Strongheart the German Shepherd: The First Dog Star

Once Upon a Time, the Biggest Star in the World was a German Shepherd Dog

Strongheart was a German Shepherd Dog and star of five silent films between 1921 and 1927. He was the first major dog celebrity. After the premiere of his first movie, The Silent Call, in which played the leading role, he became the biggest grossing star in Hollywood and would remain so until his final movie role. Since he was the biggest grossing star in Hollywood, this also made him the biggest star in the entire world. His fame reached to every corner of the planet while in this country, his fame demanded that he make extensive tours promoting each new movie and he received the keys to the city at each town where his movies premiered.

The incredible popularity of Strongheart the German Shepherd Dog paved the way for every later dog star. Perhaps you've heard of Rin Tin Tin, whose
movies were made in a dead rush to compete with the success of the formidable Strongheart but none of his fellow canine stars could hold a candle to the bright light of this superstar. His fame and popularity even spawned a brand of dog food named after him, which is still being manufactured today.

He was born on October 1, 1917 in Germany with the name Etzel von Oeringen. His sire, or father, was Nores von der Kriminal Politzei. Nores was an undefeated champion work, police, and attack dog until his son Etzel superceded him in the show ring. When Etzel was about three years old, he was sold to an American kennel owner in White Plains, New York. Here American animal trainer, producer, and director Larry Trimble along with stage and screen writer Jane Murfin came to meet him for the first time.