Though not as popular as the Border Collie in movies today, the Australian Shepherd can still be seen in dozens of films. Most notably, there were two Aussie stars of early Hollywood: Bunk appeared in many westerns with Jack Hoxie in the 1920s and into the 1930s. And Tuffy—trained by cowboy Ger Orvedahl—was also an Australian Shepherd, or possible Aussie/Collie mix. Also see Miniature Australian Shepherd movies.
12 Dog Days Till Christmas
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- ★
- Chihuahua
- ★
- Chinese Crested
- ★
- Labrador Retriever
- ★
- Pit Pull
- ★
12 Dogs of Christmas
- Brittany
- ★★
- Alaskan Husky
- ★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Saint Bernard
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
- Boxer
- ★
- Chihuahua
- ★
- Cocker Spaniel
- ★
- Dalmatian
- ★
- English Springer Spaniel
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog
- ★
- Golden Retriever
- ★
- Great Pyrenees
- ★
- Siberian Husky
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
Dozens of dogs.
A Dog’s Journey
- Mixed Breed
- ★★★
- Mastiff
- ★
- Irish Wolfhound
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Shetland Sheepdog
- ★
- Poodle
- ★
- Irish Setter
- ★
- Chinese Crested
- ★
- Yorkshire Terrier
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
- Miniature American Shepherd
- ★
- Bulldog
- ★
- Dalmatian
- ★
- Doodle
- ★
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
Mostly starring mixed breeds, including Odin who plays the first “Bailey,” and “Molly” a Beagle/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross, but with dozens of canines of all shapes and sizes. After working with the dubious Birds & Animals Unlimited in the prequel, these dogs come from excellent, humane training team Canine Costars of Canada, headed by Bonnie Judd. (The Sheltie is only in deleted scenes doing agility.)
A Gold Medal Winning Tramp Dog
or 金牌流浪狗
- Border Collie
- ★★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Belgian Malinois
- ★
About a Border Collie, though other dogs can be seen at the disc dog competitions.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.
or Ace Ventura 3
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
Across the Great Divide
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
The main dog appears to be a black and tan Aussie, though possibly a mix. Also wolves.
Air Bud: World Pup
- Golden Retriever
- ★★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Miniature American Shepherd
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog
- ★
- Australian Cattle Dog
- ★
- Basenji
- ★
- Belgian Malinois
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Boxer
- ★
- Briard
- ★
- Collie (rough)
- ★
- Dalmatian
- ★
- English Springer Spaniel
- ★
- Parson Russell Terrier
- ★
- Rottweiler
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
All Roads Lead Home
- Border Collie
- ★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Boston Terrier
- ★
- Pug
- ★
- Siberian Husky
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
- Toy Fox Terrier
- ★
- Golden Retriever
- ★
- Pit Pull
- ★
- Boxer
- ★
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- ★
- Japanese Chin
- ★
- Papillon
- ★
- Bulldog
- ★
With the exception of the Border Collies and red and white Boston Terrier, all the dogs in this film can be seen only in quick glimpses, many in the final scene, including the Bulldog lying in a dog run and the Japanese Chin in a girl’s lap.
Almost Normal
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
The Animal
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Labrador Retriever
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Jack Russell Terrier
- ★
- West Highland White Terrier
- ★
- Bloodhound
- ★
- Bulldog
- ★
Bailey’s Billion$
or Bailey’s Billions
- Golden Retriever
- ★★★
- Border Collie
- ★★
- Miniature American Shepherd
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Border Terrier
- ★
- Briard
- ★
- Brittany
- ★
- Italian Greyhound
- ★
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- ★
- Poodle
- ★
- Yorkshire Terrier
- ★
- Border Terrier
- ★
- Schnauzer
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog
- ★
- Brittany
- ★
- Clumber Spaniel
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
Bark Ranger
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
- Jack Russell Terrier
- ★
Bark!
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
- American Bulldog
- ★
A woman believes she is a dog. Not much seen of actual dogs, but a notable role for an Australian Shepherd.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3
or Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta!
- Chihuahua
- ★★★
- Akita
- ★
- American Eskimo Dog
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Border Terrier
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
- Basset Hound
- ★
Born to Run
or Harness Fever
- Australian Cattle Dog
- ★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
From a Wonderful World of Disney TV film.
Brokeback Mountain
- Australian Cattle Dog
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
A couple of Australian Cattle Dogs accompany the cowboys at the beginning of the film, plus one shot of an Aussie. More extended footage of the dogs was cut during editing.
Cow Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
A short film precursor to Stub: The Best Cowdog in the West (below).
Daniel and the Superdogs
- Borzoi
- ★★
- Parson Russell Terrier
- ★★
- Berger Picard
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Labrador Retriever
- ★
- Saint Bernard
- ★
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- ★
- Bearded Collie
- ★
- Bulldog
- ★
- Norwich Terrier
- ★
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- ★
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- ★
- Shetland Sheepdog
- ★
- Golden Retriever
- ★
- Poodle
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Collie (rough)
- ★
- Yorkshire Terrier
- ★
- Rottweiler
- ★
- Belgian Sheepdog
- ★
- Schipperke
- ★
- Whippet
- ★
- Boston Terrier
- ★
- Papillon
- ★
- Irish Setter
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
Darling Companion
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
- Belgian Laekenois
- ★
- Alaskan Malamute
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- ★
- Bloodhound
- ★
- Vizsla
- ★
- Rottweiler
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog
- ★
- Belgian Malinois
- ★
- Labrador Retriever
- ★
- Australian Kelpie
- ★
- Golden Retriever
- ★
“Freeway” is the main dog, also seen in Monster Mutt (2011). Many others with background parts. 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.
The Demon
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
Featuring Bunk.
Dog Lover’s Symphony
- Labrador Retriever
- ★★★
- Belgian Tervuren
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Miniature Pinscher
- ★
- Poodle
- ★
- American Eskimo Dog
- ★
- Parson Russell Terrier
- ★
- Havanese
- ★
- Basset Hound
- ★
- Dalmatian
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog
- ★
- Silky Terrier
- ★
- Golden Retriever
- ★
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- ★
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- ★
- Pug
- ★
- Great Dane
- ★
- Mastiff
- ★
- West Highland White Terrier
- ★
- Akita
- ★
- Samoyed
- ★
- English Springer Spaniel
- ★
- Large Munsterlander
- ★
- Chihuahua
- ★
- Doberman Pinscher
- ★
- Alaskan Malamute
- ★
- Shetland Sheepdog
- ★
- Weimaraner
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
With a dog training school in the film you see dozens of dogs working in the background and doing agility. Unsure about a few of these, like the Silky that could be a large Yorkie. The Akita might be a mix. And the ungroomed bunch of Havanese might also be something else. A few of these, like the Malamute and Doberman, only appear in the credits.
Doggie B
or Doggie Boogie
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
Early to Bed
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Bedlington Terrier
- unconfirmed
A Tuffy film. Also supposedly a Bedlington.
Familiar Strangers
- English Springer Spaniel
- ★★
- Golden Retriever
- ★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
Famous Five
or Fünf Freunde
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
Launching a modern German remake of the world-renowned Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. “Timmy” is the fifth of the Famous Five group which solve mysteries and have adventures together.
Famous Five 2
or Fünf Freunde 2
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
In previous Famous Five films and TV adaptations, “Timmy” has been played by German Shepherd Dogs, Border Collies, and mixed breeds. These newest films cast Coffey, a tri-colored Australian Shepherd trained by Gordon Krei.
Famous Five 3
or Fünf Freunde 3
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
Famous Five 4
or Fünf Freunde 4
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
The Fighting Peacemaker
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
The Fighting Three
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
Finding Friends
or Venner for livet
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
A handsome tri-color in a main role.
Flight of the Navigator
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
- Alaskan Malamute
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Bearded Collie
- ★
- Poodle
- ★
- Belgian Tervuren
- ★
- Labrador Retriever
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog (1980s)
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog (white)
- ★
- English Springer Spaniel
- ★
- Golden Retriever
- ★
- Whippet
- ★
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
Main dog is an Australian Shepherd. Others seen in the opening credits.
Fluke
- Golden Retriever
- ★★★
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
Starring a Golden played by Comet, and a Saint Bernard mix. Fluke’s mother is an Aussie. (A genetic miracle since “Fluke” is a Golden Retriever.)
Hidden Loot
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
Kermit’s Swamp Years
- Mixed Breed
- ★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
“Pilgrim” is a mixed breed played half by Ringo and half by puppets. “Roth” the Aussie has only one scene and the Toy Poodle is a puppet.
The Last Chance Detectives: Escape from Fire Lake
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
Third in a trilogy of TV movies.
The Last Chance Detectives: Legend of the Desert Bigfoot
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
Second of a trilogy, in which “Jake,” a tri-colored Aussie, is introduced as a main character.
Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
Marley and Me
- Labrador Retriever
- ★★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- American Bulldog
- ★
- Australian Cattle Dog
- ★
- Cocker Spaniel
- ★
- Doberman Pinscher
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
- Poodle
- ★
- Newfoundland
- ★
- Doodle
- ★
- Collie (rough)
- ★
- Siberian Husky
- ★
- Weimaraner
- ★
- German Shepherd Dog
- ★
- Bulldog
- ★
- Rottweiler
- ★
- Boxer
- ★
- Dalmatian
- ★
- Golden Retriever
- ★
- Miniature Pinscher
- ★
Beyond the Labrador Retrievers, dozens of dogs are seen in obedience class, at the beach, etc. The Newfoundland is a Landseer.
Marmaduke
- Afghan Hound
- ★
- Great Dane
- ★★★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
- Beauceron
- ★★
- Akita
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
Great Dane is supported by many other dogs, including Beauceron villain, Australian Shepherd girlfriend, and Afghan Hounds as classic cheerleader stereotypes watching jocks in this unfunny comedy.
The Mighty Treve
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
Tuffy’s largest starring role, based on the novel Treve by Albert Payson Terhune, best known for Lad: A Dog. Unfortunately, The Mighty Treve has never be released for home viewing.
Napoli Dogs
or Napoli Dogs – Ein Hundeleben in Neapel
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
- Bedlington Terrier
- ★★
- Mixed Breed
- ★★★
Not a feature film but a short (50min) from the long-running Austrian nature series Universum. Most Universum shows are documentaries, though this little gem is docufiction about Italian street dogs. The Aussie star is portraying mutt “Bartolo.”
Old Hutch
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
A rare Tuffy film.
Phantom Gold
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
Some of Tuffy’s main roles were with Jack Luden for Columbia: Phantom Gold, Pioneer Trail, Rolling Caravans, and Stagecoach Days. None of these are available on DVD.
Pioneer Trail
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
See Phantom Gold.
Play Dead
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
A short film about what happens to dogs during the zombie apocalypse. Available online.
The Rambling Ranger
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
One of Bunk’s films. Image link is for a paperback novelization only, not a DVD.
Red Hot Leather
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
Ridgeway of Montana
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
Rolling Caravans
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
See Phantom Gold.
Rose of the Rancho
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
A Tuffy film.
Rough and Ready
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
A Bunk film.
Run, Appaloosa, Run
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
Maybe the best Aussie movie out there. “Silver” fights cougars, rescues horses, battles bulls, and saves the day in an epic race. Not a true feature, but a 50min movie from The Wonder World of Disney TV series.
Santa Buddies
- Golden Retriever
- ★★★
- Great Pyrenees
- ★★★
- Jack Russell Terrier
- ★★
- Bloodhound
- ★
- West Highland White Terrier
- ★
- Papillon
- ★
- Bulldog
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
- Bullmastiff
- ★
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Boston Terrier
- ★
- Shih Tzu
- ★
- Chihuahua
- ★
- Poodle
- ★
- Puli
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
Hard to tell what all the shelter dogs are, especially puppies. The only dogs to have more than a quick scene or fleeting glance are the first three listed.
Shepherd of the Hills
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
Show Dogs
- Afghan Hound
- ★
- Alaskan Malamute
- ★
- American Eskimo Dog
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
- Basset Hound
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
- Belgian Malinois
- ★
- Belgian Tervuren
- ★
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- ★
- Bichon Frise
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Borzoi
- ★
- Boxer
- ★
- Bulldog
- ★
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- ★
- Chihuahua
- ★
- Chinese Crested
- ★
- Chow Chow
- ★
- Collie (rough)
- ★
- Dachshund
- ★
- Dalmatian
- ★
- Doberman Pinscher
- ★
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- ★
With at least 63 different breeds represented, this film has multiple listings on Reel Dogs so that no single list takes up a full page! Here is A to D.
Stagecoach Days
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
See Phantom Gold.
Stub: The Best Cowdog in the West
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★★
Another Wonderful World of Disney TV movie. This one about Jay Sisler’s dogs.
The Thorn Birds
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Australian Kelpie
- ★
- Australian Cattle Dog
- ★
- Mixed Breed
- ★
This is a miniseries and technically out of the scope of Reel Dogs, which doesn’t deal with TV shows or animation. However, you can watch it like a very long movie and there’s some interesting canine content here. The dogs at the sheep ranch are in multiple scenes and appear in great quantities.
The Trail of the Lonesome Pine
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
Tuffy was gaining so much attention for his performances that a role was written into this film just for him, though the original script didn’t have a dog.
Two Bits & Pepper
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
A single shot with a couple of Aussies in the back of a pickup.
The Western Whirlwind
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
A Bunk film.
White God
or Fehér isten
- Mixed Breed
- ★★★
- German Shepherd Dog
- ★
- Dutch Shepherd
- ★
- Australian Cattle Dog
- ★
- Rottweiler
- ★
- Labrador Retriever
- ★
- Australian Shepherd
- ★
- Beauceron
- ★
- Jack Russell Terrier
- ★
- Greyhound
- ★
- Doberman Pinscher
- ★
- Belgian Malinois
- ★
- Border Collie
- ★
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- ★
- Pit Bull
- ★
- Dalmatian
- ★
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- ★
- Cane Corso
- ★
- Boxer
- ★
- Vizsla
- ★
- Australian Kelpie
- ★
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- ★
- Belgian Sheepdog
- ★
- Beagle
- ★
280 dogs worked in this film. “Hagen,” played by brothers trained by Teresa Miller, is the star.
The White Outlaw
- Australian Shepherd
- ★★
One of Bunk’s few films readily available on DVD. Besides the Aussie, this silent movie features a real wolf.
The Wild Horse Stampede
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
With Bunk.
Within These Walls
- Australian Shepherd
- unconfirmed
- Labrador Retriever
- unconfirmed
- English Springer Spaniel
- unconfirmed