What Kind of Dog Is Benji? Try 3 Breeds in One Scruffy Pup

Quick Take

• Benji's original canine actor had a secret Hollywood career long before landing the iconic role, and the story behind his discovery is unlike anything you'd expect. Discover Higgins' career →
• A shelter worker's label and the trainer's theory about Benji's breed don't agree, and the real mix might just surprise you. See the shelter label →
• Mixed-breed dogs have a biological edge over purebreds that most pet owners overlook, something Higgins' lifespan serves as proof of. Explore the longevity edge →
• The 1974 Benji film was rejected by every major studio, and yet it went on to make a jaw-dropping sum that nobody saw coming. See the box office surprise →

Benji is one of the most lovable dogs in Hollywood and has starred in several movies and TV shows. With his scruffy fur coat and deeply expressive eyes, this undeniably adoptable pup has captured the hearts of millions of viewers all around the world. Whether he’s playing with the neighborhood children or rescuing cougar cubs, Benji is an inspiring canine hero. However, what kind of dog is Benji? Let’s take a closer look at the beloved character of Benji and learn more about what makes him such an incredible dog.

Who Is Benji?

Benji is a fictional canine hero with a heart of gold. He is an adventurous and lovable pup who seems to always be in the right place at just the right time to help others. The character of Benji was created by Joe Camp in the 1974 film Benji. Since then, this beloved canine has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. 

In the beginning, however, no one wanted to produce Camp’s film about a stray dog who helps rescue kidnapped children. So, Camp put together his own production company to independently produce the film, and Benji ended up making a staggering $45 million. The film’s unforgettable theme song earned an Oscar nomination and won a Golden Globe Award. There was even some discussion about nominating the canine actor behind Benji for an Oscar as well. Since the original Benji film in 1974, there have been seven additional movies from 1977 through 2018.

What Kind of Dog Is Benji?

Benji is a mixed-breed dog. He is a small and charming canine covered with scruffy golden hair. Sometimes referred to as mutts or mongrels, these dogs are a blend of various dog breeds, some of which might even span several generations. Unlike purebred dogs, a mixed breed lineage is often shrouded in mystery. 

However, that’s exactly what makes these dogs so extraordinary and unique: no two mixed-breed dogs are ever the same. Each dog has its own distinct physical and behavioral traits that set it apart. Some mixed-breed dogs can be goofy and energetic, while others may be calmer and laid back. Each one is completely unique. Since mixed-breed dogs have a wider gene pool, they are also less susceptible to the genetic diseases and health issues that plague purebred dogs. 

The first dog to take on the role, a special pooch named Higgins, was rescued from the Burbank Animal Shelter in California when he was a puppy. Frank Inn, a Hollywood animal trainer, specifically sought animals from shelters due to the unique qualities of mixed breeds, as well as to help raise awareness of the numerous dogs in shelters that need homes. When he saw Higgins’ soul-piercing eyes at the shelter, he knew the dog had the makings of a star.

The Canine Star Behind the Legendary Benji

Throughout his 14-year Hollywood career, the talented pooch acted in various television shows and movies alongside stars like Vincent Price, Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Edgar Buchanan, best known as Uncle Joe Carson on the TV show Petticoat Junction. In fact, aside from Benji, Higgins’ most famous role was the Bradley family pet on Petticoat Junction, a role which he played from 1963 to 1970. Higgins’ work earned him a PATSY award, and he was featured on the cover of TV Guide Magazine. 

Higgins was a truly spectacular canine actor and could open containers, climb ladders, and even yawn or sneeze on cue. However, Higgins’ top skill was his astounding emotional range: he could convey any emotion through his facial expressions and big puppy-dog eyes. Even though Inn had trained thousands of animals, he was adamant that Higgins was by far the smartest dog he’d ever worked with.

Although he had retired from show business around the age of 11, Higgins returned to Hollywood one last time when he was 16 years old, starring as the legendary Benji in the 1974 feature film, Benji. That’s right folks, this incredible canine was 16 years old and still going strong.

Benji was such a hit with audiences that an additional five movies were made about the amazing mixed-breed pup. However, Higgins had retired again, so his daughter Benjean starred in three of the additional Benji films: For the Love of Benji (1977), Oh! Heavenly Dog (1980), and Benji the Hunted (1987), four television specials, and a TV series.

Although some sources note that Higgins passed away in 1975 at the age of 17, according to the Los Angeles Times, Higgins passed away in 1978 at the age of 19. Either way, it is a testament to the health and sturdy nature of mixed-breed dogs. He had touched so many lives, including his trainer’s, who, despite having trained thousands of animals, had grown especially fond of this little golden-haired mutt. Inn had Higgins’ body cremated and kept the pup’s ashes in an urn on his mantelpiece. When Inn passed away in 2002, he requested that Higgins’ ashes be buried alongside him. 

What Kind of Dog Could Benji Be?

When Higgins found himself at the Burbank Animal Shelter, he had been labeled as a border terrier mix. However, Inn believed the dog was a unique mixture of cocker spaniel, schnauzer, and miniature poodle. He also theorized that maybe Higgins had some Tibetan terrier DNA in his genetics as well. So, let’s take a closer look at the possible dog breeds behind the legendary Benji.

Cocker Spaniel

The cocker spaniel is a very elegant and sophisticated-looking dog breed. These dogs come in a wide range of colors from black to silver, buff, brown, red, gold, sable, cream, and even a mix of colors as well. They were originally bred as skilled hunting dogs, but today cocker spaniels are also excellent companions with charming personalities. They are the perfect-sized dogs, being not too big and not too small. Cocker spaniels grow 13.5 to 14.5 inches tall and weigh between 25 to 30 pounds.

They have long and luxurious skirted coats and curly-haired ears. These dogs have a lot of hair, and their hair has a lot of body, so they require constant grooming to avoid mats. Benji’s long wavy hair is right in line with that of a cocker spaniel. On average cockers live around 10 to 14 years of age.

Cocker spaniels are one of the sweetest dog breeds. They can make any heart melt with their big expressive eyes — just like Benji. Despite their sophisticated appearance, however, they are energetic and lighthearted dogs that love to play. They are also very affectionate toward their families. Cocker spaniels are great with young children, as well as other dogs, and easily get along with everyone. They are very smart and have a gentle and happy nature that makes them easy to train. The sweet demeanor of Higgins and his ability to work so amiably with his co-stars could easily be due to having cocker spaniel DNA in his genetic makeup!

Schnauzer

There are three sizes of schnauzers: the miniature schnauzer, the standard schnauzer, and the giant schnauzer. They can be as small as 12 inches and weigh 11 pounds, or as large as 27.5 inches and weigh up to 60 pounds. Unlike cocker spaniels, schnauzers have shorter, more wiry hair, and are typically silver, black, or salt-and-pepper. In addition, schnauzers have unique facial hair that looks like a beard and prickly mustache.

However, like the cocker spaniel, the schnauzer was bred as a medium-sized sporting dog and is extremely intelligent. These dogs are not aggressive, but they are high-spirited and need plenty of exercise and playtime. Schnauzers are good with people, especially children, much like Benji and Higgins. They are also incredibly smart and easy to train. However, they are also quite crafty and easily get bored with repetition. Schnauzers typically live between 12 to 15 or 16 years. Higgins lived to be nearly 18 years old, so perhaps he got some of the longevity DNA from his schnauzer ancestry!

Miniature Poodle

It’s very possible that Benji could have some miniature poodle DNA as well, as this breed is extremely intelligent. Miniature poodles come in every color of the rainbow and have beautiful and hypoallergenic fur coats. They do not exceed 15 inches in height and usually weigh only 10 to 15 pounds. These athletic dogs are confident and stylish, with an impressive and distinguished appearance. However, they were originally bred as water dogs to retrieve game while hunting with their humans. Their fancy fur coats are super curly, dense, and water-resistant. 

When it comes to personality and behavior, it is very probable that Benji’s ancestry includes the miniature poodle breed. Miniature poodles are typically healthy dogs and can live 10 to 18 years, just like Higgins. They are also very sociable, energetic, and protective of their families. Miniature poodles are very responsive and highly intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and love showing off their tricks. However, they are also quite sensitive and can be shy around strangers at first. If they are properly socialized though, miniature poodles can get along with adults, children, and even other dogs. 

Tibetan Terrier

If you look at Benji’s long and wavy hair, it’s easy to see how he could be related to the Tibetan terrier. Also known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” these dogs have thick and woolly double coats underneath long and wavy top coats. Tibetan terriers have very large paws that are often referred to as “snowshoe feet.” Such large paws were very helpful to their ancestors, who were sheep-herding dogs in the snowy mountains of Tibet. 

Tibetan terriers come in many different colors and patterns. They are usually 14 to 17 inches tall, weigh 15 to 30 pounds, and usually live between 15 to 16 years. Not only are they beautiful dogs, but these ancient watchdogs are extremely loyal and affectionate. Their ancestors were common companions of Buddhist monks in Tibetan monasteries. Tibetan terriers are very smart, clever, and alert, although they are also always ready to play. They are good-natured dogs, although they can be reserved around strangers. With their own families, however, Tibetan terriers are very loving and loyal. 

Border Terrier

The folks at the Burbank animal shelter had originally listed Higgins as a border terrier due to his personality and appearance. The color of Higgins’ fur was very similar to that of a border terrier, as well as the shape and color of his nose and snout. However, Higgins had much longer and softer hair than you usually see in a border terrier. 

Border terriers usually have a wiry fur coat. They grow 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh 11.5 to 15.5 pounds. These dogs also have small, “V”-shaped ears that are often darker than the rest of their fur. This is similar to Benji’s ears, although Benji’s were much longer. Border terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs, with small bodies and long legs. They are small enough to maneuver in tight spaces, but also fast enough to keep up with their quarry. 

Although border terriers have a tough, no-nonsense work ethic, when it’s time to play these dogs are nothing but happy and affectionate. They are extremely adaptable dogs and can live in family homes, apartments, farms, or in the city. Border terriers are friendly and get along with children as well as other dogs, but they do struggle with small animals like squirrels or cats due to their hunting instincts. Like the character of Benji, border terriers are very affectionate and caring dogs, but they are also tough and adventurous. 

Final Thoughts

Like the lovable stray, Benji, Higgins was a stray found in an animal shelter and was not of any specific breed. Despite his background and humble beginnings, Higgins found his own loving family with Frank Inn, who recognized the incredible potential of this special mixed-breed mutt and paved the way for a successful career in show business.

The story of Higgins and his on-screen character Benji proves that adopting a shelter dog is a great option if you are looking for a new canine companion. Shelter dogs come in all shapes and sizes and have unique, one-of-a-kind personalities that can make them excellent companions. Both the real-life story of Higgins and the on-screen tales of Benji show us that adopting a shelter pup can transform many lives. Plus, you never know — there just might be another amazing canine out there waiting for you.