The movie Benji, in 1974, introduced audiences to the fictional dog Benji. Benji is the huggable hero in the film franchise. The latest installment in the film franchise is Benji: Off the Leash (2004). The director of the Benji films is also the creator, Joe Camp.
The first dog to portray Benji was named Higgins. Higgins was found at an animal shelter in Burbank, California. The man who found Higgins, Frank Inn, also trained him. Higgins was a cross between a miniature poodle, a miniature schnauzer, and a cocker spaniel. The second dog to portray Benji was the daughter of Higgins affectionately referred to as Benjean.
Some of the sequels in the Benji film franchise include, For the Love of Benji (1977), Oh Heavenly Dog (1980), Benji, Zax & the Alien Prince (1983), Benji the Hunted (1987), and Benji: Off the Leash! (2004).
