Strongheart, superstar dog of the silent screen

Strongheart, a German Shepherd who became the first dog movie star, helped to begin the country’s love for the German Shepherd dog which continues to this day.

He was born in Germany in 1917 to a carefully bred line. After being trained to be a attack dog, he was assigned to the German military.

Meanwhile American film director and animal trainer Laurence Trimble and his wife, Jane Murfin, a screenwriter, had been searching in Europe for a dog to appear in American films. When they came across the 3-year-old, 135 pound German Shepherd dog, they knew they had found a dog with star quality.

A major problem was that Strongheart had been trained as an attack dog and had not been socialized with human beings. Fortunately Trimble was a patient trainer since it took months to retrain him to forget his harsh military training. Trimble kept the dog by his side, continually rewarding him for good behavior until finally his sweet personality emerged and he became a well trained, socialized animal.

His first movie, The Silent Call, 1921, made him an overnight star. He did all of his own stunts in every movie. His movies were short on plot, but long on dog heroics.

When he traveled to make personal appearances he was greeted by crowds of adoring fans. He went on to appear in five other silent movies during the 20’s and found the doggie equivalent of love with his co-star, Lady Jule, a female German Shepherd dog. They produced many litters including pups who would sire movie stars themselves.

At the height of his career he was burned by a studio light. The burn became a tumor and he died in 1929.Two grandsons, Lightning and Silver King, went on to star in movies during the 1930’s.

His popularity led to the production of Strongheart Dog Food, which is still available today. Strongheart is one of three dogs to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along with Rin Tin Tin and Lassie.

Comments

[jackie]

wow...I have never heard of this dog before..thanks

[Big_Dave_T]

Looks like Tin Tin Tin. Never heard of him though. He was before my time. I always was a fan of the Littlest Hobo. Can even sing the theme song.

[Khyra]

Thanks fur sharing this one!

MY MY: THE EARS!

[Teds A Dog Ball Launcher Fan]

German Shepards are the king of dogs.

[jan]

Yes, earlier GSD's seem to have a bit of a rabbit about the ears, but the hips look better than today's show dogs.

[Dr. Liz]

Cool!

[cube]

Thanks for that. I have a soft spot in my heart for German Shepherds (I have had five in my life), but I had never even heard of Strongheart. He sounds like a wonderful dog. He'd probably like my Elke who is a svelte 102 pounds last time she was weighed.

[Anne Gibert]

What a great story!

[About German shepherd Dog]

great post. Much about Strong heart has still not been mentioned, though.