What Kind of Dog Was Cujo and Why Does It Matter?

Cujo, the infamous canine from Stephen King's novel, is often debated among dog enthusiasts and horror fans alike. The question on everyone's mind is: what kind of dog was Cujo?

Cujo was a St. Bernard. This breed was chosen for the story because of its size and reputation for being gentle.

In the novel, Cujo's transformation from a loving family pet to a rabid killer is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the breed. St. Bernards are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, making Cujo's descent into madness all the more chilling.

The breed's association with rabies is also a significant factor in Cujo's story. St. Bernards were often used as watchdogs in the past, and their large size made them more susceptible to contracting and carrying the rabies virus.

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Stephen King chose a St Bernard for the role of Cujo, which might seem odd given the breed's gentle nature. They are often seen as nanny dogs, like in Peter Pan, but they're also incredibly large animals.

The St Bernard's size was crucial to making Cujo a credible threat in the car, with enough mass to damage windows. This is especially true in the film adaptation, where the various St Bernards playing Cujo had to be restrained because they were having too much fun and kept wagging their tails.

The decision to use a St Bernard was likely intentional, as it allowed King to show that Cujo's aggression was a result of his illness, rather than his breed.

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Stephen King deliberately chose a St. Bernard for the role of Cujo to show that the dog's aggression was due to its sickness, rather than its breed.

St. Bernards are often seen as gentle, friendly dogs, but they're also very large animals that can cause significant damage.

They needed to be a credible threat in the car, which is why King chose a breed with enough mass to damage windows.

A fun fact about the film adaptation is that the St. Bernards playing Cujo had to have their tails tied down because they were having too much fun and kept wagging when they were supposed to be looking ferocious.

St. Bernards are massive dogs, with males weighing between 120 and 180 pounds.

Their thick coats are designed to withstand harsh mountain weather, with a dense undercoat and a long, coarse outer coat that sheds heavily.

Their distinctive chest markings are a result of the breed's original purpose as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps.

St. Bernards typically stand between 26 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their broad, flat heads and short, curved muzzles give them a distinctive appearance.

Their large, dark eyes are expressive and intelligent-looking.

Their ears are small and triangular, hanging close to the head.

Their tails are long and feathered, often carried low when at rest.

Their paws are large and padded, with five toes on each foot.

Their legs are sturdy and strong, built for endurance and traction in the mountains.