The Ugly Dachshund premiered on February 4, 1966. Generally released theatrically on February 16, 1966. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by Buena Vista Distribution. The animated featurette Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree was released along with the film. Based on the 1938 novel "The Ugly Dachshund" by Gladys Bronwyn Stern.
DFME Rating: ★★★¼☆ (3.25 out of 5 stars)
As Brutus matures, his increasing size and strength result in accidental destruction and chaos around the Garrison home. Despite his good nature, Brutus becomes a source of frustration, particularly for Fran, who feels overwhelmed by the constant disruptions. The tension escalates until Brutus proves his loyalty and bravery by rescuing one of the dachshund puppies from danger.
At a dog show, Brutus encounters other Great Danes for the first time and finally recognizes his true identity. He successfully competes in his proper category, demonstrating confidence and belonging. The film concludes with the Garrisons embracing Brutus as part of the family, prioritizing companionship over competition.
The Ugly Dachshund aired on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color television series on November 3, 1968 (Part 1) and on November 10, 1968 (Part 2). First released on home video (VHS) on March 4, 1986. Released for the first time on DVD on July 6, 2004. The Ugly Dachshund is available on Disney+. Re-released in select theaters on February 10, 2004, and again on November 21, 2019, in 3-D. The Ugly Dachshund is available on Disney+.
CAST & CREW
- Director: Norman Tokar
- Producer(s): Walt Disney (uncredited), Winston Hibler (Co-Producer)
- Screenplay: Albert Aley
- Cinematography: Edward Colman, A.S.C.
- Editor: Robert Stafford, A.C.E.
- Art Director(s): Carroll Clark, Marvin Aubrey Davis
- Music: George Bruns (Composer), Evelyn Kennedy (Music Editor), Franklyn Marks (Orchestrator)
- Cast: Dean Jones (as Mark Garrison), Suzanne Pleshette (as Fran Garrison), Charlie Ruggles (as Dr. Pruitt), Kelly Thordsen (as Officer Carmody), Parley Baer (as Mel Chadwick), Robert Kino (as Mr. Toyama), Mako (as Kenji), Charles Lane (as Judge)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- MPAA Rating: N/A (The MPAA film rating system was not introduced until November 1, 1968.)
- Runtime: 93 minutes
- Sound: Mono (RCA Sound System)
- Format: Color (Technicolor)
- Aspect Ratio: 1.75:1
- Genre(s): Classics, Comedy, Family, Live-Action (from movies.disney.com)
BOX OFFICE (from IMDb.com)
- Budget: N/A
- Opening Weekend (U.S. & Canada): N/A
- Gross (U.S. & Canada): $13,516,000
- Gross (Worldwide): N/A
RATINGS
- DMFE Rating: 3.25 (out of 5)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A (Tomatometer) | 73% (Popcornmeter)
- Metacritic: N/A (Metascore) | N/A (Popcornmeter)
- IMDb: 6.5 (out of 10)
- The Movie DB: 67% (User Score)
- Letterboxd: 3.1 (out of 5)
- Combined Rating: 66.40
MY THOUGHTS
The film perfectly represents Disney’s 1960s live-action approach: suburban settings, family-friendly humor, animal stars, and a gentle moral lesson. This is a light, charming animal comedy that leans more on heart and physical humor than plot complexity. If you like 1960s Disney, trained animal performances, and gentle family storytelling, it’s an easy and pleasant watch.
Have you seen The Ugly Dachshund? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Great care has been taken to be as accurate as possible when it comes to details in each of the entries I post. As with anything, mistakes can happen, dates can be wrong, information not readily available, etc. If you see a mistake, information that is incorrect or inaccurate, or missing information, please contact me at disneymovieandfilmencyclopedia@gmail.com so I can make corrections.
Updated February 6, 2026.
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