What breed of dog is Dug in the Pixar film Up?

Golden Retriever.

Dug, the lovable canine character in Pixar’s 2009 animated film Up, is portrayed as a Golden Retriever. This breed choice was deliberate, as Golden Retrievers are widely known for their friendly, loyal, and eager-to-please personalities, all of which are traits that Dug embodies perfectly. In Up, Dug is introduced as a member of a pack of dogs living in the wilderness of Paradise Falls. Unlike his more aggressive and serious canine counterparts, Dug stands out because of his cheerful, simple-minded nature and his earnest desire to make friends.

Golden Retrievers are often associated with their intelligence and affability, which is humorously contrasted in Dug’s case by his somewhat naïve and scatterbrained demeanor. His unique charm comes from his ability to express his thoughts and feelings through a special high-tech collar that translates his barks into human speech. Dug’s collar allows him to communicate his inner monologue in a hilariously direct and innocent manner, often leading to comedic moments. One of the most memorable aspects of Dug’s personality is his tendency to become easily distracted, especially by squirrels, which results in the now-iconic line, “Squirrel!”

The animators at Pixar likely chose the Golden Retriever breed because of its friendly appearance and association with family-friendly qualities, ensuring that audiences would immediately warm to Dug. His expressive eyes, floppy ears, and wagging tail contribute to making him an instantly lovable character. Ultimately, Dug’s portrayal as a Golden Retriever reinforces the breed’s reputation as a kind, gentle companion, and his unwavering loyalty to Carl and Russell highlights the Golden Retriever’s best-known trait: devotion to their humans.