2008 was the Year of the Dog; from the White House with the Obama's future pooch, to the bookshelf where Edgar Sawtell and his dogs ruled the best seller list, to the box office where Marley romps our way on Wednesday. So in honor of his debut, we're giving you our Top 10 Movie Dogs of all time.
10) Beethoven - Beethoven (1992)
He was adorable as a puppy, but then lost his charm as he grew up... and made seven sequels. He ruined the house and Charles Grodin's career in one go. Still, he's huge dog comedy at it's purest.
9) Bruiser - Legally Blonde (2001)
Bruiser was the perfect accessory in Elle Wood's world of perfect accessories. As the best dressed dog in all of cinema, he became a fashion icon for dogs everywhere.
8) Hercules "The Beast"- Sandlot (1993)
Despite rumors he ate intruders in his junkyard, Hercules won us over in the end with one lick of Small's face.
7) Verdell - As Good As It Gets (1997)
You would have thought it would take a Mastiff to steal scenes from the legendary Jack, but this tea cup pup was able to with just the tilt of his fuzzy head and helped to melt the icy heart of Nicholson's Melvin. Heck, the dog even shared the poster with him.
6) Hooch - Turner & Hooch (1989)
Since his debut in '89, aspiring K9 film stars have studied Hooch's work as a classic example of the 'destroy your owner's home in a slap-stick montage.' He helped give Hanks the acting chops needed to later co-star with a volleyball.
5. Cujo - Cujo (1983)
While this list is celebrating the cute and cuddly, we've reserved a spot for the rabid and terrifying. Cujo might be the most chilling cold blooded killer on four legs.
4) Lady and Tramp - Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Only Disney could make a film staring two dogs and have it become one of the most romantic films of all time. You never ate spaghetti the same way again.
3. Einstein in 'Back to the Future'
Ein-y bravely volunteered to be the test pilot on the Dolorean's initial ride through time...thus making time travel possible (take that flux capacitor!). And as a plot point, he warned Doc and Marty of the approaching Libyans. That heads up helped save Marty's life.
2. Toto - Wizard of Oz (1925), Lassie - Lassie Come Home (1943), Old Yeller - Old Yeller (1957)
The Rat Pack in Dog Pack form. Toto, the original movie star dog (he is mentioned in the most famous movie quote ever after all). Lassie could quite possibly be the most heroic character in film. And Old Yeller had the most dramatic death scene in the history of movies. Getting shot by his own child owner gives him more cred than 50 Cent.
And the Top Dog?
1) Baxter - Anchorman (2004)
He's practically indestructible. Ron Burgundy's rock. He's multilingual (speaking English, Spanish and Bear), wears pajamas to match Ron's, and saves the lives of the entire Channel Four News Team.
