With advances in CGI, beloved dogs from literature came to life. The Call of the Wild (2020) used Harrison Ford interacting with a digital Buck. While controversial, it proved that the public’s desire for dog link content is so strong that they will accept a fully rendered canine if the story is right. Similarly, animated hits like The Secret Life of Pets (Illumination) removed humans entirely, suggesting that the dog link is so powerful that dogs can carry a narrative universe without human interference.

From heartwarming viral TikToks to blockbuster movie sidekicks, dogs have always held a special place in our hearts. But in the last few years, something has shifted. Dogs aren't just in entertainment anymore—they are driving the entertainment economy.

Canine stardom began in the early 20th century, with dogs often proving as profitable as their human counterparts.