9 Movie Animals Who Outperformed Their Human Masters

8. Terry in The Wizard of Oz

Cairn Terrier Terry is best known for playing Toto, but she actually had a long and fruitful career outside The Wizard of Oz. She was in a Shirley Temple movie! But this is her defining role. Much of what happens to Toto in this film exemplifies the "villain kicking puppies to show they're bad" trope. Say, "I'll get you, my pretty!"? Whatever. Say, "And you're little dog, too!"? Oh no that witch didn't! Toto also demonstrates more intelligence than most of the other members of his party throughout the movie, such as helpfully pointing them towards the man behind the curtain. Of course, he also wrecks Dorothy's attempt to return to Kansas with the Wizard by jumping out of the hot air balloon, but it was all a dream anyway, so who cares? Whoops, spoilers. Trivia: Terry was paid $125 a week for this role. Which was more than most of the other people in the production. Also, someone stepped on her during the shoot and she almost died. Her owner had her name officially changed to "Toto" thanks to the fame this role brought.
 
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Dan Schindel loves movies more than you do. He considers it an accomplishment to have survived a year and counting in Los Angeles. Someday, he'll be the greatest critic in the world. He spent a year watching a documentary every day, so now he knows everything.