Bob Weatherwax, Showbiz Dog Trainer and Son of Lassie’s Original Owner, Dies at 83

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the artistry behind the scenes, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for Robert Weatherwax. Born into a legacy of Hollywood animal trainers, he lived and breathed the magic of cinema from an early age, training alongside his sister and learning the ropes from his father, the original Lassie’s owner.


83-year-old Robert Weatherwax, who inherited the profession from his father Rudd and trained dogs for movies and television shows including the famous Lassie series, passed away on Thursday.

Born on June 4, 1941 in Burbank, California, Weatherwax shares a birthdate with Pal, the dog famously known for playing Lassie in seven MGM films and the initial episodes of the “Lassie” TV series. While growing up, Weatherwax and his sister, JoAnne, often helped their father with his professional duties, which involved teaching new tricks to their pets. Their grandfather, W.S. Weatherwax, was a trainer of animals during the silent movie era.

The Weatherwax family boasted a number of notable canine actors from the silver screen, including Asta (also known as Skippy), who graced Golden Age comedies like “The Thin Man” and “The Awful Truth”; Toto, famed for his role in “The Wizard of Oz”; and Old Yeller, who was widely recognized by audiences as Spike, the lop-eared dog.

In his youth, Weatherwax trained under his father for the “Lassie” television show after completing his military service in the U.S. Army. Airing on CBS from 1954 to 1974, the show featured various dogs portrayed by Weatherwax over those twenty years as they took turns playing the lead role.

After going back to Southern California, he worked on multiple productions alongside his father, eventually establishing his own company, Weatherwax Trained Dogs. Throughout his career, some of his most recognized works were “Back to the Future,” “Nickelodeon,” “The Thing,” and “Dennis the Menace.”

In 2017, I had the privilege of contributing to the publication of a book titled “Four Feet to Fame: A Hollywood Dog Trainer‘s Journey,” which was co-written by Richard Lester. The book features my journey, and it’s worth mentioning that the last collie in my care was related to a Lassie actor.

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2024-08-17 20:17