Even if you haven’t seen the movie, Lady and the Tramp, you’re probably familiar with that famous scene where the two dogs share a plate of spaghetti. When you’re little, it’s the ultimate romantic scene.
Well, it almost didn’t make it into the movie because it was rumored that Walt Disney didn’t believe two dogs could romantically share a strand of spaghetti. It’s a good thing he was proved wrong by our two dog leads, right? So, what breeds of dogs are our two talented leads? Lady is an American Cocker Spaniel, while Tramp is a mutt and likely has a lot of Schnauzer in his genes. Read on to learn a few facts about the two cute dogs.
The American Cocker Spaniel
While Lady and the Tramp wasn’t released until 1955, the idea for the film came about in 1937. During this time, the American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular breed in the U.S., and it makes sense the leading lady was one.
They’re happy, busy little dogs and are generally well-behaved, but it’s recommended to socialize them early to prevent any fearful or anxious behavior. The breed has been used as therapy dogs because of their happy and kind natures.
The story artist Joe Grant came up with the idea of Lady and the Tramp and was inspired by his English Springer Spaniel, also called Lady! Other celebrity owners of American Cocker Spaniels include Oprah Winfrey, Charlize Theron, and the 37th President of the USA, Richard Nixon.
He’s a Tramp
Tramp is a mutt, which makes him a little harder to place in terms of his breed. He’s drawn to look remarkably like a Schnauzer. In the live-action version, the film team searched for dogs that resembled their cartoon counterparts. For Lady, they found an American Cocker Spaniel called Rose from Texas, whose family was looking to rehome her. For Tramp, they picked Monte, a dog from Phoenix that is most likely a mix of Schnauzer and German Shepherd.
Schnauzer and Shepherd Mix
The Schnauzer and German Shepherd mix combine two very different-looking dogs of German heritage. Both canines are known to be fearless and highly intelligent. Puppies from a mixed litter can look different, and temperament can also be inherited from either parent. In terms of this mix, the Schnauzer and German Shepherd share some of the same qualities, like intelligence and loyalty.
They can be excellent watchdogs but can become overly protective, wary of strangers, and overly territorial. To ensure your puppy is friendly and confident, it’s important to socialize them early.
Schnauzers have strong personalities and are independent, playful, and loving. German Shepherds are confident, brave, and gentle pets, which are all traits Tramp possesses.
Do They Make Good Family Pets?
The American Cocker Spaniel is typically very affectionate and friendly and has a gentle temperament. They get along with children and other dogs and enjoy playtime with their humans. They are moderately energetic and usually adapt well to family life.
On the other hand, the Schnauzer and Shepherd mix makes excellent pets for the right family. They have to spend plenty of time with people, and they’ll also need someone dedicated to their training and exercise. Because they tend to be dominant, they shouldn’t be left alone with unfamiliar dogs.
If they’ve been socialized at an early age, they’re good with children, but because of their size, they might do better with older children.
In Conclusion
They might be fictional characters, but Lady and the Tramp are both based on real breeds that make loyal companions. The American Cocker Spaniel will fit into most homes since they’re small, gentle, and friendly. The Schnauzer-Shepherd mix will fit in with an active family who can spend quality time with their Tramp to train them. Whether you have room for one or both of them, they’ll make excellent additions to most families.
Featured Image Credit: Characters by The Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
