Beethoven Dog Movie: Behind the Scenes
As an iconic film, “Beethoven” of course has some interesting stories. Here are some fun facts about the film and dog.
Beethoven wasn’t always going to be a Saint Bernard. Beethoven was originally written as a Golden Retriever, since Saint Bernards aren’t known for their agility. However, one of the film’s trainers, Karl Lewis Miller, was eager to use a Saint Bernard and put the breed in a positive light after an unflattering portrayal in “Cujo.”
Several dogs helped bring Beethoven to life. The character’s first portrayal was by a large Saint Bernard named Chris, but he had 12 doubles during filming!
The film caused the breed’s popularity to spike. After the release of Beethoven, the Saint Bernard enjoyed unprecedented popularity.
The moviewas a box officehit. The film grossed more than $147 million over the course of its release.
The script was written by a film legend under a pseudonym. Edmond Dantès, the title character of “The Count of Monte Cristo,” was credited as writing Beethoven. This was actually a pseudonym used by John Hughes, of ’80s film fame.
The original “Beethoven” movie gave rise to an entire series of films and spinoffs that continued to capture the imaginations of viewers. Some of the more commonly asked questions about the original and its sequels include:
Beethoven was released during the spring of 1992. Critically, reviews were mixed to negative. Audiences, however, were more enthusiastic, and the film went on to gross over $147 million at the box office.
What Kind of Dog Is Beethoven?
Beethoven was a Saint Bernard, a type of mountain dog. The Saint Bernard is a large working dog breed that hails from the Western Alps. The breed was originally developed for rescue work in the mountains along the border of Italy and Switzerland.
Saint Bernards are known for their large frames and sweet temperaments. They are truly “gentle giants” who look to please their families and those closest to them.
Beethoven bears all the calling cards of the Saint Bernard dog breed, both in appearance and in personality—well, for the most part. His large size and coat is emblematic of the breed, as is his drive to bond with his family. Some of his higher-energy antics, like the iconic scene where he ruins the barbecue, are a little out of character for the typically laid-back breed.
Why Saint Bernards Are So Loveable
Known to be loving and gentle despite its size, the Saint Bernard is an excellent family dog that gets along famously with children. A full-grown Saint Bernard can weigh up to a whopping 200 pounds and stand 27 inches tall.
Saint Bernards look adorable with their big floppy ears, droopy eyes, and long or short-haired coats that are red and white, brown and white, or brindle and white. These friendly, loving, and placid dogs are often called gentle giants, and for good reason. As a social dog, a Saint Bernard is at his happiest when he’s joining in on family fun.
Beethoven Dog Breed – Everything to Know About The Saint Bernard
In the early 1990s, a loveable new star hit the big screens everywhere and stole the hearts of millions. His name was Beethoven, and he was no human hero but rather a big, beloved Saint Bernard.
In Beethoven the movie, the Newton family adopted a Saint Bernard and named him after Ludwig Van Beethoven, and the rest is history! The big pooch got himself in plenty of trouble, for sure. But in the end, the Newtons realized what a gem they had and were so grateful they adopted him.
Sadly, the dog that played Beethoven in the movie, named Chris, went to doggie heaven after living 12 years here on earth, which is actually longer than most St. Bernards live.