Bolt is a popular Disney movie from 2008 about a small white dog that plays a superhero on TV. This dog has jaw-dropping superpowers, like a bark sonic wave and super strength that will wipe out entire armies.
Of course, Bolt isn’t a superhero in “real life,” but he doesn’t know that piece of information. Eventually, Bolt wanders off set into the real world only to face this reality. It’s a pretty cool movie premise, but it has people asking about what kind of dog Bolt really is.
The movie never says what kind of dog Bolt is. Even after 13 years, we still want to know! So here it is: Bolt the superhero dog is a white German Shepherd. At least, that’s what we have to believe based on this pup’s physical characteristics and personality.
Bolt the Dog in Real Life
The white German Shepherd shares all of the physical features of a standard black and brown German Shepherd. A fully grown shepherd stands around 25 inches tall and weighs up to 90 pounds (but can be smaller).
The most notable feature of a German Shepherd is the ears. They stand tall and proud, perfectly pointed on top of their head. The snout is slender and pointed as well. Overall, the general appearance of a German Shepherd is angular.
German Shepherds also have squirrel-like tails. They’re not curly like a squirrel, but they are long and frizzy.
We see many of these physical features in Bolt, especially the ears and tail. The only difference between Bolt and a white German Shepherd is the size, which is why many still debate if he’s a white German Shepherd.
What Are White German Shepherds Like?
Just like standard German Shepherds, white Shepherds are intelligent and confident. They’re also courageous and loyal, working hard to please and protect their owners.
In real life, German Shepherds are often used for law enforcement, security, and military use. They’ve earned the name as an “all-purpose” breed because they excel in other areas. German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs, herding dogs, search and rescue dogs, and much more.
Bolt personifies the German Shepherd’s personality perfectly, even on and off the screen. In the movie, Bolt leaves the TV set because he believes his owner Penny is captured by the Green-Eyed Man. This is the part in the movie where he learns his superpowers are fake. Regardless, Bolt stays loyal to his owner by using his natural Shepherd instincts to locate Penny.
White German Shepherds Are Not (Yet) Mainstream
Many people love White German Shepherds, but this wasn’t always the case. When breeders started isolating the gene that makes German Shepherds white, German kennel clubs didn’t like it because of health concerns. They ended up banning the color altogether.
Despite this, the white German Shepherd had already made its way to America and Canada, and everyone loved them. In 1964, California established the first kennel club dedicated to White Shepherds in Sacramento.
In 1969, another kennel club was formed named the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America. The White German Shepherd Dog Club International, Inc. followed suit in 1977.
The United Kennel Club recognized the dog as an independent breed in 1999. Since then, the breed has slowly become a mainstream breed. It still has a long way to go, but the movie Bolt shows us it’s making progress!
Does a White German Shepherd Make a Good Pet?
It’s no secret that German Shepherds make excellent pets, regardless of color. These dogs adore their owners and will do anything to protect them from harm’s way. With German Shepherds, their character stands out above all. However, it also helps to know about grooming, feeding, and other general care.
For starters, German Shepherds aren’t hypoallergenic. You’ll need to brush your Shepherd weekly, or a thick double layer underneath will shed fur everywhere. This goes for any shepherd color.
Another aspect to consider is other dogs. Usually, German Shepherds do fine with other dogs, but every dog is different. Your German Shepherd may take a few meet n’ greets to be okay with another pet.
As for kids, German Shepherds usually love them. They’re gentle around families and will do everything to protect them.
In Conclusion
We can all agree that we don’t deserve a dog’s unconditional love, especially a German Shepherd’s loyalty. But they offer love anyway and push through the odds to make the world a better place for their owners.
Bolt is an excellent example of a German Shepherd’s courage and strength. We see heroism matched with humor throughout the Disney movie, thanks to Bolt’s furry friends that help him along the way.
Bolt shows us that dogs don’t need fancy superpowers to make a difference in our lives. The love and dedication they have for their owners are more than enough. Is it any wonder why Bolt was a hit in theaters?
Featured Image Credit: Characters by Walt Disney Animation Studios. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
