Most people think of the Cowardly Lion or the Scarecrow when they reminisce about the 1939 classic, but honestly, the real glue of that movie was a seven-pound female Cairn Terrier named Terry. She played Toto from Wizard of Oz, and she was a total professional. Imagine being on a set with giant fans, fake snow made of asbestos (yeah, that really happened), and actors in terrifying prosthetics, yet this little dog never missed a beat. She was more than just a prop. She was a character with a salary that would make most Depression-era workers weep.
What Most People Get Wrong About Toto from Wizard of Oz
First off, Toto wasn't a boy. Despite the masculine name, Terry was a female Cairn Terrier who had already appeared in several films before landing her most iconic role. Her owner and trainer, Carl Spitz, ran a Hollywood dog training school that was basically the Harvard for pups at the time.
People often assume the dog was just "there" for the ride. Nope. In the original L. Frank Baum books, Toto is Dorothy’s primary connection to the gray, dull reality of Kansas. Without Toto, Dorothy doesn't run away. Without Toto, she doesn't hide under the bed during the cyclone. In the film, Toto is actually the one who pulls back the curtain to reveal the "Great and Powerful" Oz is just some guy with a megaphone. He’s the ultimate plot device.
The Paycheck That Caused a Scandal
Let’s talk money. Terry earned $125 per week.
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To put that in perspective, many of the actors playing the Munchkins were only making about $50 to $100 a week. This actually caused some friction on set. Imagine being a human being in a cramped, hot costume and realizing the dog is making double your salary. But from MGM’s perspective, she was worth every penny. She did her own stunts, mostly. Well, until a Winged Monkey accidentally stepped on her.
The injury was actually pretty serious. One of the actors playing a Winkie Guard accidentally crushed her foot during a scene. She had to take a couple of weeks off to recover at Carl Spitz’s house. They actually had to bring in a double for a few shots, but if you watch the movie closely, you can barely tell. Terry was a trooper. She came back and finished the film like a pro.
Life on the MGM Lot
The set of The Wizard of Oz was notoriously chaotic. Judy Garland, who was just a teenager at the time, absolutely bonded with Terry. She even tried to adopt her. Spitz said no, probably because Terry was a literal gold mine for his business.
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Garland’s relationship with the dog was genuine, though. You can see it in the way she holds her. It’s not that stiff, "I'm holding a working animal" grip you see in modern movies. It was real affection.
The Cairn Terrier Legacy
Why a Cairn Terrier? Baum’s book didn't explicitly name the breed, but the illustrations by W.W. Denslow showed a small, dark, shaggy terrier. Cairn Terriers are hardy. They were bred in Scotland to hunt foxes and otters among "cairns" (rock piles). They are stubborn, smart, and brave.
That "bravery" is exactly what the character needed. Toto is the only character in the entire story who isn't afraid of anything. He snaps at the Miss Gulch (the Wicked Witch's Kansas alter-ego), he barks at the Lion, and he never wavers.
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From Terry to Toto
Terry’s fame was so massive that she eventually had her name legally changed to Toto. She lived until 1945, passing away at the age of 11. Unfortunately, her original grave was destroyed during the construction of the Ventura Freeway in 1958. It took decades for fans to rally together and create a proper memorial for her at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which was finally dedicated in 2011.
Why Toto Still Matters in Film History
When we look at Toto from Wizard of Oz today, we’re looking at the blueprint for the "animal sidekick." He wasn't a talking dog. He didn't have CGI expressions. He was just a dog being a dog, which somehow made the fantasy world of Oz feel grounded.
If you're looking to understand the technical side of how they filmed these scenes, it's pretty wild. Spitz would often be hiding behind pieces of the set, using silent hand signals to get Terry to stay or move. In the scene where the trio is dancing down the Yellow Brick Road, Terry has to keep pace with three grown men and a girl, all while staying in frame.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're a fan of the film or a dog lover, there are a few things you should know about the Toto legacy:
- Visit the Memorial: If you're in Los Angeles, go to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The memorial for Terry (Toto) is a great spot for film buffs to pay respects.
- The Breed Choice: If you’re considering a Cairn Terrier because of Toto, remember they are high-energy working dogs. They aren't just "lap dogs." They require significant mental stimulation and have a very high prey drive.
- Read the Source Material: Check out the original 1900 book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. You’ll find that Toto’s role is even more pivotal in the text than in the movie.
- Check the Credits: Watch the 1934 film Bright Eyes starring Shirley Temple. You’ll see Terry in a role before she became Toto. It’s a great way to see her "acting range" before she hit the big time.
Toto remains the most famous dog in cinematic history for a reason. He represented the heart of the home Dorothy was trying so hard to get back to. Without that little shaggy dog, the Emerald City would have just been a green city with a lot of noise.