Woof Woof: 7 Famous Dogs That Changed the Course of History

toto the dog
Photo by Marina Plevako from Shutterstock

2. Toto, the Cairn Terrier

Next on our list of the most famous dogs in history is Toto. If you’ve watched the film “The Wizard of Oz,” perhaps you know the line when Dorothy laments to her four-legged friend, “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore.”

But what most of us don’t know is the story behind this famous canine actress, even though this is probably one of the most famous dogs in history.

Toto, whose real name was Terry, was abandoned when she was just a puppy. However, she was adopted by the good-hearted German immigrant Carl Spitz, the unofficial dog trainer of Hollywood.

With his help, Toto was trained to become one of her generation’s most beloved canine actresses, starring alongside the big stars of the time, including Judy Garland.

By the end of her career, she had made an appearance in 17 films, living to be 11 years old.

<12 3 45 ... 8>

Share:

Related Article

Watercolor illustration of a person and their dog gently touching foreheads in a warm, cozy living room.

7 Signs Your Pet Considers You Family

Discover the science behind pet bonding, from canine oxytocin loops to feline slow blinks, and learn how your dog or cat shows they view you as family.

A warm watercolor illustration of three different cuddly cats sleeping together in a cozy armchair next to a hot mug of tea.

11 Cat Breeds That Love Cuddling

Discover the 11 most affectionate cat breeds, from the warmth-seeking Sphynx to the floppy Ragdoll, and learn the science behind cuddly felines.

Watercolor illustration of a cozy living room with several cats sleeping in a box, kneading a blanket, and playing.

8 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained

Discover the science and psychology behind common feline habits, from slow blinking to 3 AM zoomies, to better understand your cat’s body language.

A golden retriever rests its head on its owner's lap in a warm, sunlit living room, showcasing a quiet moment of trust.

8 Signs Your Dog Trusts You Completely

Discover the subtle behavioral cues and body language signs that prove your dog completely trusts you, from making soft eye contact to relaxed sleeping positions.