Toto might not have had any lines, but the small dog became one of the most memorable characters in The Wizard of Oz.The tiny terrier with a brave heart captured the attention of audiences when the film premiered in 1939.
As Dorothy’s loyal companion, Toto added charm and warmth to the classic story, which proved that even the smallest cast members could win over hearts. This is the story of how Toto went from an ordinary canine to a Hollywood icon.
Carl Spitz and His Training School
Carl Spitz founded the Hollywood Dog Training School in 1927 in the San Fernando Valley. The school became famous for preparing dogs to perform in movies and television shows.
Spitz used innovative methods to teach animals how to follow commands and respond to cues on set. His techniques made it possible for dogs to act naturally in front of cameras, which was a challenging task at the time.
One of his most notable students was Terry, the Cairn Terrier who would later become Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Terry trained under Spitz’s guidance to learn the precise behaviors required for her part in the film.
Spitz’s training school quickly gained a reputation for producing some of Hollywood’s most talented animal performers. Over the years, it became a go-to resource for filmmakers looking for well-trained dogs to star in their productions.
Terry’s Early Challenges and Adoption
Terry was born in 1933 and faced challenges early in her life. She was a Cairn Terrier with a lively spirit, but her first owner struggled to handle her energetic personality. Terry was often disciplined for her behavior, which led to a difficult start for the small dog. Her future changed when her owner decided to send her to Carl Spitz’s Hollywood Dog Training School in hopes of improving her behavior.
Under Spitz’s care, Terry’s natural intelligence and charm began to shine. Spitz saw potential in her that others had overlooked and decided to adopt her himself. She quickly became a star pupil at the training school and started landing small parts in films.
Auditioning for Stardom
Before landing the part of Toto in The Wizard of Oz, Terry was already building a career in Hollywood. Her first film appearance was in 1934 in Ready for Love, where she played a small but charming part. Her performance showed her ability to follow commands on set, which impressed the filmmakers.
Terry continued to gain experience in the years that followed. She appeared in Bright Eyes in 1934 alongside Shirley Temple, where she became known for her endearing presence. She also had a part in The Dark Angel in 1935, further proving her ability to adapt to different film environments.
By the late 1930s, Terry was a seasoned performer with several credits to her name. Carl Spitz, who had trained her, often brought her to auditions, knowing she had the skills and temperament needed for the big screen. Her growing reputation made her a sought-after dog for casting directors looking for a reliable and talented canine actor.
Becoming Toto in MGM’s Classic
In 1938, MGM began searching for the perfect dog to play Toto in their adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The producers wanted a small dog with a distinct personality that could keep up with Judy Garland on set.
Carl Spitz brought Terry to the audition, confident in her ability to impress. Her training at the Hollywood Dog Training School had prepared her to follow complex commands and stay focused under pressure.
Terry stood out immediately during the audition process. Her natural charm and ability to perform on cue caught the attention of the casting team. She was calm in a busy studio environment and demonstrated an ability to interact effortlessly with the cast. After a series of tests and rehearsals, Terry was officially chosen to play Toto, thus earning a spot in what would become one of the most beloved films in history.
Filming for The Wizard of Oz began in 1938 and required Terry to perform in challenging conditions. She needed to navigate elaborate sets, work alongside actors in intricate costumes, and remain in character throughout. Her work impressed the entire crew, including Victor Fleming, the director.
Terry’s Earnings
Terry the Cairn Terrier earned $125 per week while filming The Wizard of Oz in 1938. This amount was higher than what many human actors with smaller parts in the film were paid. Her weekly salary reflected her status as an experienced and well-trained performer under Carl Spitz’s guidance. The producers recognized the value she brought to the production.
Terry’s earnings were carefully managed by Spitz, who ensured she was well cared for throughout her career. Her pay allowed her to live a comfortable life compared to most animals working in Hollywood at the time.
Terry’s Later Roles
After her success as Toto in The Wizard of Oz, Terry continued to work in Hollywood. In 1940, she appeared in the comedy The Women, directed by George Cukor. Her scenes added a touch of charm to the film, and she remained a favorite among filmmakers for her ability to perform reliably on set.
One of her last appearances was in Tortilla Flat in 1942, a film starring Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr. By this time, Terry had become a veteran of the screen, with an impressive list of credits to her name. She retired not long after, spending her later years under the care of Carl Spitz.
Terry’s Final Resting Place
Donmike10, Toto – HF, CC BY-SA 4.0
Terry passed away in 1945 at the age of 11. She was buried at Carl Spitz’s Hollywood Dog Training School in the San Fernando Valley, where she had spent much of her life. The spot became a quiet tribute to the beloved Cairn Terrier who had captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
In the 1950s, the property where Terry was buried was redeveloped, and her original grave was lost. In 2011, a memorial was established at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to honor her legacy. Fans of The Wizard of Oz visit the site to pay their respects to the dog who played Toto.
Influence and Legacy of the Beloved Dog
Terry’s performance as Toto in The Wizard of Oz left a lasting impression on audiences and filmmakers alike. Her ability to bring warmth and emotion to the screen helped set a new standard for animal actors in Hollywood.
After the film’s release in 1939, Toto became a beloved figure, with children and adults alike cherishing the bond between her and Judy Garland’s Dorothy. Terry’s work inspired greater recognition for the contributions of trained animals in entertainment.
Decades after her passing, Terry’s legacy continues to be celebrated. Fans of The Wizard of Oz frequently highlight Toto as one of the most memorable parts of the film.
Statues and tributes dedicated to Toto have been created, including her 2011 memorial at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Her influence is evident in the ongoing popularity of The Wizard of Oz, proving that a small dog can leave an unforgettable mark on cinema history.
Conclusion
Toto’s story is one of talent, training, and the ability to capture hearts. Through Carl Spitz’s guidance and Terry’s natural charm, the little dog became an unforgettable part of Hollywood history. Her legacy lives on in the timeless magic of The Wizard of Oz and in the admiration of those who continue to celebrate her place in cinema.