Bolt is the fictional main character of the Disney animated film, ‘Bolt’. The film revolves around a dog named Bolt, who stars in his own live-action superhero show in the film’s fiction. When fate separates Bolt from his on-screen owner, Penny, he then sets on an adventure to rescue his beloved owner. The film was released in late 2008 to positive critical and commercial success, with many citing the film as the beginning of Disney’s modern revival. So what kind of dog is Bolt in the Disney movie?
Bolt is depicted as a medium-sized white dog. While his breed isn’t specified in the film, the animators have stated in interviews that his appearance is loosely based on a White Swiss Shepherd. Bolt’s bushy tail and tall erected ears are the most defining features of a White Swiss Shepherd. While early promotional material released for the film suggests that Bolt is a White German Shepherd, some believe Bolt’s features align with a White Swiss Shepherd.
White German Shepherds first originated in Germany, where recessive white genes block the breeds’ true color and turning its coat white. In terms of differences between a White German Shepherd and a regular German Shepherd, White German Shepherds have longer coats with a few having no double coat of fur. Other than that, White German Shepherds have the same general characteristics as regular German Shepherds.
White German Shepherds can grow up to 26 inches (66 cm) in height and up to 88 lbs (40 kg) in weight. Temperament-wise, White German Shepherds are identical to their darker counterparts. They are energetic, playful, intelligent, and fiercely loyal.
The White Swiss Shepherd, also known as Berger Blanc Suisse, also originated in Germany. They became popular in Europe during the early 1900s, for their large physique and soft personality. They are often mistaken with White German Shepherds in the US. In reality, White Swiss Shepherds are relatively rare to find in the US, despite their popularity with many dog lovers in Europe.
They usually grow up to 26 inches (66 cm)in height and up to 88 lbs (40 kg) in weight, similar to their German Shepherd counterparts. In terms of temperament, White Swiss Shepherds tend to be softer than regular Shepherds. They are generally less aggressive, with most having timid personalities. This makes them perfect family dogs, especially around children.
Bolt is the star of his own live-action superhero TV show alongside his owner Penny in the film. In order for the show to be more realistic, filming is done in a way to ensure that Bolt genuinely believes that he possesses superpowers, the same as he is portrayed in the show. Early in the film Bolt attempts to ‘rescue’ Penny after a cliffhanger episode.
This causes Bolt to be separated from Penny, forcing him to embark on an adventure to reunite with his beloved owner. As the film progresses, Bolt gradually realizes that he is a normal dog and instead relies on his bravery and wit to overcome the challenges he faces in the real world.
Bolt has become one of the most beloved Disney characters in recent memory. Bolt’s initial delusion of being a superhero gradually leads him to a path of discovery that has endeared him to many Disney fans around the world.