What kind of dog is Bolt from the Disney movie Bolt? It’s a question a lot of people ask for two reasons. The first one is that the movie never specifies his breed. The second is that some people want to search for their own Bolt. The movie starring Miley Cyrus and John Travolta features Bolt the Dog, who believes he has real superpowers which he uses to save his beloved owner, Penny from villains. The problem starts when Bolt gets lost and meets a cast of characters that helps him realize that there is power in being ordinary.
The movie isn’t the first to feature a dog as the main character. However, it is the first to feature a 3D animated dog character as the main lead. Despite being a pioneer in many ways and having a unique storyline, the movie leaves many unanswered questions. Bolt 2 hasn’t been announced yet, and people are becoming impatient for answers. They did release a short film titled Super Rhino to focus on one of Bolt’s friends. But that didn’t really answer all the questions we have. Thankfully, finding out what breed Bolt is can be answered without the sequel.
Disney’s Bolt makes it easy for you to want to have a dog like the main character. That’s why searching for a real-life Bolt dog is only natural. You might also be curious as to why Disney chose that breed for Bolt’s character design too. We were just as curious as you were, that’s why we went ahead and searched for answers.
Bolt does not have a real breed.
Joe Moshier, the main character designer for Bolt, took inspiration from a White Swiss Shepherd puppy. His team followed through with his design without thinking of remaining faithful to the breed at all. In other words, Disney designed the Bolt movie character with no real dog breed to base on.
Of course, the debate still lingers. Some people say that Bolt is a White Swiss Shepherd since he was based on a real one. However, other people argue that since the breed wasn’t officially announced, Bolt is a type of dog that only exist in the movies.
You don’t need to feel too down about this though, especially if you’re looking for a dog with the same physical appearance as Bolt. Aside from the grey bolt-patterned patch on his side, Bolt and a White Swiss Shepherd puppy are extremely identical. Both Bolt and a White Swiss Shepherd have arctic white fur with long upright and pointy ears. They also have the same black snout and black pupils. Bolt even has the same furry, long, and slightly curled tail that White Swiss Shepherds have. Bolt is less furry compared to a real-life White Swiss Shepherd. However, you can easily ask a local groomer to trim the breed into a similar cut as Bolt’s to mimic the iconic character on its own.
White Swiss Shepherd
You might be on the fence about whether or not Bolt is a White Swiss Shepherd. However, it is the closest breed we have to the Disney character. The White Swiss Shepherd may not be Bolt, but its personality, diet, and preferred environment may make it a perfect addition to your family.
White Swiss Shepherds are often confused as a mixed breed of German Shepherd. However, the White Swiss Shepherd is a completely different breed altogether. While the White Swiss Shepherd may look extremely similar to a White German Shepherd, the White Swiss Shepherd has a more upright stance and is less aggressive. White Swiss Shepherds also only come in two colors: cream and white.
White Swiss Shepherds aren’t good police dogs. This is because they’re skittish, careful, and more introverted than the German Shepherd. However, the two dog breeds are both protective, alert, and love physical activities.
It’s also important to note that White Swiss Shepherds are extremely clingy to their owners. They love to cuddle and guard their humans constantly. White Swiss Shepherds bark relentlessly when unfamiliar cars or people come too close to their territory as well, alerting you and your family of intruders or your local mailman.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale, also known as FCI, recognizes the White Swiss Shepherd as a separate breed. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) currently don’t recognize the breed. Fortunately, there are animal groups that are working on its recognition.
