Six famous dogs that are subliminally influencing you

New research has found that the popularity of dog breeds is linked to their on-screen success. Some particularly influential pooches on TV and cinema screens include…

Lassie

In 1943, Lassie Come Home sparked a collie craze which intensified as further films and a TV series followed. In each episode our hero found a new way to save her young master’s life.

The Artist

Following the 2012 release of silent movie The Artist, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home reported that the number of people searching its website for Jack Russell terriers had more than doubled.

Dulux

The ‘Dulux dog’ first appeared in 1961. In 2011 (after a 15-year absence) a 34kg Old English sheepdog called Madison breathed life back into the shaggy mascot, prompting a revival in demand.

Legally Blond

Throughout the Noughties the Legally Blonde films spurred on the breeding of the pint-sized Chihuahua breed made popular by celebrity-owners including Paris Hilton and Hilary Duff.

Beethoven

The 1992 film Beethoven gave a boost to the already popular St Bernard – in the 1993 sequel, Beethoven’s 2nd, the pup stars grew so quickly that over 100 were used during filming.

101 Dalmatians

After the release of 101 Dalmatians in 1996, American animal shelters blamed an increase in unwanted Dalmatian pups on misleading cuddly portrayals in the Disney animated movie.