What Breed of Dog Was Wishbone? Television Dogs Presented

Wishbone is the lead star in the television series of the same name. Originally broadcast on PBS between 1995 and 1997¹, “Wishbone” was a show that children of all ages absolutely loved. The show depicted a starry-eyed pooch named Wishbone that would connect whatever was going on with his human family members to a past work of art and then play out that work of art as the lead character. Only viewers and Wishbone’s imaginary friends on the show could hear the dog talk. But what breed of dog is Wishbone? The role was mainly played by a Jack Russell Terrier named Soccer.² Here’s what we know about him:

Wishbone Is a Jack Russell Terrier

Wishbone was played by Soccer the Dog, who was born in 1988 and died in 2001 at the age of 13. Soccer the Dog started out doing commercials for the likes of Nike and Mighty Dog food before eventually becoming the star of the “Wishbone” television show. Soccer the Dog is a purebred Jack Russell Terrier with perfect brown, black, and white markings and a penchant for wearing cool costumes.

Things You Should Know About Soccer and the “Wishbone” Television Show

What ultimately won Soccer the role of Wishbone was a fantastic backflip that he performed during his casting call. However, Soccer the Dog wasn’t the only pooch that took on the role of Wishbone. Multiple other Jack Russell Terriers were sourced for things like stunts and publicity events. Sometimes, stand-ins would take on the main role on screen when Soccer the Dog was up to his nose in work.

Even though the show aired on PBS Kids and eventually other children-friendly channels, “Wishbone” wasn’t only for entertainment purposes. The show aimed to educate children about literature and art in a way that would broaden their imaginations and enhance the thought of possibilities in life. The show also garnered attention from college students and parents who thought the series was insightful and encouraging.

Obviously, Soccer the Dog couldn’t speak for himself in the “Wishbone” series. Larry Brantley was the voice actor for Wishbone’s narrations. He was only seen on screen one time, in an episode called “Rushin’ to the Bone,” where he played a voice actor shooting a dog food commercial.

A movie based on the TV show called, “Wishbone’s Dog Days of the West,” was released in 1998, and many books were written to complement the series over the years. Wishbone is not as well known today as he was in the 1990s, but the dog still gets plenty of traction on the internet.

In Conclusion

Wishbone is a Jack Russell Terrier. The actor dog that played him, Soccer the Dog, had extensive training and plenty of experience when it came to performing on the spot. So, don’t expect your Jack Russell Terrier to behave the same way that Soccer did in the “Wishbone “series. While every Jack Russell Terrier is special, it takes time, training, and practice to get one to do the things that Soccer could do.

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Featured Image by: Characters by Rick Duffield owned by Mattel Inc.  All rights reserved to the copyright owners.