Although there are literally dozens of movies that revolve around dogs, we have chosen ten of the best to share with you. Here, in alphabetical order, are animated and live-action films that offer warmth, heart, courage and excitement to engage and entertain the whole family, but especially the young in heart.

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN (1989) 89 minutes Rated G
Although it starts off on a dark note, this is actually the uplifting tale of a dog named Charlie who gets killed and goes to heaven. He is permitted to come back to take revenge on his killer. But, if he does, he will never be allowed back into heaven. He starts off by taking advantage of a poor orphan girl in the killer’s care. But he eventually ends up caring for her, ultimately sacrificing his life for her safety and winding up back in heaven. An unusual film but a genuine feel good family classic which may be a bit too violent for the youngest viewers.

BEETHOVEN (1992) 87 minutes Rated PG
Essentially a film about opposites attracting, “Beethoven” is the story of a bungled dog-napping and the attempts of two kids and their mom to keep a huge dog a secret from the dad. Charles Grodin is wonderful at expressing his dislike for the St. Bernard puppy who, to nobody’s surprise, manages to win him over, especially when the dog saves the family from an evil vet and his comic henchmen in this heart-warming family comedy.

BALTO (1995) 74 minutes Rated G
Based on a true story, “Balto” takes place in 1925, when a half-wolf, half-husky named Balto becomes a hero during an outbreak of Diphtheria which threatens the children of Nome, Alaska. When the original dog sled team is sent to get the life-saving medicine, they become hopelessly lost in a storm and it’s up to Balto to risk his life by leading another dog team on a 600-mile trek across the Alaskan wilderness. The Iditarod Dog Sled Race is inspired by Balto’s miraculous race and this animated adventure is an instant classic which should delight everyone in the family.

GREYFRIAR’S BOBBY (1961) 91 minutes Unrated
In Edinburgh, Scotland there is a statue of a small Skye Terrier, named Bobby, who became a local legend back in 1865. This is the true story of incredible love and devotion. Even after his master’s death, Bobby refuses to leave his beloved owner’s side. He keeps watch over his burial place by day and sleeps on his master’s grave at night. He’s looked after by the residents of the poor Scottish neighborhood who have begun to see him as a symbol of loyalty and when his life is threatened, they pitch in to find the money for a license and a safe place to live. Heartwarming and sweet, “Greyfriar’s Bobby” will have every member of your family laughing and crying at the same time.

HOMEWARD BOUND: The Incredible Journey (1993) 84 minutes Rated G
When three family pets are left with friends, when their family goes on vacation, they begin to worry about their owners. Not knowing that they will be picked up when the vacation is over, the animals set out on a cross-country quest to find their family. Chance, a young, naive dog, Shadow, an aging, sad dog and Sassy, a snooty cat, form an uneasy alliance on this dangerous trek, as they travel across mountains and rivers facing peril at every turn. Although the film is live action, it gets its heart from the beautiful voice work of Michael J Fox as Chance, Sally Field as Sassy and especially Don Ameche, who is absolutely wonderful as the voice of Shadow in this classic family adventure.

LADY AND THE TRAMP (1955) 75 minutes Rated G
This animated tale is the story of a spoiled dog named Lady, who worries that her nice, comfortable life will change when her owners, Jim Dear and Darling, have a baby. When the baby is born, Lady fits right in, keeping watch over the newborn. But when her owners go on a trip, they leave Aunt Sarah to watch the baby and she hates Lady on sight. Chased away, Lady gets captured by the dogcatcher! At the pound, she runs into Tramp, who turns out to be a hero when he saves the baby from a rat, even though Aunt Sarah has the dogcatcher take him away. It all ends happily, with Lady and Tramp falling in love along the way and you’ll fall in love with this Disney classic.

LASSIE COME HOME (1943) 89 minutes Rated G
This is the classic movie which inspired the TV series and half-a-dozen movies. Based on the best-selling novel by Eric Knight, it tells the story of a poor family forced to sell their dearest possession, a collie named Lassie. Bought by a Duke for his granddaughter, Lassie is taken hundreds of miles from her home. When
she runs away, she finds that she must undertake an incredible journey to get back to her beloved family. Along the way, she befriends a variety of strangers, some of whom become defenders and friends. This is a truly beautiful film with wonderful performances by an ensemble cast that includes Roddy McDowall and a very young Elizabeth Taylor.

OLD YELLER (1957) 83 minutes Rated G
Another genuine family classic about a boy and his dog. When his father leaves the family to get some work, teenaged Travis and his younger brother, Arliss, are forced to look after their mother. When a mangy yellow dog comes to the house and starts stealing food, Arliss wants to keep him as a pet. Eventually, Travis teaches him not to steal food and Old Yeller, as they name him, proves to be a valuable and loyal friend who protects the family time and again, in this warm and loving film.
(Warning: “Old Yeller” has a heartbreaking ending which may be too emotional for younger viewers but has helped to earn it its classic status).

101 DALMATIONS (1961) 79 minutes Rated G
This Disney classic tells the story of Dalmations Pongo and Perdita, who have a litter of 15 puppies. Cruella De Vil, a selfish and evil woman, wants to turn the puppies into a Dalmation coat! She has two thieves steal the puppies and take them to a deserted mansion in the country. It’s up to Pongo and Perdita and their canine friends to save the pups, in this epic adventure that was the first animated film to use Xeroxes and one of the highest grossing animated movies of all time.
NOTE: The 1996 live-action remake is also entertaining, with an inspired performance by Glenn Close as Cruella.
But the film is a bit too sadistic for younger viewers and, besides, it sacrifices the talking personalities of Pongo and Perdita. The 1961 animated version is the true family classic.

ROVER DANGERFIELD (1991) 74 minutes Rated PG
The late standup comic Rodney Dangerfield provides the voice of “Rover Dangerfield,” a city dog living happily with his owner, a sweet-natured Las Vegas showgirl. When her evil boyfriend tosses him off Hoover Dam, he winds up at a farm where he immediately gives everybody the wrong impression. Eventually he becomes a hero and also helps to get rid of his owner’s boyfriend. He even finds true love with a country collie in this neat animated treat with the unlikeliest hero of all.