’s character to life in the sequels.

At home: Saint Bernards are gentle, loyal and great with children. They require regular grooming and plenty of space due to their size. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent family pets, though they can be a bit slobbery.

Hooch: The slobbery sidekick

Beasley the Dog, a French Mastiff, won hearts as Tom Hanks’ slobbery sidekick in “Turner & Hooch.” Despite his brief film career, Beasley’s performance left a lasting impression, showcasing the unique bond between a cop and his canine partner. After the film, Beasley enjoyed a peaceful life with his trainer, Clint Rowe, in California.

At home: French Mastiffs, or Dogue de Bordeaux, are loyal and protective. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their calm and gentle nature. These dogs require regular exercise and are best suited for homes with plenty of space. Their drooling can be a bit of a challenge, but their affectionate nature makes up for it.

Feline film stars

Salem: The snarky sorcerer

Salem, the mischievous feline from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” was brought to life by four talented cats and two animatronics. Elvis, Lucy, Salem and Witch each had their moment in the spotlight, with Elvis being the best-behaved and Witch excelling in dramatic scenes. Together, they created a character that became a fan favorite for his snarky wit and magical mishaps.

At home: Black Domestic Shorthair cats, like Salem, are often playful and energetic, enjoying interactive play and exploring their surroundings with curiosity and adventure. Their strong hunting instincts make them adept at stalking and pouncing, adding to their mysterious and enchanting allure.

Orangey: The scene-stealer

Orangey Minerva, the scene-stealing orange cat from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” was known for his ability to stay on command for hours. Despite his off-screen reputation for being a bit of a diva, Orangey’s performance as Holly Golightly’s feline companion was nothing short of iconic, earning him a place among Hollywood’s elite pet stars.

At home: Orange Domestic Shorthair cats like Orangey are friendly, playful, curious and intelligent, making them delightful and engaging companions. Their outgoing and affectionate nature, combined with their adventurous spirit, ensure that they bring a lot of joy and entertainment to their owners.

Mr. Bigglesworth: The hairless hunk

The groovy, hairless Mr. Bigglesworth, from the “Austin Powers” franchise, is as memorable as Dr. Evil himself. Played by SGC Belfry Ted Nude-Gent, a Sphynx cat, Mr. Bigglesworth was known for his calm demeanor and close bond with Mike Myers. His legacy continues with his equally charming nephews, who have followed in his paw steps in the acting world.

At home: Sphynx cats like Mr. Bigglesworth are friendly, affectionate and great with families. Their hairless nature means they require regular bathing and skincare to avoid skin issues. They enjoy warmth and can often be found snuggling with their owners or seeking out sunny spots in the home.

Unusual animal actors

Black Beauty: The noble horse

“Black Beauty,” the horse from the 1994 film adaptation of Anna Sewell’s classic novel, brought the story of a horse’s life from different owners to the big screen. Played by several horses, including Docs Keepin Time, Black Beauty’s tale of resilience and kindness touched the hearts of many.

At home: Horses require significant care, including proper housing, diet and regular veterinary check-ups. They are social animals that thrive with regular exercise and interaction with other horses and humans.

Babe: The plucky pig

“Babe,” the charming pig from the 1995 film of the same name, won over audiences with his courage and kindness. Voiced by Christine Cavanaugh and played by over 48 piglets throughout filming, Babe’s journey from farmyard underdog to sheep-herding hero showcased the intelligence and heart of pigs.

At home: Pigs, especially miniature breeds, can be intelligent and affectionate pets, though they require proper care, space and a suitable diet. They thrive on interaction and can learn various tricks and commands.

Hedwig: The enchanting owl

In the magical world of Harry Potter, Hedwig, the snowy owl, became a symbol of loyalty and friendship. Played by seven different owls, including Gizmo, Ook and Sprout, Hedwig’s intelligence and grace made her the perfect companion for the young wizard. Despite being a female character, the male snowy owls brought Hedwig to life with their impressive ability to perform complex tasks.

At home: Snowy owls are majestic and intelligent but require specialized care. They are not typical pets and are best suited for experienced bird handlers who can meet their specific needs. They need plenty of space to fly and a diet that mimics their natural food sources.