The 1982 blockbuster film “ET the Extra-Terrestrial” directed by Steven Spielberg has become an iconic piece of cinematic history, captivating audiences with its poignant story of friendship and adventure. Among the memorable characters in the film is the loyal and lovable dog that plays a significant role in the narrative. The question that has intrigued many fans over the years is: what kind of dog is in ET? This article delves into the specifics of the canine breed featured in the movie, exploring its characteristics, historical background, and the significance of its appearance in the film.
Introduction to the Film and Its canine Character
“ET the Extra-Terrestrial” is a science fiction film that tells the story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. The movie is renowned for its heartwarming portrayal of the bond between Elliott and ET, as well as the boy’s efforts to help his new friend return home. The canine character in question is the family dog, which, although not a main character, contributes to the storytelling by highlighting the emotional depth and realism of the family’s situation. Understanding the breed of this dog offers insight into the film’s attention to detail and the director’s choices in creating a believable and relatable family setting.
The Breed: Covey and Its Significance
The dog in ET is a Cairn Terrier, a breed known for its distinctive physical appearance and lively personality. The Cairn Terrier, named after the Scottish word for “rocky outcroppings” or “stone heaps,” has a long history that dates back to the 16th century in Scotland, where it was used for hunting small game. The breed gained popularity after being featured in the 1930s and 1940s in the popular “Wizard of Oz” film series, due to its endearing and robust nature.
Physical Characteristics and Temperament
Cairn Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 10 and 14 pounds and standing about 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a double coat, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh, wiry outer coat. This hardiness of their coat, along with their weathered appearance, makes them well-suited for outdoor activities and adds to their rugged charm. In terms of temperament, Cairn Terriers are known for being feisty, loyal, and affectionate. They are quick to form close bonds with their family members, making them excellent companions. Their intelligence and alertness also mean they can be quite protective of their loved ones, though they are generally not aggressive.
The Role of the Dog in the Film
The Cairn Terrier in ET, though not a central character, plays a symbolic role in the film. Its presence serves to emphasize the warmth and normalcy of the Taylor family’s home life, contrasting with the extraordinary events unfolding as a result of ET’s presence. The dog’s reactions to ET also provide some of the film’s most heartwarming and humorous moments, showcasing the universal language of friendship and acceptance that transcends species.
Behind the Scenes: Training and Performance
The training process for the Cairn Terrier in ET involved meticulous planning and execution. According to behind-the-scenes accounts, the dog was trained by professional animal handlers who worked closely with the film’s cast and crew. The training focused on creating a natural and spontaneous performance, often achieved by using positive reinforcement techniques and building a strong bond between the dog and the actors. The success of these efforts is evident in the seamless interactions between the dog and the human characters, adding depth and authenticity to the movie.
Impact on Popular Culture
The appearance of the Cairn Terrier in ET contributed to a surge in popularity for the breed. Following the film’s release, many fans were inspired to learn more about and even adopt Cairn Terriers, drawn by their charming on-screen portrayal. This phenomenon is a testament to the influence of media on our perceptions and preferences, highlighting the potential of film and television to raise awareness about different breeds and encourage responsible pet ownership.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of ET’s Canine Companion
The Cairn Terrier in ET the Extra-Terrestrial may not be the main character, but it plays a significant role in enriching the film’s narrative and emotional depth. Through its loyalty, curiosity, and affectionate nature, the dog reminds us of the importance of companionship and the unconditional love that pets bring to our lives. As we continue to enjoy and appreciate Spielberg’s timeless classic, the inclusion of this lovable Cairn Terrier serves as a reminder of the thoughtful details and memorable characters that make “ET the Extra-Terrestrial” a beloved film for generations of moviegoers.
In understanding what kind of dog is in ET, we not only learn about a specific breed but also appreciate the art of filmmaking, where every element, including the animals, contributes to the storytelling and emotional impact. Whether you’re a dog lover, a film enthusiast, or simply someone who cherishes the magic of “ET the Extra-Terrestrial,” the story of the Cairn Terrier in the movie offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of cinema and the enduring power of friendship and companionship.
What is the significance of the canine companion in the movie ET?
The canine companion in the movie ET, named E.T., is not actually a canine but rather an extraterrestrial being who forms a bond with a young boy named Elliott and his family. However, the concept of a canine companion is often associated with the idea of a loyal and trusted friend, which is a theme present in the movie. The relationship between Elliott and E.T. showcases the depth of their bond, highlighting the significance of companionship and friendship. This theme is central to the story, as it explores the idea of acceptance, trust, and love between two beings from different worlds.
The significance of the canine companion, or rather the concept of companionship in the movie ET, can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire for connection and friendship. The movie depicts the journey of Elliott and E.T. as they navigate their differences and form a deep and meaningful bond. This bond is built on trust, loyalty, and acceptance, which are all qualities that are often associated with the human-canine relationship. By exploring this theme, the movie provides a unique perspective on the importance of companionship and the ways in which it can transcend boundaries and bring people together.
What is the typical breed of dog that is often associated with the concept of a canine companion?
The typical breed of dog that is often associated with the concept of a canine companion is not necessarily a specific breed, but rather a category of breeds that are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are often considered to be ideal canine companions due to their friendly, outgoing, and gentle personalities. These breeds are highly social and thrive on interaction with their human family members, making them well-suited to the role of a loyal and trusted companion.
The characteristics of these breeds, such as their high intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, make them highly desirable as companions. They are often used as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs, which further highlights their ability to form strong bonds with humans. Additionally, their gentle and patient nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are able to provide a sense of security and comfort. Overall, the concept of a canine companion is often associated with breeds that possess these qualities, making them an integral part of many families and households.
How does the concept of a canine companion relate to the movie ET?
The concept of a canine companion relates to the movie ET in the sense that it explores the theme of companionship and friendship between two beings from different worlds. While E.T. is not a canine, the movie depicts the formation of a deep and meaningful bond between Elliott and E.T., which is similar to the bond that exists between humans and their canine companions. The movie showcases the ways in which this bond can bring people together, provide comfort and security, and transcend boundaries. The relationship between Elliott and E.T. is built on trust, loyalty, and acceptance, which are all qualities that are often associated with the human-canine relationship.
The movie ET also highlights the idea that companionship is not limited to humans and dogs, but can exist between humans and other beings, including those from other worlds. The bond between Elliott and E.T. is a powerful example of this, as it shows that companionship can be formed with any being that is capable of providing love, comfort, and acceptance. This theme is central to the movie, as it explores the idea of acceptance, trust, and love between two beings from different worlds. By depicting the journey of Elliott and E.T., the movie provides a unique perspective on the importance of companionship and the ways in which it can bring people together.
What are some common characteristics of canine companions that make them ideal friends?
Some common characteristics of canine companions that make them ideal friends include their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Canine companions are often highly social and thrive on interaction with their human family members, making them highly desirable as companions. They are also highly intelligent and able to learn a wide range of commands and tasks, which makes them highly trainable. Additionally, their gentle and patient nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are able to provide a sense of security and comfort.
The characteristics of canine companions, such as their loyalty and affectionate nature, make them highly suited to providing comfort and companionship to humans. They are often able to sense their owner’s emotions and provide a sense of calm and comfort when needed. This ability to provide emotional support and comfort makes them ideal friends for people of all ages. Furthermore, their loyalty and commitment to their human family members make them a valuable part of many families and households. Overall, the characteristics of canine companions make them an integral part of many people’s lives, providing love, comfort, and companionship.
How does the bond between a human and their canine companion compare to the bond between Elliott and E.T. in the movie ET?
The bond between a human and their canine companion can be compared to the bond between Elliott and E.T. in the sense that both are built on trust, loyalty, and acceptance. Both relationships are characterized by a deep and meaningful connection between two beings, which is based on mutual respect and understanding. The bond between a human and their canine companion is often formed through shared experiences, training, and socialization, while the bond between Elliott and E.T. is formed through their shared adventures and experiences. Both relationships are also characterized by a strong emotional connection, which is based on love, trust, and acceptance.
The bond between Elliott and E.T. is unique in the sense that it transcends the boundaries of species and culture, highlighting the idea that companionship and friendship can exist between beings from different worlds. Similarly, the bond between a human and their canine companion can also transcend boundaries, such as those of age, ability, and background. Both relationships are built on a deep and meaningful connection, which is based on mutual respect and understanding. By comparing these two relationships, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of companionship and friendship in our lives, and the ways in which they can bring people together and provide love, comfort, and acceptance.
What can we learn from the relationship between Elliott and E.T. in the movie ET about the importance of companionship and friendship?
The relationship between Elliott and E.T. in the movie ET teaches us about the importance of companionship and friendship in our lives. The movie depicts the formation of a deep and meaningful bond between two beings from different worlds, highlighting the idea that companionship and friendship can exist between anyone, regardless of their background or species. The relationship between Elliott and E.T. is built on trust, loyalty, and acceptance, which are all qualities that are essential for forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. The movie also highlights the ways in which companionship and friendship can bring people together, provide comfort and security, and transcend boundaries.
The relationship between Elliott and E.T. also teaches us about the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. The movie depicts the ways in which Elliott and E.T. are able to understand and connect with each other, despite their differences, and highlights the importance of being open-minded and non-judgmental when forming relationships. By learning from the relationship between Elliott and E.T., we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of companionship and friendship in our lives, and the ways in which they can bring people together and provide love, comfort, and acceptance. This can help us to form more meaningful and lasting relationships with others, and to appreciate the value of companionship and friendship in our lives.
How does the movie ET portray the theme of companionship and friendship between humans and non-human beings?
The movie ET portrays the theme of companionship and friendship between humans and non-human beings through the relationship between Elliott and E.T. The movie depicts the formation of a deep and meaningful bond between a human and an extraterrestrial being, highlighting the idea that companionship and friendship can exist between beings from different worlds. The relationship between Elliott and E.T. is built on trust, loyalty, and acceptance, which are all qualities that are essential for forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. The movie also highlights the ways in which companionship and friendship can bring people together, provide comfort and security, and transcend boundaries.
The movie ET also portrays the theme of companionship and friendship between humans and non-human beings by highlighting the ways in which Elliott and E.T. are able to connect and understand each other despite their differences. The movie depicts the ways in which E.T. is able to learn and adapt to human culture, and the ways in which Elliott is able to understand and connect with E.T.’s unique perspective and abilities. This portrayal of companionship and friendship between humans and non-human beings highlights the idea that relationships can be formed and maintained between beings from different backgrounds and species, and that these relationships can be deeply meaningful and rewarding. By portraying this theme, the movie ET provides a unique perspective on the importance of companionship and friendship in our lives, and the ways in which they can bring people together and provide love, comfort, and acceptance.