The Shaggy Dog (2006)
Release Date:
2006
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 38m

Synopsis:
In The Shaggy Dog, Dave Douglas is a busy lawyer who finds himself in a hairy situation when he is accidentally transformed into a sheepdog. As he navigates life on four legs, Dave discovers a secret laboratory conducting experiments on animals. While trying to figure out how to return to his human form, he must also juggle his responsibilities as a father and husband. His new perspective as a dog allows him to see his family in a different light, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic events. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking as Dave races to stop the lab's unethical practices and find a way to become human again. The movie is filled with slapstick humor and family-friendly antics, making it an entertaining watch for kids and teens.






The Shaggy Dog, released in 2006, is a family comedy that blends elements of fantasy and adventure, making it a fun choice for kids. The movie is rated PG, indicating it's suitable for younger audiences, and it generally receives mixed reviews from parents. While many appreciate its lighthearted humor and the entertaining premise of a man turning into a dog, some parents express concerns about certain scenes that might be confusing or intense for very young children.
Why Kids Should Watch The Shaggy Dog
The Shaggy Dog offers a delightful mix of humor and heartwarming moments that many kids will enjoy.
- Promotes the importance of family and understanding.
- Features a strong performance by Tim Allen, whose comedic timing adds to the film's charm.
- Includes visually engaging scenes that capture the imagination of young viewers.
- Offers a fun and whimsical storyline that keeps kids entertained.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Shaggy Dog
Some parents have concerns about the film's portrayal of certain themes and scenes that might be unsettling for younger viewers.
- Contains moments of mild peril that could be intense for sensitive children.
- Some scenes involve transformation and animal behavior that might be confusing.
- Includes slapstick humor that may not appeal to all children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the intensity of certain scenes.
What Parents Should Know About The Shaggy Dog
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie emphasizes the importance of family bonds and understanding each other's perspectives. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The transformation scenes and moments of peril might require parental guidance to explain. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the protagonist learns valuable lessons about responsibility and empathy. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Characters demonstrate teamwork and the importance of apologizing and making amends. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about valuing family and understanding the importance of being present in loved ones' lives. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Shaggy Dog is praised for its humor and the engaging performance of Tim Allen, making it a fun watch for families. However, some parents note that certain scenes might be too intense for very young children, suggesting that parental guidance could enhance the viewing experience. For families looking for similar films, movies like "Beethoven" or "Homeward Bound" might offer a more straightforward family-friendly experience.
Official The Shaggy Dog Trailer
The Shaggy Dog, released in 2006, is a family comedy that blends elements of fantasy and adventure, making it a fun choice for kids. The movie is rated PG, indicating it's suitable for younger audiences, and it generally receives mixed reviews from parents. While many appreciate its lighthearted humor and the entertaining premise of a man turning into a dog, some parents express concerns about certain scenes that might be confusing or intense for very young children.
Why Kids Should Watch The Shaggy Dog
The Shaggy Dog offers a delightful mix of humor and heartwarming moments that many kids will enjoy.
- Promotes the importance of family and understanding.
- Features a strong performance by Tim Allen, whose comedic timing adds to the film's charm.
- Includes visually engaging scenes that capture the imagination of young viewers.
- Offers a fun and whimsical storyline that keeps kids entertained.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Shaggy Dog
Some parents have concerns about the film's portrayal of certain themes and scenes that might be unsettling for younger viewers.
- Contains moments of mild peril that could be intense for sensitive children.
- Some scenes involve transformation and animal behavior that might be confusing.
- Includes slapstick humor that may not appeal to all children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the intensity of certain scenes.
What Parents Should Know About The Shaggy Dog
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie emphasizes the importance of family bonds and understanding each other's perspectives. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The transformation scenes and moments of peril might require parental guidance to explain. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the protagonist learns valuable lessons about responsibility and empathy. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Characters demonstrate teamwork and the importance of apologizing and making amends. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about valuing family and understanding the importance of being present in loved ones' lives. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Shaggy Dog is praised for its humor and the engaging performance of Tim Allen, making it a fun watch for families. However, some parents note that certain scenes might be too intense for very young children, suggesting that parental guidance could enhance the viewing experience. For families looking for similar films, movies like "Beethoven" or "Homeward Bound" might offer a more straightforward family-friendly experience.
Official The Shaggy Dog Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Shaggy Dog
The Shaggy Dog's most common core values include Family love, Self-discovery, and Responsibility. Throughout the movie, kids see how family Love is central as the main character, Dave, learns to appreciate his family more deeply after experiencing life from a different perspective. This Transformation allows him to understand the importance of being present and supportive, which strengthens his bond with his loved ones.
Self-discovery is another key value, as Dave's unusual situation forces him to reflect on his life choices and priorities, leading to personal growth and a better understanding of himself. Responsibility is highlighted as Dave juggles his duties at work and home, teaching children the importance of balancing commitments and making thoughtful decisions. These core values are woven into the storyline, providing children with relatable examples of how to navigate their own lives with love, self-awareness, and accountability.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Being yourself | Caring for others | Compassion | Forgiveness | Friendship | Honesty | Loyalty | Making good choices | Teamwork | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Shaggy Dog
Importance of Family: The movie highlights the importance of family as Dave Douglas learns to appreciate his loved ones more deeply. His transformation into a dog allows him to see his family from a new perspective, realizing the significance of being present and supportive. This newfound understanding strengthens his bond with his family, teaching kids the value of cherishing and prioritizing family connections.
Accepting Your Identity: As Dave navigates life as a dog, he learns to accept his new identity and the challenges that come with it. This journey of self-discovery encourages kids to embrace who they are, even when faced with unexpected changes. By accepting his situation, Dave becomes more empathetic and understanding, showing children the importance of being true to oneself.
Learning from Mistakes: Throughout the movie, Dave makes several mistakes, but he learns from them and grows as a person. This teaches kids that making mistakes is a natural part of life and an opportunity for growth. By acknowledging his errors and working to correct them, Dave demonstrates the importance of resilience and learning from one's experiences.
Practicing Empathy: Dave's transformation into a dog allows him to experience life from a different perspective, fostering empathy for others. This newfound understanding helps him connect with his family and friends on a deeper level. Kids learn the value of putting themselves in others' shoes and practicing empathy in their daily interactions.
Finding Courage: The movie showcases Dave's courage as he faces various challenges and works to protect animals from unethical experiments. His bravery inspires kids to find their own courage in difficult situations, teaching them that standing up for what is right is an essential part of personal growth and integrity.
Other Lessons Learned: Being True to Yourself | Embracing Differences | Supporting Your Friends | Valuing Deep Connection | Letting Talents Shine
Why Kids Love The Shaggy Dog
The Shaggy Dog is a whirlwind of fun and chaos, where kids are taken on a hilarious journey with talking animals and wild transformations. Imagine the excitement of seeing a busy dad suddenly living life as a sheepdog, navigating through slapstick comedy and silly mishaps. The movie is filled with laugh-out-loud moments as Dave, the dad-turned-dog, finds himself in awkward situations and must outsmart adults to fix the problem. Kids will love the unexpected friendships that form, especially the pet friendships that add a layer of warmth and humor.
As Dave stands out in his new furry form, he discovers the joy of being unique and making new friends along the way. The movie's blend of action, comedy, and heart makes it a thrilling ride, with Dave's heroic efforts to save the day keeping kids on the edge of their seats. With its mix of adventure and humor, The Shaggy Dog is a delightful experience that captures the imagination and keeps kids entertained from start to finish.