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A popular breed in their native Finland, the Karelian Bear Dog gained international fame for patrolling in major parks in North America and Japan with their handlers to reduce conflicts between park guests and bears. These hunting dogs are now keeping the peace between humans and wildlife. In film work they are rare, although surely appear in some Finnish movies. Let us know if you see any!
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.
Vesegonskaya volchitsa * AKA: A Wolf from Vesyegonsk * Year: 2004 * Country: Russia * Breed content: Medium
A juvenile Karelian Bear Dog hunts for wolves until hunter becomes hunted. The dog meets an early end but the wolves get a lot of screen time. DVD only available in Europe and the UK.
Know more Karelian Bear Dog movies? Please send info to moviedogs@gmail.com. Thank you!
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You can see different types of Laikas in many Russian films, though they can be hard to spot and identify. This list includes the West Siberian, East Siberian, and Russo-European Laika. Recommendations for additions are welcome!
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.
Druzhok * AKA: Little Friends * Year: 1958 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: Low
There are dozens of background dogs in one scene, a couple of which appear to be Laikas. The starring dog is a mixed-breed of a Laika/Spaniel type.
Farkas * AKA: Wolf * Year: 2007 * Country: Russia * Breed content: Low
Looks like West Siberian Laikas in a few brief scenes.
Nedopesok Napoleon III / Недопесок Наполеон III AKA: Polar Fox Napoleon III * Year: 1979 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: Low
Of the many dogs, mostly mixed-breeds, seen in this film about a fox escaping from a fur farm, one or two appear to be Laikas.
Rys vykhodit na tropu * Year: 1983 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: High
In this sequel to Tropoy beskorystoy lyubvi, man and lynx return with a new canine companion when Rys adopts a Russo-European Laika puppy. DVD available in the UK (linked).
Seryy razboynik * AKA: The Grey Robber * Year: 1957 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: Medium
Mostly about a mother wolf and her pup, but there is an East Siberian Laika seen as a puppy and adult.
Tropoy beskorystoy lyubvi * Year: 1972 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: High
A East Siberian Laika costars with a man and a lynx. DVD available in the UK (linked).
Zloy dukh Yambuya * AKA: The Evil Spirit of Yambuy * Year: 1979 * Country: Soviet Union * Breed content: High
A wilderness thriller which greatly features dogs and one starring West Siberian Laika in particular.
Know more Laika movies? Please send info to moviedogs@gmail.com. Thank you!
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The coyote is one of North America’s most persecuted mammals, relentlessly hunted, trapped, and poisoned to this day. They are also one of the most adaptable and intelligent. In the 1960s and 1970s Walt Disney Pictures made a series of coyote films with their animal trainers’ socialized coyotes which highlighted both this persecution and unique qualities of a maligned wild canine. Many films below are from Disney’s anthology series, sometimes called the Wonderful World of Color or Magical World of Disney depending on date, but generally remembered as The Wonderful World of Disney.
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.
The Beast of Yucca Flats * Year: 1961 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
This B movie shows a coyote tied up at a roadside exhibit.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua * Year: 2008 * Country: Mexico/US * Coyote content: Low
This very nervous-looking coyote plays a “coyote”. Only in one quick scene.
The Big Bus * Year: 1976 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
A satire of the popular disaster films of the time, and still funny if you are familiar with those types of old movies, the story follows a nuclear bus made by Coyote Bus Line (spoofing the Greyhound logo) called the Cyclopes 180. In one scene a real coyote is led through a crowd, including marching band. The coyote is clearly terrified, trying to escape the leash in this thankfully brief scene.
Carlo, The Sierra Coyote * Year: 1974 * Country: US * Coyote content: High
A lonely coyote befriends a lonely woman who believes in feeding wildlife in this Wonderful World of Disney TV movie.
Chico, The Misunderstood Coyote * Year: 1961 * Country: US * Coyote content: High
Depressing for a Disney film, with Chico struggling for his life against ranchers, hunters, and a roadside zoo owner from beginning to end.
The City Fox * Year: 1972 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Coyote in the San Francisco zoo.
Concho, the Coyote Who Wasn’t * Year: 1966 * Country: US * Coyote content: High
Another persecuted coyote in a Wonderful World of Disney film, this one with ambitions to be a sheepdog.
A Country Coyote Goes Hollywood * Year: 1965 * Country: US * Coyote content: High
Lots of unique coyote footage in this Disney film.
Courage of Lassie * Year: 1946 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Only a glimpse along with much other wildlife.
Deacon, the High Noon Dog * Year: 1975 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Coyote in one scene, while a wolf plays a central part. The main two dogs are small mixed-breeds.
A Dog’s Way Home * Year: 2019 * Country: US * Coyote content: See note
The coyote pack is played by dogs and CGI, without real coyotes.
Greta, The Misfit Greyhound * Year: 1963 * Country: US * Coyote content: Medium
A disturbing Wonderful World of Disney film in which a Greyhound chases down, trips, and attacks coyotes. Also with a Border Collie.
Harley’s Hill * Year: 2013 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Only one scene with a coyote.
The Journey of Natty Gann * Year: 1985 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
The star wolf (played by Jed) fights away coyotes from a chicken coop, then is blamed for the threat.
The Jungle Book * Year: 1942 * Country: UK/US * Coyote content: Low
A glimpse of coyotes playing the jackal “Tabaqui”. Stressed out wolves get much more screen time. The coyotes had to be tied down on the jungle-decorated soundstage to get this shot.
King of the Grizzlies * Year: 1970 * Country: Canada/US * Coyote content: Low
The Legend of Cougar Canyon * Year: 1976 * Country: US * Coyote content: See note
This has a wolf, but an odd-looking wolf with very large ears and a cinnamon muzzle. Possibly coyote cross?
The Missing * Year: 2003 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Mountain Born * Year: 1972 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Also featuring wolves and two Border Collies.
The Nashville Coyote * Year: 1972 * Country: US * Coyote content: High
One of the best of the series of Walt Disney coyote movies, in which the coyote in question actually has fun for at least part of the time and manages to befriend some of the humans and canines he encounters—even if many others want to hunt him down!
Nomads of the North * Year: 1920 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Many wild animals were filmed on set for atmosphere in this first movie adaptation of the classic James Oliver Curwood novel. The coyote is only seen for a moment.
Off the Map * Year: 2003 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Ramrod * Year: 1947 * Country: US * Coyote content: See note
After earning $100 for his coyote’s appearance in Smoky (see below), Teg Riggs found another job for Butch in Ramrod, filmed around Zion National Park. The production team needed Butch’s collar off to film so they replaced it with a thin wire around one leg. Butch escaped this on the first evening and made his way to a nearby poultry yard where he was shot by a turkey farmer. No footage of him made it into Ramrod, but you can see him below.
Scenic Route * Year: 2013 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Smoke * Year: 1970 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Based on a novel about a boy and German Shepherd Dog. Never commercially released on DVD.
Smoky * Year: 1946 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
In the summer of 1945 a government hunter in Arizona named Teg Riggs adopted a coyote he called Butch. Butch lived on a 20-foot chain for much of his short life, but one day landed a movie part in which all he had to do was crouch in the long grass, thereby frightening the title character: “Smoky” the horse. This is the only shot of Butch in the film, but he was contracted for another movie part in Ramrod (see above).
Their Only Chance * Year: 1975 * Country: US * Coyote content: Medium
Want to see a coyote riding a motorcyle? You’ve come to the right place! In this rare film a young man rescues injured and orphaned wild animals, including his pet coyote, “Nuisance”.
Werewolf of London * Year: 1935 * Country: US * Coyote content: Low
Only a glimpse at the zoo. Also wolves.
Know more Coyote movies? Please send info to moviedogs@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Need a wolf for your film? Why not try a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog? Talk about typecasting! It seems no CW has ever played herself on the big screen—but almost exclusively her wild cousin.
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.
Alpha * Year: 2018 * Country: US * Breed content: High
Chuck, along with several others and CGI, plays the title role.
Hanna * Year: 2011 * Country: Germany/UK/US * Breed content: Low
Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs as wolf puppies.
Jack London’s Son of the Wolf * AKA: Son of the Wolf * Year: 2024 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
This film is so egregious even diehard CW enthusiasts are advised not to watch any more than it takes to fast-forward for the dog scenes only.
L’anno mille * Year: 2008 * Country: Italy * Breed content: Low
Low-budget fantasy melodrama with a vicious “wolf”.
Le Pacte des loups * AKA: Brotherhood of the Wolf * Year: 2001 * Country: France * Breed content: Low
Also features a real wolf.
Mein Freund der Wolf * Year: 1999 * Country: Germany * Breed content: Medium
A pack of captive wolves played by CWs.
The Man-Eating Wolves of Gysinge * Year: 2005 * Country: UK * Breed content: Medium
Dramatization film from a three-part British TV series, this episode inspired by rare wolf attacks on humans in Sweden in the 1820s.
Survivre avec les loups * AKA: Surviving with Wolves * Year: 2007 * Country: Belgium/France/Germany * Breed content: Low
There are real wolves as well. Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs play the puppies. This movie is famed for being based on a memoir that the author revealed was really fictitious soon after the film adaptation was released.
Vlad * Year: 2003 * Country: US * Breed content: Unknown
Know more Czechoslovakian Wolfdog movies? Please send info to moviedogs@gmail.com. Thank you!
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The Alaskan Malamute does not have a reputation for being a “trick” dog, but can be seen in many wilderness/adventure films portraying wolves and wolf-dogs. Sometimes they even play Alaskan Malamutes! (Also see Wolf Hybrids for Malamute mixes, including Clint Rowe’s celebrated Jed.)
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.
Against the Wild * Year: 2014 * Country: Canada * Breed content: High
Long-coat Malamute, Newman plays “Chinook” in a starring role.
Against the Wild II: Survive the Serengeti * Year: 2016 * Country: Canada/South Africa * Breed content: Medium
With a different Mal than the prequel, and in a smaller part. A third installment is called Hero Dog (see below).
Back to God’s Country * Year: 1953 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
One of many movies based on the James Oliver Curwood’s Kazan and Baree novels, this one casts a fawn Great Dane as the central wolf-dog character and uses Malamutes for the wolves and in sled teams in which speed is of the essence. Because, why not?
Cats & Dogs * Year: 2001 * Country: Australia/US * Breed content: Low
Among the many background dogs.
The Chechahcos * Year: 1924 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Dozens of sled dogs throughout the film and several clear shots of Alaskan Malamutes, Canadian Inuit Dogs, Chinooks, and possibly other types or mixes. Adorable scene with Chinooks at a little after 40 minutes.
Darling Companion * Year: 2012 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
“Freeway” is a mixed-breed, but there are many others in background roles throughout. Producer Elizabeth Redleaf was so taken with the Belgian Laekenois appearing in this film, she adopted one of his relatives—a dog by the name of Albert.
Die blutigen Geier von Alaska AKA: The Bloody Vultures of Alaska * Year: 1973 * Country: West Germany/Yugoslavia * Breed content: Medium
This Euro-Western, in the style of a Jack London novel, features a GSD as well as Siberian Husky and Malamute sled dogs. Released in North America as Hellhounds of Alaska.
Dog Lover’s Symphony * Year: 2006 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Lots of screen time devoted to the agility class and dog training, where you’ll see many breeds. The Malamute is not until the end credits.
Eight Below * Year: 2006 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
An American remake of the Japanese film Antarctica. Siberian Huskies get the most screen time, but there are two Mal wheel dogs, the gray and white “Shadow” and red and white “Buck”.
Flight of the Navigator * Year: 1986 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Main dog is an Australian Shepherd. Others seen in the opening credits.
Giubbe rosse AKA: Red Coats * Year: 1975 * Country: Italy * Breed content: Medium
This Euro-Western features many dogs, but Malamutes are the primary sled dog. Also released under an array of titles including: Cormack of the Mounties, Killers of the Savage North, Redcoat, and Royal Mounted Police.
Harpy * Year: 1971 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Hero Dog: The Journey Home * AKA: Against The Wild III: The Journey Home * Year: 2021 * Country: Canada * Breed content: High
In this third Against the Wild film “Chinook” is now played by Iikona.
Ice Palace * Year: 1960 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Iron Will * Year: 1994 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Most of the dogs in this film are Siberian Huskies, but you’ll also see Alaskan Huskies and Malamutes.
Kayla * AKA: Kayla: A Cry in the Wilderness * Year: 1986 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Based on the novel Three Dog Winter by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk.
L’arbre de Noël * AKA: The Christmas Tree * Year: 1969 * Country: France/Italy * Breed content: Low
Also released as When Wolves Cry in an English dub, this film features real wolves along with German Shepherd Dogs and Malamutes doubling for them.
Lefty, the Dingaling Lynx * Year: 1971 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
A Wonderful World of Disney TV movie in which a dog sled team is led in a race by an … Irish Setter. Most of the sled dogs are Siberian Huskies, but there are a few Malamutes in the kennel and the race.
Legend of the White Horse * AKA: Biały smok * Year: 1987 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Dog in one scene at the beginning. Based on the novel White Horse, Dark Dragon by Robert C. Fleet.
The Lost Boys * Year: 1987 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Lost in Alaska * AKA: Abbott and Costello Lost in Alaska * Year: 1952 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Two small teams of Malamutes look very uncomfortable on the sound stage where this was filmed. Besides the teams and lead dog “Gloria” there are several other dogs featured.
Lost in the Barrens * Year: 1990 * Country: Canada * Breed content: Low
A couple of Mals play wolves toward the end of this film. Based on the young adult novel by Farley Mowat, author of Never Cry Wolf.
Misa Mi * Year: 2003 * Country: Sweden * Breed content: Medium
With real wolves, plus Malamutes as wolf puppies.
Mrs. Mike * Year: 1949 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
My Own Private Idaho * Year: 1991 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Several dogs in the house, including a Malamute running past the stairs.
Nankyoku monogatari * AKA: Antarctica * Year: 1983 * Country: Japan * Breed content: High
Based on the stunning true story of fifteen Sakhalin Huskies trapped alone on Antarctica for a year in 1957-58. Only one of the sled dogs in Nankyoku monogatari is a Malamute, but “Riki” leads the pack in a starring role. Although leaving a lot to be desired when it comes to animal welfare, this remains one of the greatest dog films ever made.
Night of the Wolf * Year: 2002 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
A TV movie originally aired on Animal Planet in 2002. Malamute puppies play wolf puppies.
Nikki: Wild Dog of the North * Year: 1961 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: High
If you only see one Malamute movie make it this one. Based on the novel Nomads of the North by James Oliver Curwood and the biggest role for a Mal on film.
Northwest Stampede * Year: 1948 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Starring Flame, MGM’s famed German Shepherd star, with other dogs playing wolves.
On Deadly Ground * Year: 1994 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Savage Sam * Year: 1963 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Sequel to Old Yeller.
Show Dogs * Year: 2018 * Country: UK/US * Breed content: Low
Over 60 breeds seen throughout the film. The Malamute is on a grooming table
Silent Hunter * Year: 1995 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: Low
Sparkle and Tooter * Year: 2009 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Again, Mal puppies as wolf puppies.
Strategic Air Command * Year: 1955 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Summer with the Ghosts * AKA: Sommer mit den Burggespenstern * Year: 2003 * Country: Austria/Canada * Breed content: Medium
“Hannibal” is played by Balou.
The Thing From Another World * Year: 1951 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Malamutes in the sled team of the expedition that discovers the Thing. Cute shot of the men and dogs on a plane together.
To Build a Fire * Year: 1969 * Country: UK * Breed content: High
Based on the Jack London short story. The dog, “Pepper”, is the star of the show, turning in an inspired performance, and either a Malamute or a Mal/Siberian Husky mix.
To the South Pole for Science * Year: 1957 * Country: UK * Breed content: Low
Disney documentary-style film with some sled dogs and shots of a Malamute.
Werewolf of London * Year: 1935 * Country: UK * Breed content: Low
There are wolves at the zoo and in one shot a Malamute instead of a wolf, presumably because the wolves were so shy and hiding.
White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf * Year: 1994 * Country: US * Breed content: High
A Malamute in makeup takes over the role of White Fang in this sequel to the 1991 version of the Jack London novel, in which the lead was played by famed wolf-dog, Jed. There are also real wolves.
The Wild Country * Year: 1970 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Also with a real wolf who was so overheated during production he refused to work for the trainer and escaped the set.
The Wild North * Year: 1952 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Wolves, of course.
The Year of the Dog * Year: 2022 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Maybe the only movie about canine weight-pull competitions. The main dog is a Siberian Husky, but a Malamute is featured as a pulling champion.
Know more Alaskan Malamute movies? Please send info to moviedogs@gmail.com. Thank you!
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