American Bulldog

The American Bulldog stepped in during the early 1990s to help fill the gap left by the gradual vanishing of bully breeds represented as family-friendly companions in film. While Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terrier types were one of the gold standards of canine actors since the 1910s, the American Bulldog updated this look, as well as that of the once-popular Bull Terrier. In remakes of The Little Rascals and The Incredible Journey, an AB replaced a Pit Bull and a Bull Terrier, respectively, as stars.

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Bark! * Year: 2002 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

A woman believes she is a dog. Not much seen of actual dogs, but a notable role for an Australian Shepherd.

Below Zero * Year: 2011 * Country: Canada * Breed content: Low

With 110-pound American Bulldog, Weezer.

Best of the Best 3 * Year: 1995 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed

Beverly Hills Chihuahua * Year: 2008 * Country: Mexico/US * Breed content: Low

American Bulldog on a Jeep.

The Bike Squad * Year: 2005 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

Several dogs. The AB can be seen in a cage a few times.

Bingo (1991)

Bingo * Year: 1991 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

“Bingo” (Border Collie mix) helps several dogs escape the fate of being made into sausage.

Bubble Boy * Year: 2001 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

Cheaper by the Dozen * Year: 2003 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium

“Gunner” is the featured family dog.

Cheaper by the Dozen 2 * Year: 2005 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: Medium

Corner Gas: The Movie * Year: 2014 * Country: Canada * Breed content: Unconfirmed

Freezer Burn: The Invasion of Laxdale * Year: 2007 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale * Year: 2009 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

In this American remake of the classic Japanese Hachiko story the main dogs are Akitas and Shiba Inus.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey * Year: 1993 * Country: US * Breed content: High

Inspired by the novel by Sheila Burnford and a remake of The Incredible Journey (1961). In the original “Shadow” was a Labrador Retriever named “Luath” and “Chance” was a Bull Terrier named “Bodger.” Neither one talked. Although very different, the remake is an equally great dog movie.

VHS covers for Homeward Bound and its sequel.

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco * Year: 1996 * Country: US * Breed content: High

This sequel focuses largely on “Chance”, no longer played by Rattler, and his adventures in San Francisco.

Joe * Year: 2013 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

The Little Rascals (1993)

The Little Rascals * Year: 1994 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium

An American Bulldog takes over the role of “Pete the Pup” in this 1990s remake of the original Our Gang short comedy films, when Pete was played by a Pit Bull. For the newest remake, The Little Rascals Save the Day (2014), Pete is played by a mixed-breed.

Marley and Me * Year: 2009 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

This brindle and white AB at the obedience class looks rather small and is possibly a mix.

Nic and Tristan Go Mega Dega! * Year: 2010 * Country: US * Breed content: Low

About skateboarding kids. Looks like the AB on the cover hardly appears in the actual film.

Northern Lights * Year: 2009 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: Low

A TV movie.

The Pooch and the Pauper (1999)

The Pooch and the Pauper * Year: 1999 * Country: US * Breed content: High

The same American Bulldog who starred in Homeward Bound II (above) plays a duel role in this Wonderful World of Disney TV movie inspired by the classic Mark Twain novel. This is the premier AB move besides the Homeward Bound films, though only ever commercially available on VHS.