Toto from The Wizard of Oz is a Cairn Terrier.

Quick Scoop

What kind of dog is Toto?

In the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz , Toto was played by a small, scruffy Cairn Terrier named Terry, who later officially took the name Toto because the role became so famous. Cairn Terriers are known for being brave, energetic, and very loyal little companions, which fits Toto’s character perfectly as Dorothy’s fearless sidekick on the yellow brick road.

A few fun facts

  • Toto’s real name was originally Terry, and she was a female dog even though many viewers assume Toto is a “he.”
  • She was a Cairn Terrier, a small, shaggy terrier breed that originated in the Highlands of Scotland, bred to hunt vermin among stone piles (“cairns”).
  • The film made the Cairn Terrier globally recognizable, and Toto is still one of the most famous movie dogs ever.

If you’re picturing a Toto-like dog today, you’re basically thinking of a classic Cairn Terrier: small, scruffy coat, bright eyes, and a bold, plucky personality.

TL;DR: Toto is a Cairn Terrier, a small, spirited Scottish terrier breed, famously portrayed on screen by a female dog named Terry.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.