Man's best friend has long been a mainstay of all types of movies, dating back at least to the screwball mysteries of the 1930s (Asta, the Wire fox terrier in the Thin Man movies) but it wasn't until the 1970s that dogs began playing prominent roles in horror movies. Their more dangerous capabilities were highlighted initially in fright flicks like The Pack and Zoltan, Hound of Dracula.
While a lovable St. Bernard made for a chilling, unexpected villain in 1983's great Cujo, in recent years the more heroic nature of dogs has come to the forefront in horror movies. Somehow, the furry four-legged creatures keep surviving, often helping their masters to deal with everything from zombies to the end of the world. Here are a few recent examples of canny canines.
Mama (2013)
Two little girls left to their own devices in the woods for years are finally found, but then have a hard time adjusting to normal domestic life with their uncle (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend (Jessica Chastain). Things get complicated because of a powerful ghostly entity. Early on, a small dachshund dog provided company for one of the girls during dinnertime, and later is happy to see the entity. Still later, however, the dog disappears without another mention, which is probably the best survival strategy possible in that scary situation.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton's movie revolves around young Victor Frankenstein, who loves his dog Sparky more than anything else. When Sparky accidentally meets his mortal end, Victor must lay his friend to rest, but then his science teacher ignites his imagination and soon Victor has managed to bring Sparky back to life. Sparky repeatedly demonstrates his heroic nature, rewarding Victor's faith in him.
Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)
Abby, the family's German shepherd, endeavors to protect Kristi, her husband, Dan, and their infant son Hunter from a demon that has taken up residence in their home. The protective Abby suffers a vicious attack and receives treatment by a veterinarian, who then recommends that Abby stay overnight. It's a kind decision that, most likely, saves the dog's life.
The Hole (2009)
Playing a small but key role, Haley Bennett's little dog knows right away that the bottomless abyss hidden under a trap door in the neighbors' basement is a bad thing and barks a warning. The dog is right, but the trio of youngsters cannot resist the temptation in Joe Dante's increasingly dark and delicious family horror movie. Don't worry, though: the dog lives!
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
An extended family, including German shepherds named Beauty and Beast, is en route from Cleveland to San Diego to celebrate a special anniversary. While in New Mexico, they take an unwise detour and run afoul of another, very nasty family. Beauty doesn't survive the initial encounter but Beast makes up for the loss, and then some.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Zack Snyder's remake, scripted by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), updates George A. Romero's zombie classic with a ferocious tone. Chips, a little dog, is discovered in a parking garage, and is then "volunteered" to help on a rescue mission. Chips' survival is apparently guaranteed because the zombies don't like dog food.
