Lassie

Lassie, a Rough Collie, is "the world's most famous dog" and a fictional character who has starred in many movies, TV shows, and books over the years.

The character of Lassie was created by British-American author Eric Knight in Lassie Come-Home, published as a short story in The Saturday Evening Post in 1938 and as a novel in 1940. In 1943, the book was made into what would become the first Lassie movie, also titled Lassie Come Home. The television series Lassie aired from 1954 to 1974. The dog was so popular that it is one of only three dogs awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the others being Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart.

The first dog to play the role of Lassie was Pal, owned by animal trainer Rudd Weatherwax and his brother Frank Weatherwax. Before Pal's death, he was bred with a number of bitches, resulting in hundreds of offspring, several of which have performed under the name Lassie. Most have been male, because their coats are usually fuller and more impressive than for the bitches. Because the males tend to be larger, they are considered more physically suitable to perform many of Lassie's stunts. As is usually the case with canine film stars, several uncredited doubles have been employed in the films and TV shows. Currently, the "official" Lassie is used mainly for "celebrity appearances" at dog shows.

Lassie appeared as a guest on The Jimmy Dean Show, and a lovestruck Rowlf acted in a scene with her.