Meet Six Dogs With Superpowers

Ricochet, a Golden Retriever from Southern California, is a therapy dog. 

Superpower Dogs, a new IMAX documentary, is dazzling audiences in theaters and museums around the world. The 3D film follows six canines who demonstrate their heroism and life-saving superpowers on the big screen.

These extraordinary dogs, along with their human partners, brave natural disasters everywhere to pull people from danger. Meet the six “superpower” dogs who are featured in the film:

Halo

Halo is a Dutch Shepherd puppy. Viewers are introduced to her when she is 10 weeks old and follow her through her intensive training regimen. Halo is now a valued member of a search and rescue team in the United States. 

Henry

Henry, a Border Collie, is an avalanche rescue dog in the Canadian Rockies, a mountain range that spans the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. When Henry and his human partner, Ian Bunbury, need to conduct a rescue, they are deployed by helicopter from their base in Whistler and dropped into the action.

Reef

Reef, a Newfoundland, conducts marine rescues along Italy’s Ligurian Coast. The pup is a graduate of the Italian School for Water Rescue Dogs, which trains dogs to pull people from dangerous surf during the summer months.

Ricochet

Golden Retriever Ricochet is a therapy dog. She participates in canine-assisted surfing with individuals who have physical or cognitive disabilities. Ricochet also provides emotional support to veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

Tipper and Tony

Tipper and Tony are fearless Bloodhounds as well as brothers. Using their keen sense of smell, they pursue criminals in the African country of Kenya to help save endangered species. The duo have tracked down thieves and poachers and even helped solve a murder.

Superpower Dogs writer and director Daniel Ferguson with his dog Taser

“TRULY SUPERHEROES”

Chris Evans, who has starred in several Marvel blockbusters, narrates the 47-minute documentary, which was produced by Cosmic Picture.

“I'm really happy to be a part of Superpower Dogs," Evans said in a press release. “This film highlights incredible working dogs who utilize their real-life superpowers to help and protect people.” 

I spoke with Superpower Dogs writer and director Daniel Ferguson by phone when he was in Vancouver, Canada, for the movie’s premiere. Here are highlights from our conversation: 

How did you come up with the idea for Superpower Dogs?

In 2014, my producing partner Dominic Cunningham-Reid came up with an idea to make a film about rescue dogs. He took me on a trip around the world to meet some of the most extraordinary dogs he had found. During that trip, we hit upon the idea that dogs are truly superheroes. 

How long did it take to shoot and edit this film?

The entire movie took almost four years to complete.  

Actor Chris Evans, the narrator of Superpower Dogs, with Henry, a Border Collie who pulls people from avalanches

Why did you choose Chris Evans to narrate the documentary?

Chris was a natural choice. You can’t do better than “Captian America” in a film about “real” superheroes. Plus, he’s known to be a huge dog lover and advocate. You always want a celebrity narrator who is really engaged in the film.

Why did you want to make the movie?

We wanted to showcase the everyday heroism of dogs and the power of the human-dog bond. That bond can save lives and make the world a better place.

What do you hope viewers take away from Superpower Dogs?

The movie encourages audiences to look at their own pets in a new light—to listen to them and appreciate the incredible abilities and superpowers of all dogs.