What loving pup parent doesn’t see his fur baby as the “best boy/girl” ever? Safe to say most of us view our pups as special, but do certain dogs have that its quality, that something special that every Hollywood director is searching for? Indeed, different dogs have different characteristics, and some of those characteristics maybe just the ones the catapult your pup to a life among the stars.
Bred For Success?
First, you may be wondering if there are certain breeds that are naturally more adept at acting or are more in demand for onscreen roles. The answer, most dog parents will be pleased to know, is that almost any breed whether pure bred or mixed can pursue an acting career. No certain breeds have shown a special, innate talent for this field. Furthermore, directors have cast a variety of breeds in shows and movies. Who can forget such iconic canine actors as Lassie (Collie), Toto (Carin Terrier), Beethoven (St. Bernard), and Air Bud, Buddy, (Golden Retriever). In addition, a multitude of breeds and mutts have been cast in commercials and photo shoods.
So now that we know that any of our fur babies may be eligible for stardom, we should discuss the individual traits casting directors value most. Overwhelmingly, canine acting trainers agree that the most important trait a canine actor should possess is an even temper. These are the dogs that you can count on to stay calm among distractions, noise, and crowds. Basically, acting pups must have a high degree of obedience training. This, say directors, is more important than a dog’s appearance or cute antics. Onscreen antics may be taught to a disciplined and obedient dog, but a difficult or poorly trained dog can cause havoc on set. Other qualities directors look for are overall friendliness, dogs that love learning new tricks, and finally dogs that are motivated by food. If you want a dog to perform on cue, but he is not especially interested in treats, the task becomes much more difficult, and the actor becomes unreliable.
Road to Hollywood
You maybe thinking, my dog has an even temperament, learns easily, and loves food, we’re set! Well don’t start picking out your Oscar- night ensemble just yet. Canine acting jobs are fiercely competitive and require a lot of hard work. Almost all successful actors are graduates of specialized canine acting schools and even then, many variables go into a director’s choice for “just the right dog” for any given role.
However, the joy of seeing your charming little fellow on the big screen may make it all worthwhile. So, if you are serious about starting your pup down this road, obedience training is a must, encourage socialization with people and other dogs and finally get your pup enrolled into an acting academy that can also help with casting calls. Be wary of private talent agents who make grandiose claims of getting your dog major rolls and demand large sums of money for photos and “miscellaneous” expenses. Most importantly, make sure this is a process your dog enjoys. If he is not the type who enjoys constant learning and engagement or does not enjoy being around new people, the actor’s live may not be for him. Your pup’s welfare is the most important consideration when contemplating an acting career for your little star.
