In the 1997 Walt Disney film Air Bud, the titular character is a golden retriever named Buddy. He is an extraordinary basketball player, and his skills help a group of children become a formidable team. But how many dogs were actually used in the movie to portray Buddy?
The Real Air Bud
The original Buddy, the golden retriever that appeared in the 1997 Air Bud film, was a dog named Air Buddy. He was owned by Kevin DiCicco and was born around 1989. Air Buddy was a very talented athlete; he was a champion Frisbee and basketball player. He was also a successful movie star, having appeared in numerous films and television shows.
In 1997, Air Buddy was cast in the role of the basketball-playing pup in the Disney movie Air Bud. The film was a massive success and Air Buddy quickly became a household name. He was so popular that he was given his own comic book series and a line of toys.
The Stand-in Dogs
Though he was the star of the show, Air Buddy wasn't the only dog used in the movie Air Bud. In fact, several other dogs were used to portray Buddy in the film. All of the other dogs used in the film were golden retrievers, like Air Buddy.
The first stand-in was a dog named Star. Star was owned by trainer Scott Armstrong and was used in several scenes that were too risky for Air Buddy to perform. Armstrong also trained a dog named Sun for the film.
The third dog used in the movie was a dog named D.J., who was owned by trainer Steve Berens. D.J. was used for the more complex basketball stunts in the film. He was also the dog whose face was used for close-up shots when Air Buddy's face was not visible.
The Puppy
The fourth and final dog used in the film was a puppy named Lucky. Lucky was owned by trainer Mike Piazza and was featured in the opening sequence of the movie. Lucky was used to portray the younger version of Buddy.
The Legacy of Air Bud
Though Air Buddy has since passed away, his legacy lives on. He is remembered as the star of one of the most beloved Disney movies of all time, and as a symbol of courage and determination. Air Buddy's story is one of perseverance and triumph, and his memory will live on for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the original Air Bud?
The original Air Bud was a golden retriever named Air Buddy. He was owned by Kevin DiCicco and was born in 1989.
Who were the stand-in dogs for Air Bud?
The stand-in dogs for Air Bud were Star, Sun, D.J., and Lucky. All of the dogs were owned by professional animal trainers.
What was Air Bud's legacy?
Air Bud's legacy is one of perseverance and triumph. He is remembered as the star of one of the most beloved Disney movies of all time, and as a symbol of courage and determination.
What kind of dog was Air Bud?
Air Bud was a golden retriever.
What scenes were too risky for Air Buddy to perform?
The scenes that were too risky for Air Buddy to perform included stunts and complex basketball tricks.
What dog was used for close-up shots when Air Buddy's face was not visible?
The dog used for close-up shots when Air Buddy's face was not visible was a dog named D.J., who was owned by trainer Steve Berens.
What was the name of the puppy used in the opening sequence of the movie?
The puppy used in the opening sequence of the movie was named Lucky. He was owned by trainer Mike Piazza.
When was Air Buddy born?
Air Buddy was born in 1989.
What movies and television shows did Air Buddy appear in?
Air Buddy appeared in numerous films and television shows.
What animal trainer owned Star?
Star was owned by trainer Scott Armstrong.
What animal trainer owned Sun?
Sun was owned by trainer Scott Armstrong.
What animal trainer owned D.J.?
D.J. was owned by trainer Steve Berens.
What animal trainer owned Lucky?
Lucky was owned by trainer Mike Piazza.
Was Air Buddy the only dog used in the movie Air Bud?
No, several other dogs were used to portray Buddy in the film. All of the other dogs used in the film were golden retrievers, like Air Buddy.
What was the name of the movie Air Bud?
The movie Air Bud was released in 1997 and was produced by Walt Disney.