Pal (dog)

Pal was a Rough Collie performer and the first in a line of such dogs to portray the fictional female collie Lassie in film and television. Pal was born in California in 1940 and eventually brought to the notice of Rudd Weatherwax, a Hollywood animal trainer. In 1943, the dog was chosen to play Lassie in MGMs feature film, Lassie Come Home. Following his film debut, Pal starred in six more MGM Lassie films from the mid1940s to early 1950s, then appeared briefly in shows, fairs, and rodeos around the United States before starring in the two pilots filmed in 1954 for the television series, Lassie. Pal retired after filming the television pilots, and died in June 1958. He sired a line of descendants who continued to play the fictional character he originated. The Saturday Evening Post said Pal had the most spectacular canine career in film history.

Pal was born at Cherry Osbornes Glamis Kennels in North Hollywood on June 4, 1940. The son of Red Brucie of Glamis and Bright Bauble of Glamis, Pals ancestry is traced to the nineteenth century and Englands first great collie, Old Cockie. Because of his large eyes and the white blaze on his forehead, Pal was judged not of the highest standards and sold as a petquality dog.

Source: Wikipedia