What Kind of Dog is Benji and Where Does He Come From?

Benji is a lovable and iconic dog, but have you ever wondered what kind of dog he is and where he comes from? He's a mixed-breed terrier, to be exact.

Benji is a terrier mix, which means he's a combination of different terrier breeds. This mix of breeds is likely the reason for his small size, short coat, and big personality.

Benji was originally played by a dog named Higgins, who was a mixed-breed terrier. Higgins was a rescue dog that was found in a shelter in California.

Benji's origins are rooted in the 1970s, when the first Benji movie was released. The movie's success led to a series of sequels and spin-offs, cementing Benji's place in pop culture.

For your interest: Lassie Movie What Type of Dog

Benji is a mixed-breed dog, meaning he's a combination of different breeds, but his exact mix is unknown.

He's often referred to as a "cavalier king charles spaniel mix" due to his physical characteristics, which are similar to those of this breed.

Benji's small size and gentle nature are also traits commonly found in cavalier king charles spaniels.

His friendly and outgoing personality is another characteristic that's often associated with this breed.

Benji's short, easy-to-maintain coat is also a trait that's commonly found in many mixed-breed dogs, including those with cavalier king charles spaniel ancestry.

Take a look at this: Cavalier King Charles Dog Shows

Benji is a lovable dog breed that originated from a mix of different terrier types.

The exact breed is unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a mixed-breed terrier.

Benji's appearance is quite distinct, with a brown and white coat that's often shaggy and unkempt.

This unique coat pattern is one of the breed's most recognizable features.

For your interest: Basenji Benji Dog Breed

The first Benji was Higgins, a rescue dog adopted from the Burbank Animal Shelter by trainer Frank Inn. Higgins was trained and owned by Frank Inn, and according to him, was the smartest dog he had ever trained.

Higgins starred in several films, including Mooch Goes to Hollywood, and later in his final and greatest role, the 1974 movie Benji. He was a senior dog at the time, aged 11.

Higgins' daughter, Benjean, was the second dog to play Benji. She was a talented actress who starred in several films and TV specials.

Benjean was followed by a third Benji, a dog photographed on the cover of Joe Camp's book Benji & Me. Although he was distantly related to Higgins and Benjean, he never starred in any films.

The fourth Benji was a female dog named Moochie, who was adopted from the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport. She was a rescue dog who had been abandoned and rescued from the streets of Pass Christian.

The fifth and current Benji is a fox terrier mix named Fairfield, who was chosen for the role by Joe Camp's son Brandon.

Benji is a small brown mix-breed dog. He has distinctive dark brown ears. His nose features some one patches. A black collar with a gold tag is a notable accessory.

Curious to learn more? Check out: What Kind of Dog Is Cannoli on B Positive?