The Ugly Dachshund (1966)

The Ugly Dachshund (1966) is a Disney family comedy about a Great Dane who is raised alongside a litter of dachshunds. Chaos ensues when the giant dog, Brutus, thinks he’s a tiny dachshund, much to the frustration of his owner, Fran, and the amusement of her husband, Mark. The film follows the hilarious misadventures of Brutus as he tries to fit in, causing mayhem around the house while proving that size doesn’t determine loyalty or love.

Dog Role in the Film

• Brutus: Brutus, a Great Dane, is raised with dachshunds, leading to a humorous identity crisis as he believes he’s as small as his adopted siblings. His size leads to all sorts of comical situations, but Brutus also demonstrates loyalty, love, and a strong bond with his family, regardless of his physical differences.

Key Themes

• Identity and Belonging: Brutus’s belief that he’s a dachshund, despite being a Great Dane, humorously explores themes of identity and fitting in.
• Size Doesn’t Define Love: The film emphasizes that size or differences don’t determine one’s capacity for love, loyalty, or belonging.
• Family and Acceptance: The interactions between the dogs and their human owners demonstrate the importance of accepting and embracing differences within a family.