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7 Shocking Facts About Buddy, The Original Air Bud Dog, And The Franchise’s 2026 Comeback

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The Golden Retriever known as Buddy, the original "dog from Air Bud," remains one of cinema's most beloved animal actors, but his true story is far more compelling than the 1997 film suggests. For fans who grew up with the heartwarming tale of a stray dog who became a basketball star, the legacy of Buddy is one of perseverance and incredible talent. As of December 2025, the Air Bud franchise is making a major comeback, with a brand-new sequel announced for 2026, proving the world still loves a sports-playing Golden Retriever.

This article dives deep into the true biography of the real dog actor, his secret role on a major sitcom, the heartbreaking reason the original film was his last, and the fresh details about the upcoming Air Bud Returns movie, including the two new canine stars who will carry on the legacy.

The Complete Biography of Buddy (The Original Air Bud Dog Actor)

Buddy was not just a movie star; he was a remarkable stray with a talent for sports and a heartbreakingly short life. His story is a true rags-to-riches Hollywood tale that began with a chance encounter.

  • Real Name: Buddy
  • Species: Canis familiaris
  • Breed: Golden Retriever
  • Sex: Male
  • Born: c. 1988
  • Found By: Kevin DiCicco in 1989 near the Sierra Nevada mountains/Yosemite.
  • Owner/Trainer: Kevin DiCicco, a writer and avid sports enthusiast.
  • Notable Film Role: Buddy in Air Bud (1997).
  • Notable TV Role: Comet, the Tanner family dog, in the sitcom Full House (1995–1998).
  • Death: February 10, 1998, from cancer (specifically, osteosarcoma, which led to the amputation of his right rear leg six months earlier).
  • Age at Death: Approximately 9–10 years old.

The Incredible True Story of Buddy’s Discovery and Stardom

The dog who would become Air Bud was an actual stray found by his future owner, Kevin DiCicco, in 1989. DiCicco discovered the disheveled Golden Retriever near his grandfather’s cabin in the Sierra Nevada.

Buddy’s unique talent for basketball—specifically, shooting a ball into a hoop—was discovered accidentally. DiCicco, a sports enthusiast, noticed Buddy’s natural ability to use his nose to push a ball and developed it into a full-fledged trick.

His first major break wasn't the big screen, but television. Buddy was cast as Comet, the beloved family dog on the hit ABC sitcom Full House, appearing from 1995 until the show’s end in 1998. This dual career is one of the most surprising facts about the canine actor.

The 1997 film Air Bud, where Buddy plays the titular basketball-playing dog who befriends Josh Framm (played by Kevin Zegers), was a box office success, grossing over $27 million worldwide and launching a massive franchise.

Despite the film's premise, the movie used a combination of Buddy and two other professional animal actors, all Golden Retrievers, to perform the various sports stunts. However, the real Buddy performed the majority of the iconic basketball shots.

Tragically, Buddy developed osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, which necessitated the amputation of his right rear leg in 1997. He passed away on February 10, 1998, just months after the release of the film that made him a star, cementing the original Air Bud as his final major role.

The Air Bud Cinematic Universe: Franchise Legacy and The 2026 Sequel

Buddy’s legacy extends far beyond the original film. His success spawned a massive franchise that includes four direct sequels focusing on other sports (football, soccer, baseball, and volleyball), all featuring his fictional offspring.

The franchise later expanded with the popular spin-off series, Air Buddies, which featured Buddy's talking Golden Retriever puppies, including B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha, Mudbud, and Rosebud. This series alone has over seven films, proving the enduring appeal of the Golden Retriever breed in family entertainment.

The original Air Bud film is considered a beloved classic of the Disney era, praised for its heartwarming message about friendship and the unconditional love between a boy and his dog. The film’s success solidified the Golden Retriever as the quintessential family movie star.

What We Know About Air Bud Returns (2026)

In a major announcement that has delighted long-time fans, Air Bud Entertainment and Cineverse are bringing the franchise back to its roots with a new film titled Air Bud Returns, slated for a 2026 release. This will be the 15th film in the overall Air Bud series.

The sequel’s plot centers on a new character named Jacob, a 12-year-old boy who dreams of being a basketball star. After the passing of his father, Jacob discovers an original VHS of the Air Bud movie and has a chance encounter with a neglected Golden Retriever whom he names Buddy.

The film is written and directed by Robert Vince, a veteran of the franchise who has helmed many of the previous sequels and Air Buddies films.

The production held a nationwide "Search for the Next Air Bud," and two talented Golden Retrievers, Charlie and Summer, were selected to share the role of the new Buddy. This casting decision ensures the beloved breed and its athletic capabilities remain at the heart of the story.

The return of the franchise in 2026, over 12 years after the last installment, highlights the timeless nature of the original story and the powerful connection people feel to the dog who started it all: the original Buddy.

7 Shocking Facts About Buddy, The Original Air Bud Dog, And The Franchise’s 2026 Comeback
dog from air bud
dog from air bud

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