What Life Is Like For Dog Actors

The entertainment industry has produced no shortage of famous dogs. Rin Tin Tin appeared in 25 Hollywood films with his acts of bravery inspiring a nation; Toto from the "Wizard of Oz" acted in 23 movies throughout her career; Air Bud has flexed his athletic prowess in five main films and various spinoffs, and big Beethoven became a continual hero to his family throughout eight movies.

While not all dogs that dip their paws into the acting world will see the same level of success, parts are there for aspiring canines. Still, the role of a canine actor is a serious one, requiring lots of hard work and networking. So, what challenges and perks can an ambitious pooch and their owner expect to encounter on their journey to the screen or stage?

While many a pet parent believes that their beloved companion can rely on their natural adorableness to bring them to stardom, the life of an acting dog begins with plenty of at-home training. To make themselves camera-ready, a canine must master multiple commands and show an agreeable temperament. A pooch must also be great with others to ensure good behavior on set. Conditioning them to be social at a young age, following a regular training regimen, and choosing a qualified dog trainer can all be vital to the development of a budding canine performer.

Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer and author of "Working Like a Dog," has trained many pups for the screen, including her fur babies, Maggie and Rossi. On her site, Tails with Nicole, addressed the unique commands any distinguished canine actor should know, including "Mark" to indicate where a dog should stand and "Go with," which signals that it is okay to follow a stranger and act like their pet.

Any aspiring actor must adopt a myriad of commands and attitudes before being considered for any gig. Learning not to be distracted, being comfortable with strangers, and adapting based on the part are all necessary techniques to have in one's repertoire. The most stubborn dogs may not be unable to cut it, as any onscreen doggo will be a well-conditioned and obedient professional.

Not any dog can stroll up to an audition and expect to find a job, even if they have mastered the commands required to appear on set. They first need to be certified by the AAAI and receive a 'level' from an Animal Actor Certified Evaluator (AACE). This certification can be a major task for an aspiring canine star, as the process is more complex than getting a stamp on a little badge and being able to walk onto the set. An evaluation by a professional is essential, as those hiring want to ensure that a dog is up to the task they were hired for.

Rarely will a pup instantly get called up to the big leagues of performers, as there are tiers to certification. Level one, or the black card, shows that a pooch is ready for the camera and can get commercial work in print or digital photo advertisements. Level two, or the white card, allows for time on camera without sound recording, meaning the dog is trusted to follow its owner's commands on set. Level three, or the blue card, indicates a canine can act on set with others in any production for a full day's work. The coveted fourth level, or the yellow card, shows a commitment above the rest and the potential to land a leading role. Each upgrade comes with an extensive checklist that an actor needs to meet.

Like aspiring human actors, canines must start making a name for themselves and building up a showcase of their capabilities. YouTube and Instagram are great platforms for a dog to show off its skillset. Consider the prestigiously named Kuma von Clifford, whose mother and professional trainer, Sarah Clifford, posted displays of the dog's skills and highlight reels of his appearances in various commercials. Kuma landed roles in shows like "Dog with a Blog" and "Mutts & Stuff."

With the rise of social media, the landscape of celebrity dogs has also changed, and the path to acting can come through a large following. You can't predict virality, but a canine that fancies itself as the next Doug The Pug could go from social influencer to the screen. Doug, who is the most adorable type of pug, managed to gain a following of over three million on his Instagram. He also lived the dream of every aspiring performer when he appeared in three music videos and got into voice acting as Monchi in "The Mitchells vs. The Machines."

On the technical side, a canine must get signed up with different databases. For example, Central Casting, the USA's largest supplier of background actors, asks for a pet's profile to be uploaded on its website with a clear picture and details on its abilities and breed. Additionally, sites like Backstage allow you to post profiles and set up active searches for jobs specific to those needing a canine for a shoot.

Though a pet parent can certainly be their dog's personal hype person, job seeker, and handler, there are established agencies out there that will do a lot of the groundwork to get a canine cast in specific roles. Agencies will also handle legal duties, training, and on-site safety to ensure a comfortable and professional environment for any gig. While a dog is not expected to handle the money, this can be daunting for someone new to the industry. If you're unsure how much to ask for or what demands you can make without jeopardizing consideration for a part, an agent will also bring their experience when they represent a rising star.

To get a dog in the door of an agency, the agents will often host either canine casting calls at their location or open auditions at pet expos or other events. These events give a proud pup a chance to strut their stuff and show how they would do under the limelight of a TV commercial, photo shoot, or movie production. There are numerous talent agencies out there, operating in most states across the U.S. Owners can register a dog at any reputable agency that caters to their area.

While a talented canine might have had some experience auditioning to get in with a talent agency, showing up to snag a role is a more involved process for a pet parent and their furry talent. Not only does a pooch need to be on its best behavior, but its owner needs to be as well, showing a high level of professionalism and following the guidelines outlined by the casting call. Bad behavior or mishandling of a dog at an audition can lead to a pup getting blocked from being called back for future auditions. The process can certainly be challenging for both pet and owner as well, as everyone wants to see their dog get recognition for their training and natural charisma, but they will be competing against many others for a coveted spot.

In an article for Dogs Life, one casting agent spoke about the difficulties they encountered when casting the role of a Chihuahua in a "Legally Blonde" musical, stating, "I auditioned 26 Chihuahuas and Chihuahua crosses over the course of three months trying to find the dogs. Nervousness was a big problem. Any dog that runs and hides or barks defensively at a new person in their normal living environment probably would be terrified with the hustle and bustle of the theatre." Knowing what is expected in advance, from the environment to the very important jobs a dog will need to perform, can help prepare a pooch for an audition.

The buzz of a set can be quite the experience for anyone who has never been behind the scenes to see how movie magic is made. Productions often have their own animal handlers to guide the canine star to the stage. Safety is also key, and before a dog interacts with other crew members, they will need a clean bill of health, up-to-date vaccinations, an environment safe and free of any pests or other animals, and the proper paperwork filled out. 

This level of care is all thanks to America Humane Hollywood, which has been working in the film industry for over 80 years, ensuring all furry actors stay safe. So while a dog may spend all day on set waiting for its call, it will be in good hands with either its trainer, a specialized animal handler, or a representative from the American Humane Hollywood to make sure it can add its patented "No Animals Were Harmed" stamp of approval on a production.

Beyond these measures, an acting pooch will receive the best dog food, have unlimited access to water, and be kept happy by those around it. Any consideration for its well-being will be at the forefront of several people's minds; plus, it will get to rub shoulders with celebrities when it is finally time to hit its mark.

Many shoots will require on-set training to augment a canine's existing repertoire of skills. Even the most educated dogs are naturally drawn towards their favorite people, and will continue to look for praise from those they love the most. To combat this roving gaze, the onset trainers will figure out ways to get a pup to pay attention to an actor; the human talent may even need to train the dog with a few treats to ensure its stare lands on the mark. They may also need to adapt to new commands, as a canine actor may be required to perform a wide range of actions, such as showing aggression or other responses that are usually deemed bad behavior.

Even going to the bathroom for a scene might require a bit of creativity from an animal handler. In an interview with several trainers who work on movie sets for The Ringer, Gloria Winship, proprietor of All Animal Actors, told of her trick for making a dog appear to be peeing: "If the dog has a real good stay—a stand stay—it depends on the lighting and how it's set up, but the trainer would have a string on the leg and lift the leg." No performance is perfect, though. Another trainer interviewed by The Ringer, Mathilde De Cagny, spoke of a scene in "Marley and Me" where Owen Wilson got a surprise when the hired dog "very naturally goes and lifts his leg on Owen's pants and starts peeing on him."

You may have heard that dogs in movies have made more than their human counterparts. This statement is only partially true, with some classic famous dogs taking home a hefty paycheck for their work. Rin Tin Tin earned between $30,000 and $65,000 annually, a substantial amount for the 1930s star working out to more than $1 million with inflation on a good year for the famous canine. Meanwhile, the dog that played Toto in the "Wizard of Oz" received $125 a week – more than the Munchkins, who got only $50 weekly for their performances.

However, this trend has changed in recent decades, and the compensation for an acting dog is not the biggest payday. Acting pets earn between $50 to $350 for a day's wage. Unlike their human counterparts, a dog will also not be eligible for any residuals based on the success of a project. For showing up for an audition, a pup may get paid $50 by the production for the time spent and expense of making the trip.

The total amount can also decrease, as on-set training, depending on the extent, may be deducted from a paycheck. It is also not unheard of for a dog to get years of training at gigs without receiving pay for it or its handler before making money. It is a harsh industry for a doggo, and while it comes with fame and glory, pet influencers on social media tend to out-earn canine actors, often by a significant amount.

With a job well done, some talented doggos will have the chance to strut their stuff on the red carpet. At these events, they often get to spend time with their favorite person and soak in all the attention and flashing cameras. One of the most recent actors to take to a premiere to the adoration of many was Peggy, the pug-Chinese Crested cross who become better known as "Dogpool" after making her debut in 2024's "Deadpool and Wolverine." Once the winner of Britain's Ugliest Dog, Peggy was showered with praise by her co-stars. Ryan Reynolds introduced the dog to the world at the superhero film's London premiere, saying, "Guys, this is Peggy, aka Mary Puppins, aka Dogpool. Get a good look," before kissing her on her head.

Other actors who have reached the heights of being welcomed to prestigious events after their performances include Messi, a border collie who won the 2024 Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in "Anatomy of a Fall." Of course, even a small-time role in a TV commercial can call for celebration with a pet and their caretakers at home; not all victories must be measured in red carpet appearances, and any dog skilled enough to make it on the screen is worthy of praise and pets.

A dog that has found its footing in the movie industry will thrive off of continuing to work. That is, until it decides it is not for them anymore and it wants to spend its days lounging at home. Still, some canines may go on to capture multiple roles; the St. Bernard Chris starred in the first two "Beethoven" movies; the collie Pal jumped into the role of "Lassie" for 367 episodes of the 1954 series and made guest appearances on TV; Gidget, better known as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, featured in several commercials before moving on to star in "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde."

Once a dog has completed a job, the whole cycle begins again, though with some proven experience, a canine might find themselves skipping the line and landing more parts. Thanks to their often greater longevity, smaller dogs may be more likely to enjoy a lengthy acting career. Still, doggos of any size could feature in multiple productions and make their mark before heading into retirement.

Acting does come with its perks, but the actual pay could be better compared to other options that may be out there for a popular pooch. Social media is the bread and butter of the cash-focused canine and its owner, with some dogs making thousands per sponsored post. Brodie, a fluffy goldendoodle, is one social media influencer that has maximized his hustle: he sells three different products, including branded dog hair care items, goes to meet and greets, makes appearances alongside celebrities, and even says hi to fans over Cameo.

Whether a dog and its owner are planning on making it big on the screen for the recognition and pride of being one of the few elite performing pups or looking for a means to make income will affect whether or not social media is the way to go. Since acting dogs aren't eligible for residuals, any merchandising money won't go their way. So even if Peggy inspires others to don a "Dogpool" costume, that profit won't go to the actor. Becoming a performer comes with fame, but unless that popularity is turned into other profit revenues, the cash likely won't flow.

Just like a working human, dogs can only do a job for so long before they need to call it quits and (hopefully) spend their final years relaxing. This part of the career is highlighted by spending all day in a comfy dog bed, getting some pats, and curling up with their favorite human. For a distinguished performer of the cinema and stage, there is also joy in seeing another dog step into their paws and carry on in their absence.

Consider little Eddie, a clever Jack Russell who became a fan favorite on the 37-time Grammy-winning sitcom "Fraser." Eddie was played by Moose for over 10 years, with the lovable terrier giving his best to the show before his death in 2006. Having retired from the series in 2000, Moose watched his son, Enzo, step into the part, passing on his legacy.

If you'd rather leave the acting to the professionals but still want a canine with a glimmer of star power, check out 183 Dog Names From Movies And Pop Culture.