Chips, the War Dog (1990)
A heartwarming WWII tale of an unlikely soldier-dog duo forged in the Army's Dogs for Defense program.
Chips, the War Dog - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Ed Kaplan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, War, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 24, 1990 (United States)
- Production Companies: Walt Disney Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Chips, the War Dog - Plot
In this made-for-tv movie, misfits Danny Stauffer and Chips (a chicken-chasing German shepherd) are teamed up in the Army's "Dogs for Defense" program during WWII.
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Chips, the War Dog - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ed Kaplan
Main Cast
- Brandon Douglas
- Ned Vaughn
- Paxton Whitehead
- Robert Miranda
- Ellie Cornell
- William Devane
- Coby Scheldt
- Juli Morser
- Sheridan Gayr
- Luke Rossi
Writers
- Sandra Weintraub
Producers
- Sandra Weintraub
Chips, the War Dog - FAQs
Is Chips, the War Dog based on a true story?
Yes! Chips, the War Dog is inspired by the real-life story of Chips, a German shepherd-collie-husky mix who served with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division during World War II. He became one of the most decorated war dogs in American military history, earning a Silver Star and a Purple Heart.
What is Chips, the War Dog about?
The film follows Danny Stauffer, a young misfit soldier, who is paired with Chips, a trouble-making German shepherd, in the Army's Dogs for Defense program during WWII. Together, the unlikely duo must overcome their rough edges and forge a bond strong enough to serve their country on the front lines.
Who are the main actors in Chips, the War Dog?
Brandon Douglas leads the cast as Danny Stauffer, alongside Ned Vaughn as Mitch Wilson and William Devane as Col. Charnley. Ellie Cornell, Paxton Whitehead, and Robert Miranda round out the supporting cast in this Walt Disney Television production.
What real military honors did Chips the dog receive?
The real Chips was awarded a Silver Star for combat bravery and a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in battle during WWII — remarkable honors for a canine soldier. However, the military later rescinded both medals, as official policy at the time did not permit animals to receive combat decorations.
When was Chips, the War Dog released?
Chips, the War Dog premiered on March 24, 1990, in the United States. It aired as a made-for-television movie produced by Walt Disney Television, bringing the remarkable true story of one of WWII's most celebrated canine soldiers to a family audience.
What genre is Chips, the War Dog?
Chips, the War Dog blends Adventure, Drama, and War storytelling in a TV Movie format. It's a family-friendly wartime tale that balances the emotional bond between a soldier and his dog with the historical backdrop of World War II, making it accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages.
How long is Chips, the War Dog?
Chips, the War Dog runs for 92 minutes — just over an hour and a half. It's a well-paced runtime for a TV movie, giving the story enough room to develop the bond between Danny and Chips without overstaying its welcome.
What are some movies similar to Chips, the War Dog?
If you enjoyed Chips, the War Dog, you might also like Devotion (2022), Valiant One (2025), River Wild (2023), and Under Wraps (2021). These films share similar themes of adventure, courage, and heartfelt storytelling that fans of this wartime classic tend to appreciate.
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