Bob Weatherwax, Legendary Dog Trainer of Lassie, Dies at 83

Bob Weatherwax, Renowned Dog Trainer, Passes Away at 83

Bob Weatherwax, a celebrated Hollywood dog trainer renowned for his pivotal role in continuing his family’s legacy of breeding and training collies to portray the iconic character Lassie, has passed away at the age of 83. He died on August 15 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility, with his family attributing his death to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Taking the reins as Lassie’s primary trainer in 1985 following the death of his father, Rudd Weatherwax, Bob Weatherwax played a crucial role in maintaining the legacy of a character that had become synonymous with courage and compassion. Rudd Weatherwax’s collie, Pal, originally portrayed Lassie in the beloved 1943 film Lassie Come Home, alongside Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall. This film, along with the long-running Lassie television series that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1973, solidified Lassie’s status as a cultural icon.

As his father’s apprentice, Bob Weatherwax honed a variety of interdisciplinary skills necessary for managing the Lassie brand, which included roles like talent agent, canine geneticist, and acting coach. He understood that treating Lassie, a rough collie, as a genuine Hollywood star was imperative for the character’s continued success and appeal.

The high standards for canine stardom were originally established by Louis B. Mayer, one of the founders of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the studio responsible for releasing Lassie Come Home. After the film’s debut, Mayer went so far as to contact his friend Howard Hughes, who owned Trans World Airlines, to ensure that Lassie would be allowed to travel with passengers rather than being relegated to the cargo hold. As a result, Lassie was frequently seen flying in first class, enjoying the perks of celebrity status.

Bob Weatherwax fully embraced his role as a talent manager for Lassie, relishing the unique advantages that came with traveling alongside a superstar. His dedication to preserving the legacy of Lassie not only honored his father’s work but also ensured that the spirit of this beloved character would continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.