Which Disney Dog Breed Is Right for You?

Your Disney dogs would be the Dalmatians, Pongo & Perdita, from Disney's 101 Dalmatians.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie 101 Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita are smart and resourceful dogs, using the Twilight Bark to find their puppies. They are extremely dedicated parents, and open-hearted enough to adopt the extra 84 pups that come home in the rescue from Cruella de Vil.

The puppies—all 99 of them—are courageous, going with Sergeant Tibbs to escape from Horace and Jasper. Their endurance is undeniable, as they face a brutal trek through the snow and a long and perilous journey to reach a safe haven. The pups, too, are very clever, using soot to cover their spots and give them the appearance of a different breed.

What’s the reality?
As represented by the dogs’ constant outwitting of Cruella and her henchmen in the movie, Dalmatians are, indeed, very intelligent dogs. This makes for a productive and enjoyable training process, as Dalmatians are eager to learn and ready for the challenge.

While most puppies won’t be wandering in the snow to escape an evil villain, Dalmatians do have superb strength and stamina, which causes them to be excellent athletes. Combined with their great intelligence, their athleticism can make them great agility competition dogs. However, it also means that Dalmatians require a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy; even if you don’t train your Dalmatian for competition, you should be providing opportunities to challenge your pup mentally and physically, and providing time to run around in large, open areas.

As Roger and Anita clearly knew in the film, Dalmatians can make great family pets. However, they can be wary of strangers—even the ones who aren’t trying to steal their puppies! Their watch-dog tendencies may cause them to bark at those types of intrusions, but they don’t usually bark so much that they keep the neighbors up at night.

Your Disney dog would be the Cocker Spaniel, Lady, from Disney's Lady and the Tramp.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Lady and the Tramp, Lady is a sweet, happy Cocker Spaniel. She finds great joy in little things, such as a new collar and going for walks. Her training is a bit inconsistent, as she is reliable with tasks like getting the daily newspaper, but continues to make mistakes, like ripping large holes in the paper.

While the Tramp, a wandering mutt, is always ready for the next adventure, Lady becomes easily overwhelmed in new situations. She is, however, brave enough to stand up to the invading rat and Siamese cats, yet extremely sweet to the baby.

What’s the reality?
As a rule of thumb, Cocker Spaniels do, in fact, tend to be quite happy little puppies, as represented by Lady’s sweet disposition in the movie. They are also very eager to please, just as Lady is with fetching Jim Dear’s newspaper and slippers; as dogtime.com puts it, they are “never more pleased than when [they’re] pleasing you.” Their gentle temperament and small size make them very popular family pets, even for those with children.

Although a Cocker Spaniel doesn’t require extremely vigorous exercise, they do need a nice walk or fun playtime with their favorite people on a regular basis. Of course, grooming will take up considerable time with this breed; whether you choose to do the grooming yourself or take your pooch to a professional groomer, consistency in brushing and combing is a must with Cocker Spaniels.

Your Disney dog is the Scottish Terrier, Jock, from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Lady and the Tramp, Jock is extremely kind and loyal to his friends, Trusty and Lady, but also very protective. His attitude toward the Tramp is very aggressive, and he never tries to hide his feelings.

What he does hide, though, are his bones. Jock’s bone collection is perhaps one of his most prized possessions, and he takes considerable care in keeping it well concealed.

Jock is a determined dog, who never lets his size stop him from anything.

What’s the reality?
For starters, obviously Scottish Terriers don’t have Scottish accents—actually, they don’t speak at all, besides barking. Other than that, though, Jock’s representation of the breed is quite accurate.

Scottish Terriers are dogs with attitude; they are confident, despite their small size, with a fiercely independent nature. This makes them somewhat standoffish with strangers, and can complicate training. While these pups are quite intelligent, their stubborn nature causes them to often do what they want, rather than what you want.

Regular exercise, such as going for a walk or throwing a ball around, will be just fine for a Scottish Terrier. Due to their dual coat, though, regular grooming will have to accompany your regular exercise.

Your Disney dog is the Bloodhound, Trustym from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Lady and the Tramp, Trusty is a likable old Bloodhound who is always telling stories about his Grandpappy, Old Reliable. Although Jock believes Trusty’s sense of smell is gone, he continues to believe his tracking is as good as it used to be and is redeemed at the end of the movie when he successfully tracks down the dog-catcher’s wagon.

Trusty’s memory is not always reliable, as he constantly forgets having mentioned his grandfather. However, his bravery is without a doubt, as he puts himself in harm’s way to rescue the Tramp, almost getting himself killed in the process.

What’s the reality?
Trusty is true to breed in that he is easily distracted by new scents, and has a nose for tracking, even through the worst conditions (like finding a dog-catcher’s wagon in the middle of a rainstorm). Bloodhounds were bred for tracking, so it’s an instinct that runs deep and can take over in even the most well-trained of Bloodhounds. These dogs need plenty of exercise, but all walks must be taken with a leash, because a Bloodhound who picks up a trail is a dog for whom nothing else matters but the chase.

In training, as with walks, Bloodhounds are very alert and aware, but their independence can cause them to take control. If you’re not careful, you can end up with them training you, instead of the other way around!

Despite their stubbornness, though, Bloodhounds are extremely sweet and docile. Just make sure you don’t have any furry, little pets that a Bloodhound might want to chase, before bringing one into your home.

Your Disney dog is the Coonhound, Copper, from Disney’s The Fox and the Hound.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie The Fox and the Hound, Copper is a curious young pup who makes friends with an unlikely companion—a fox named Tod. Their friendship is forged in the innocence of youth, as they both find themselves on an adventure, wandering from their homes and playing their version of hide-and-go-seek. However, their relationship is tested as they grow into adulthood, and their paths lead them to be at odds with one another.

Copper’s big dilemma is that his friendship with Tod goes against both his instincts and his training. As a hunting dog, Copper has a keen sense of smell and amazing tracking abilities. This serves to put him in high esteem with his owner, Amos, who begins giving him preferential treatment over Chief, an older and more experienced (and also much grumpier) dog. In the end, Copper must grapple with competing loyalties toward his friend and his master.

What’s the reality?
Coonhounds, such as the American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound, have a bit of a dual personality. Like Copper, these dogs can be exceptionally sweet with their loved ones, yet ruthless pursuers of their prey. A Coonhound without an outlet for its tracking skills and abundant energy will not be a fulfilled pup. This breed needs plenty of opportunities to run and let out any pent-up energy. However, as with Bloodhounds, these dogs must always be in a fence or on a leash, or they are liable to take off on a trail and leave you behind.

Their more strenuous exercise needs, combined with their tendency toward loud barking, can make them difficult pets for those without the experience or preparation for more extensive training. In fact, training itself can be a challenge with a Coonhound. While they are exceptional at tracking, and take to training in that area very keenly, their persistence and stubbornness can take over when working toward other skills.

A Coonhound is a kind, loyal dog, with an exceptional sense of smell, but does best in an environment equipped to support its tracking and hunting instincts.

Your Disney dog is the Jack Russell Terrier, Dodger, from Disney’s Oliver & Company.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Oliver & Company, Dodger is a spunky Jack Russell Terrier, with unparalleled swagger. His street smarts get him out of even the most difficult of situations, and his confidence in his own abilities is in abundant supply.

Despite his continuous bravado, though, Dodger is a fiercely loyal and caring dog. He does anything and everything he can to protect and provide for his ragged band of followers (even when that group involves an orphaned cat). Although he leads with bravery, he loves with a very big and caring heart.

What’s the reality?
While a real Jack Russell Terrier may not have Dodger’s swagger, they typically do have his confidence and smarts. Their intelligence and eager attitudes make Jack Russell Terriers a joy to train and excellent for a wide variety of canine competitions. A never-ending supply of energy can make them a handful to keep exercised and entertained, but this can also make them a great choice for families with plenty of lively children to keep up with.

Due to the small size of Jack Russell Terriers, they don’t necessarily make for the best protectors, but they can be great watch-dogs due to their fearless attitudes and bold barking. A Jack Russell Terrier will have an instinct to chase small animals, and may drive neighborhood squirrels crazy, but just as Dodger shows in the film, these lovable pups can befriend animals of all shapes and sizes—even cats.

Your Disney Dog is the Chihuahua, Tito, from Disney’s Oliver & Company.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Oliver & Company, Tito is a lively, little Chihuahua with outstanding skills in hot-wiring cars—even if he does get electrocuted sometimes. His confidence goes beyond his mechanical skills, though. In fact, he is overconfident to the point of being reckless, trying to pick fights with dogs ten times his size.

Tito may fight hard, but he loves even harder. After meeting the spoiled poodle, Georgette, he finds himself rather smitten with her; their romance begins with Tito flirting shamelessly and Georgette being disgusted by his advances, and ends with her wanting to dress him up and Tito running away as fast as he can.

What’s the reality?
First and foremost, real Chihuahuas don’t have thick accents like Tito; even if they could talk, instead of barking, their breed wouldn’t determine the way they sound. Furthermore, real Chihuahuas don’t make good mechanics. They are, however, like Tito, full of confidence.

Chihuahuas aren’t afraid to stand up to anyone, at any time, about anything—and often even when no one has done anything wrong. As the American Kennel Club says, a Chihuahua can “rule your household like a little Napoleon,” so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into with this breed. Despite their big attitudes, though, they are very tiny dogs, with fragile little bodies; families with children too young to be properly gentle with a Chihuahua should look into other breeds.

Their small size does make exercise easier, though, as smaller spaces and shorter distances seem much larger to these tiny pooches. Regular daily activities can be plenty for a Chihuahua, and then they are usually content to spend the rest of their time in the laps of their favorite people.

Your Disney Dog is the Poodle, Georgette, from Disney’s Oliver & Company.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Oliver & Company, Georgette is a pampered, pretentious, spoiled show-dog, fixated only on herself. She won’t give another dog the time of day, unless it’s to make sure they are enthralled by her, and then she’s content to ignore them once more. Constantly primping and preening, putting on bows and makeup, Georgette is obsessed with her appearance.

Although she has a serious temper and a vindictive streak, Georgette is all but helpless on her own and calls for Winston for her every need. All she wants from him is to be served, though, and doesn’t show him any real affection; she doesn’t even seem to truly care for Jenny.

However, by the end of the movie it is clear that Georgette does have a heart, after all. She goes to great lengths to help Jenny, Oliver, and the dogs, and even discovers an affection for Tito (who, once she starts trying to change him, is out the door in the blink of an eye).

What’s the reality?
The constant care that Georgette gives her looks is fairly accurate, as Poodles do have very extensive grooming needs. However, real-life Poodles don’t do that for themselves; their owners must thoroughly brush their dog daily and make regular trips to the groomer. Grooming needs can be further intensified by the type of cut you choose and if you decide to enter any competitions.

Appearances seem to be where the similarities between Georgette and real Poodles end, though. While stereotypes of Poodles being delicate dogs just for show do exist, the truth is that these pups are ready for adventure. They love to swim, and are eager to please in training, which is why they are used for competitions.

Poodles can be great for families, but it’s important to know going into it whether you want your Poodle as a show-dog or a pet, as this will greatly affect your training and can alter the way your Poodle behaves around people.

Your Disney dog is the White German Shepherd, Bolt, from Disney’s Bolt.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Bolt, the character Bolt is a White German Shepherd, who is the lead of a popular television show. Bolt’s extreme loyalty toward his owner, Penny, is what makes him such a star on the show. He truly believes he has superpowers, and never hesitates to use them in his never-ending adventures to save Penny, relying on courage and bravery to get them through each perilous quest.

His superb intelligence is obvious not only in the tricks he performs on-camera, but in his ability to find his way home, all the way across the country—of course, he does receive help from Mittens and Rhino along the way. After a period of distrust between Bolt and Mittens (due to Bolt’s previous experience with evil cats on the show), the three of them become great friends, and Bolt’s loyalty extends to his new pals, as well as Penny.

What’s the reality?
White German Shepherds are the same as typical German Shepherds, but with a recessive gene that causes their fur to appear white. The German Shepherd Dog is just as Bolt depicts—loyal, brave, and smart. This breed can learn so much from training, and will always put everything they’ve got into the task at-hand.

German Shepherds’ extreme loyalty can make them very protective of their family and extremely trustworthy dogs. However, the seriousness of their attitude can hinder their ability to be fun, carefree playmates for young children.

While the grooming needs for German Shepherds are minimal, there are a couple of times a year when their owners can expect plenty of shedding. Their thick, beautiful coats may be nice to pet, but they will leave those hairs all over the place unless brushed regularly.

Your Disney dog is the Golden Retriever, Dug, from Disney’s Up.

What’s in the movie?
In the movie Up, Dug is a sweet dog who loves Carl from the moment he meets him—and tells him so, through his fancy, talking collar. Even when begging to take them prisoner, Dug is extremely gentle and fun-loving. He is eager to please and desperate for love and attention, but lacks confidence in himself, especially when wearing the Cone of Shame.

He is a well-meaning pup who is easily distracted, especially by squirrels, but is willing to do just about anything for his master. Playing fetch is one of his favorite activities, but his biggest drive is gaining approval, be it from his master or the other dogs.

Although he often gets himself into trouble, Dug is as lovable a dog as they come, eventually winning over even Carl’s stubborn heart.

What’s the reality?
In reality, Golden Retrievers are much more intelligent than Dug seems to show, but they are definitely just as sweet and loyal. Like Dug, Golden Retrievers tend to like everyone they see, even complete strangers. They can make friends with just about any person or dog, and are usually just fine with other sorts of pets, too.

Golden Retrievers are as gentle as can be, with a loving and playful demeanor, making them great for families with children. Thanks to their agreeable attitudes, training can be very enjoyable and much easier than with many other breeds, which makes them popular pets for those with less canine experience.

While they do need a whole lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy, with Golden Retrievers’ natural love of fetching and swimming, staying active can be just as much fun for their owners as it is for the dogs!