Aye, Chihuahua! Jamie Lee Curtis and Piper Perabo star in Disney’s “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” which arrives in theaters Friday. But it’s Drew Barrymore who has the top-dog role: She voices Chloe the Chihuahua.
The diminutive dogs in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” are but the latest in a long line of Disney dogs that have been barking on the big screen for the past half century.
Here’s a look at some of the things Disney’s dogs have been teaching us through the years.
Old Yeller (1957)
Breed: Blackmouth Cur
Plot: Stray dog helps turn boy into man.
Breed’s behavior in movie: The most heroic (sniff!), faithful (sniff!), beautiful (sob!) dog to ever roam God’s green Earth.
Breed’s behavior in real-life: Loyal, protective.
Lesson learned: “Now and then, for no good reason, life will haul off and knock a man flat.”
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Breed: Lady is a cocker spaniel; Tramp is a mutt, but appears to be mostly an Irish terrier.
Plot: Pampered dog learns about love and loyalty from a lady-loving, heart-breakin’ mutt-about-town.
Breeds’ behavior in movie: Dogs share plate of spaghetti and meatballs and a romantic walk in the park.
Breeds’ behavior in real life: Dogs would fight over meatballs, ensuing chaos would destroy restaurant. Walk in the park would end with a trip to the animal shelter.
Lesson learned: Don’t judge a dog by its appearance. Mutts need love too!
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Breed: Dalmatian (duh)
Plot: Socialite wants to skin puppies for a new coat.
Breed’s behavior in movie: Resourceful, adorable.
Breed’s behavior in real life: Before movie’s release: Active, intelligent. Post-movie: Same, but over-breeding results in poor care for a high-energy dog that needs attention.
Lesson learned: If you’re a dog, pray that Disney does not make a movie about you.
Big Red (1962)
Breed: Irish setter
Plot: Sportsman wants to turn Big Red into a champion show dog. Big Red just wants to chase critters and play!
Breed’s behavior in movie: Good-natured, fun-loving.
Breed’s behavior in real life: Relentlessly happy. Insane.
Lesson learned: Let your dog be what it wants to be.
Postscript: Movie coincided with setters’ peak popularity. Then Richard Nixon got one, undeservedly tainting the breed for decades.
