The Colonel (One Hundred and One Dalmatains)
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The Colonel in One Hundred and One Dalmatians is an the "commander" of the bark brigade dogs living in south-eastern England. In the animated film, he is portrayed as an Old English Sheepdog. In the live action film he is an Airedale Terrier. In the animated film he is voiced by J. Pat O'Malley who also voiced Jasper. The Colonel is usually regarded as a main character.
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[edit] Character
The Colonel is presumably the pet of a British Cavalry officer, hence his name. He lives on a cavalry base in Suffolk county. In the film he is often somewhat senile because of his old age. The base he lives on is called "The 9th Queens Royal Lancers" under the command of Major General S.F. Smedley. The animals he directly commands are The Captain, a retired cavalry horse and Sgt. Tibs, a house cat turned military messenger, scout and runner. The three of them sleep in the stable. Due to his shaggy coat his eyes are rarely scene. The Colonel speaks with an accent typical of people living in south-eastern England as well as the counties around London. Additionally he sounds like an older dog. He is presumably ten years old (in dog years).
[edit] Role in the films
In the animated version, The Colonel is first introduced during the twilight bark sequence. He is found by Sgt. Tibs under a stack of hay, who is trying to wake him up. When he hears Old Towser's message about the stolen Dalmatians puppies, him and Sgt. Tibs go to investigate puppy cries at the De Vil place across the road. The second time around the Colonel, waits outside while Sgt. Tibs goes to rescue the puppies. When Pongo and Perdita get lost they contact him with the barking chain. He leads them to the De Vil place. After the battle with Jasper and Horace, The Colonel and the Dalmatians head back to the stable. Once The Captain spots Jasper's truck, the Dalmatians retreat while The Colonel distracts Jasper and Horace. His distraction allows them to get away in time.
[edit] Breed of dog
In the animated film and cartoons, The Colonel is said to be an Old English Sheepdog. However in 101 Dalmatians, he is an Airedale Terrier. This seems more appropriate as the Airdale is often regarded in England as King of the Terriers and The Colonel is the Commander of the barking brigade. There is even some debate as to what breed he is in the animated film and cartoon series. He is said to be an Old English Sheepdog, but displays the characteristics of both Airedale and Sheepdog. There is some speculation that The Colonel is merely a shaggy Airedale because the faces of Old English Sheepdogs and Airdale Terriers are very similar except for the hair. The Colonel even has a colour coat typical of Airedales and rare of Old English Sheepdogs.
