What Dog Breeds Are Lady and the Tramp? Facts & FAQ
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Lady and the Tramp is a popular Disney movie that people can’t seem to get enough of. A live-action remake of this beloved classic was even released in 2019. But what kind of dog is Lady? She happens to be one of the easier dog breeds to identify in the movie, yet fans still speculate about different theories. We must refer to the movie’s creator to verify what kind of dog Lady is. And what about the Tramp? Keep reading to learn more!
Lady Is an American Cocker Spaniel
Wondering what kind of dog is Lady from Lady and the Tramp? Well, the original Lady was inspired by a real dog breed: the American Cocker Spaniel. Not to be mistaken for the English Cocker Spaniel, this purebred dog breed is beloved by families around the world because of its adorable looks and affectionate attitude. Perhaps this is why Lady has been such a popular dog in our culture for so many years.
What You Should Know About American Cocker Spaniels
Getting to know the American Cocker Spaniel will provide you with insight into Lady’s personality and temperament. The more you understand Lady, the more you can identify with her actions in the movie.
The first thing you should know about American Cocker Spaniels is that they are the younger cousins of English Cocker Spaniels, but they’re bred to a different, smaller standard to accommodate the needs of American hunters. The first Cocker Spaniels came over to America about the same time the Mayflower did. However, it wasn’t until many years later that the American Kennel Club decided to officially recognize them.
Although they were originally bred as hunters, American Cocker Spaniels typically live as house pets nowadays. Their medium size matches their medium energy levels, making them perfect for households living in apartments or houses. Their adorable faces are hard to resist, and their playful nature will keep people entertained for hours on end.
These lovable dogs require a great deal of grooming, which is something that isn’t addressed in the movie. In real life, Lady would need brushing several times a week and may even appreciate the occasional haircut.
These dogs love going on walks and enjoy spending time with other dogs, which is apparent in the movie. American Cocker Spaniels are highly intelligent and easy to train, although Lady certainly didn’t need any special training to enjoy her adventure. The trainability of these dogs might make one wonder why the pure breed wasn’t used in the latest live-action movie.
Interesting Facts about Lady and the Tramp
Many adventures take place in Lady and the Tramp, and you might be surprised about how much you don’t know about the movie. Here are a few facts about the movie that might interest you:
- This fictional story was based on a real story about a dog trying to cope with the presence of a new baby in the household.
- Walt Disney’s hometown inspired the movie’s setting.
- The studio typically had dog visitors so animators could use them for references while creating the movie.
- Walt Disney himself named Tramp, but before doing so, the dog went by several different names, including Rags, Bozo, and Homer.
- Other animals like a pet duck and canary were set to make their debut in the movie, but they didn’t make the cut when all was said and done.
- Disney was actually against the spaghetti scene because he didn’t think that it was realistic for two dogs to willingly share a strand of pasta. But an animator created the scene so Walt could see the experience in action, which resulted in him relenting and allowing the scene to take place. Good thing, since it’s one of the most popular scenes in the movie!
What Kind of Dog Is Tramp?
Unlike the refined purebred Lady, Tramp is a mixed breed dog, sometimes called a mutt. He’s larger than Lady and has shaggy hair, but this could be because he’s a homeless dog without human parents to groom him. Many people try to decipher what kind of dog Tramp is, based on the size, coloring, and physical characteristics that are displayed in the movie. But the truth is that nobody really knows what breed Tramp’s parents were, so it’s nearly impossible to determine exactly what type of dog Tramp is.
Our Final Thoughts
No matter what type of dogs Lady and the Tramp are, they will always be cherished by children and adults alike. Lady is an American Cocker Spaniel, and is as pure at heart as she is in breed. We don’t know what kind of dog Tramp is, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t lovable!
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen Lady and the Tramp, now might be a good time to think about revisiting the old classic with your loved ones at home. Make it a double feature, and watch both the cartoon and the live-action remake!
Featured Image Credit: Characters by The Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
