John Wayne got his famous nickname 'Duke' because he had of that name, the nickname Duke got was given to him by firemen.

Later in Dukes life another dog was to play a pivotal role, a fire broke out in his home at night when he was away working on his latest project. The Dog via his barking managed to awake Pilar whom ultimately ensured everyone got out of the house safely. When Duke heard about this he seen to it that the dog got a juicy steak for dinner.

Its ironic that dogs also played a pivotal role in his movies such as the Searchers, Hondo and Big Jake and the Green Berets. Its also noticeable that they had a poor survial rate as dogs died in all of the following movies

1. Big Jake
2. Hondo
3. Comancheros
4. Green Berets

I'm just curious if Duke brought his affection for dogs onto the big screen or is it just pure coincidence and secondly how on earth were the dogs in Hondo and Big Jake so well trained, the dog in Big Jake alone made up for poor performances by both Mitchum and Patrick Wayne.

:agent:

Nice post Robbie. I always did like it when The Duke [sicked] his dog {Dog} on the bad guys.

"Go get him Dog"

Hi,
Now for the good news!!
at least 2 dogs, made it through Duke's movies,

The Navajo Indian dog, in SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON
and
CLANCY in NORTH TO ALASKA

Just thought, that might cheer everyone up!

Originally posted by Robbie@Jan 21 2006, 11:09 AM
. . . how on earth were the dogs in Hondo and Big Jake so well trained . . .* * * * * * * * * * * * *
25585
Robbie,

There are people whose profession is dog/animal trainer, as evidenced by the many movies in which animals, including dogs, play such an important part. They are usually credited as such. It is truly amazing what animals are able to do!

Good topic!

Mrs. C :angel1:

Here is a Funny little story about the Dog in "Yellow Ribbon" and Victor and John Ford and how the Navajo Dog got into the Film. :D

WHOSE DOG IS THIS? (http://www.wyntoontrip.com/WHOSEDOG.html)

Chilibill :cowboy:

Nice piece of triva Chillibill, I read something similar on the IMDB, however it was poorly worded there so I did not understand what the writer was getting at (maybe you could correct it for him).

I particulary enjoyed the picture you included of the dog involved in the river crossing, that was a nice touch and I was unaware of this event.

Ethanedwards: The dog in the Searchers also survived however one was injured by Scar at the end just prior to the Rangers raid.

Chester, those dog handlers must be exceptional people to get 'dog' from Big Jake to leap onto a horse pull the man off and start tearing into his arm absolutely incredible, of course the dog deserves a lot of credit as well.

:agent:

I read or heard somewhere that the dog in Big Jake was Lassie, with her fur colored, if you watch carefully you can see the dye job fade off and on during the entire movie. I must say that this movie is one of my favorite Duke movies.