The Airedale Terrier experienced a surge in popularity following World War One—during which hundreds served as messenger, Red Cross, and sentry dogs. Despite this, they never received the lingering fame in motion pictures that other WWI breeds did, like the German Shepherd Dog and Collie. Still, you’ll find them in a few starring roles in obscure films.
The title links will take you to Amazon movie pages (Reel Dogs earns a referral fee at no cost to you) or, for rarer titles, alternative sources for the films.
101 Dalmatians * Year: 1996 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
The “Colonel” is an Old English Sheepdog in Dodie Smith’s original novel, as well as in the animated version of the film, but played by an Airedale in the live-action adaptation. He plays an important part in rescuing the Dalmatian puppies.
The Absent-Minded Professor * Year: 1961 * Country: US * Breed content: See note
This pair are possibly Airedale crosses. The main dog is a mixed-breed.
The Ballad of Hector, the Stowaway Dog * Year: 1964 * Country: US * Breed content: High
Perhaps the only starring, title-role Airedale film. Hector is a seafaring terrier in this Wonderful World of Disney TV film. Sometimes also called The Ballad of Hector, the Stowaway Pup, and released in Europe as The Million Dollar Collar, this movie is rare but you can currently see it online. (The link is to the novel that the film is based on.)
Big Trouble * Year: 2002 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
If you’ve ever wanted to see an Airedale with Martha Stewart’s head, here’s your chance.
BUtterfield 8 * Year: 1960 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
The Call of the West * Year: 1924 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
A short film starring the real Silverton Bobbie. An Airedale is among the pound dogs. Can be seen online.
C’era un castello con 40 cani * AKA: There Was a Castle with Forty Dogs * Year: 1990 * Country: Belgium/France/Italy/Spain * Breed content: Medium
An extraordinary and unique dog film with dozens of dogs working together and running free. The Airedale can be seen several times. DVD only available in Europe.
Cheaper by the Dozen * Year: 2003 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
The featured canine is an American Bulldog, but others can be spotted in one scene.
Chips the War Dog * Year: 1990 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Although the real Chips was a mixed breed, he is played here by a German Shepherd Dog. Many breeds and mixes are seen in training through Dogs for Defense. Never commercially released beyond VHS.
Day lapu, drug! * Year: 1967 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: Medium
Not the main dog, but an Airedale is in the obedience class, as well as attending a dog film at the movie theater. DVD only released in Russia and Europe. The title means Give Me Your Paw, Friend!
Electric Dreams * Year: 1984 * Country: UK/US * Breed content: Low
Equilibrium * Year: 2002 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Only a glimpse of an Airedale among a few other dogs before all meet an unfortunate end.
Fog Over Frisco * Year: 1934 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Garfield * Year: 2004 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Many canines at a dog show that Garfield crashes. Featured dog is a mixed breed.
It’s a Dog’s Life * Year: 1955 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Remarkable and unique dog film starring a white Bull Terrier, but featuring dozens of dogs at a dog show later in the movie. Finally released on DVD after decades of obscurity.
Lad: A Dog * Year: 1962 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Besides the main Collies starring in this classic film, dozens of dogs can be seen at the dog show.
L’Ours * AKA: The Bear * Year: 1988 * Country: France * Breed content: Medium
“Dixie Belle” is a shaggy Airedale and the star of the bear-hunting pack. Most of the hunting dogs are Beaucerons.
My Six Loves * Year: 1963 * Country: US * Breed content: See note
Not an Airedale, but a large Airedale cross, apparently with some sort of hound.
Spot Marks the X * Year: 1986 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
The star dog is Clint Rowe’s famed Border Collie, Mike. A very shaggy Airedale has a small scene in an animal shelter. Never commercially released after its run on TV.
Son of Lassie * Year: 1945 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Airedales as background dogs in training with Dogs for Defense during WWII.
The Three Lives of Thomasina * Year: 1963 * Country: UK/US * Breed content: Low
Only a glimpse of an Airedale chasing the starring cat with some mixed-breed companions.
Titanic * Year: 1997 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Seen boarding the ship. There was a kennel on the upper deck of the real Titanic.
War Dogs * Year: 1942 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Again seen in Dogs for Defense training in this film that you can watch online (linked). The star is a German Shepherd Dog.
Zhizn i priklyucheniya chetyrekh druzei * AKA: The Life and Adventures of Four Friends * Year: 1980 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: High
Adapted from a Soviet TV show into home-movie releases in the 1990s, including a sequel, the story follows a forest ranger’s dogs, Bubrik (East-European Shepherd), Fram (Airedale Terrier), and Toshka (Finnish Lapphund), and their friendship with a cat.
Know more Airedale movies? Please send info to [email protected]. Thank you!