Scruffy, fluffy and crossbreed canines are stealing the spotlight in TV, film, and media, and here at The Animal Talent, we’re absolutely smitten with them!
Scruffy dogs possess a unique appeal that makes them perfect for film and TV for several reasons:
Relatability & Emotional Connection:: Scruffy dogs often evoke feelings of warmth, familiarity, and authenticity. Their appearance resonates with audiences, mirroring the lovable pets found in many households. You don’t have to be posh to own a scruffy dog and therefore, anyone from any background can relate to the appearance.
Scruffy dogs have a way of tugging at heartstrings, eliciting emotions such as empathy and compassion. Their presence can add depth and emotional resonance to a scene with their lovable unkempt appearance, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. These aren’t dogs that have just stepped out of the grooming salon, they’re every-day, lovable rogues!
Authenticity: In an age where authenticity is highly valued, scruffy dogs bring a sense of realism to film and TV productions. Their natural and characterful appearances lend credibility to the narrative, creating a more immersive viewing experience for audiences.
Inclusivity: Scruffy dogs often symbolise inclusivity and acceptance, as many of them are mixed breeds without significant pedigree and often, mixed breeds come from rescue shelters. By featuring these dogs in film and TV, creators can promote themes of second chances and promote the overall benefits of dog adoption as opposed to bespoke pedigree breeding. To top it off, brands and products aligning themselves with mixed breed dogs, aren’t excluding any breed in particular; rather, they’re saying all breeds and all types are acceptable.
Scruffy dogs bring a unique blend of charm, relatability, and emotional depth to film and TV productions, making them invaluable assets to storytellers and audiences alike.
Mixed Breeds: A Rising Star
The surge in popularity of mixed breed dogs has injected a fresh dose of diversity into the dog acting industry. With their varied coats and colours, puppies from mixed breed matings bring a unique charm to screens big and small.
Appealing to both seasoned dog enthusiasts and those less familiar with specific pedigrees, mixed breed dogs are sometimes dubbed “Heinz 57” or “mongrels.” Their lineage may be a mystery, often rescued from uncertain backgrounds, but their individuality dazzles on stage and screen.
Here at The Animal Talent, as advocates of rescuing dogs we know what a significant asset training dogs for film and TV is; owners and handlers use training to bond with their rescue dog and increase their confidence in the new home and new environments. By working with rescue dogs, you’re promoting the amazing characters who have survived abandonment and tragedy and have gone through a rags to riches story. We just love to see rescue dogs shine.
Not all scruffy dogs and mixed breeds are rescue cases. Currently, one of the most sought-after crosses is with poodles, sometimes termed “doodles”. Whether it’s the Cavapoo, Labradoodle, Cockapoo or Goldendoodle (resulting from crosses with Cavaliers, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers respectively), these unique-looking pets are perfect for advertising, gracing editorial spreads, and representing brands on social media platforms or the silver screen.
It’s clear to see that people simply love the teddy bear appearance that we’ve been accustomed to with these poodle mixed breeds that have become so admired in recent years. It makes sense that these dogs are represented in popular culture; they’re universally loved!
Scruffy Pedigree Dogs: The Classics
Even among pedigrees, there are those with signature scruffy looks, depending on their grooming. Favourites include breeds like the Border Terrier, Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund, Schnauzer, Irish Wolfhound, Wirehaired Vizsla, Norfolk Terrier, and Norwich Terrier to name just a few. Some long-coated pedigrees, like the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese and Otterhound, can sport a scruffy appearance with the right styling.
What the Scruff?
Scruffy dogs aren’t just stealing hearts; they’re dominating screens. From heartwarming animal brand adverts to mainstream commercials for brands like Ford, Volkswagen, Pretty Little Thing and Vogue, scruffy pups are everywhere.
In the realm of entertainment, TV shows like the beloved CBeebies series featuring Waffle the Wonder Dog, a mixed breed sensation, have captured audiences, especially children. Films like “Hotel for Dogs,” “Benji,” and “Pup Star” capitalise on the undeniable cuteness of scruffy dogs, featuring talented pet actors each with their own unique mix of breeds.
Celebrating Mixed Breeds
Scruffts, the prestigious annual competition for mixed breed dogs hosted by Crufts and The Kennel Club, celebrates the diversity of canines across the UK while promoting responsible dog ownership. Many of the contestants, like our top models, are rescue dogs, proving that any dog, regardless of breed or background, can be a star.
Join the Scruffy Squad
If you have a well-trained canine companion ready to shine, don’t hesitate to reach out and join our community of animal lovers and talent enthusiasts at The Animal Talent. Fill out our registration form here.
Hire a scruffy dog
These adorable mixed breed and scruffy dogs are available for pet modelling, acting, and social media promotion. If you’re in need of a standout pooch for your media project, content creation, TV series or film, contact our expert dog handlers.
