Here is the biography of Tuffy:
Tuffy, a remarkable Australian shepherd/collie mix, was born in 1930 in a hole in a haystack on the Cheyenne Indian Reservation, near Faith, South Dakota. Ger Orvedahl, a cowboy and owner, recognized Tuffy's potential and began training him when he was just six weeks old. Tuffy's training was centered on obedience and discipline, with a focus on food commands. He learned to bring various articles by name, including a raw egg from the barn, and was often sent to lead the horse to Ger.
As Tuffy's skills improved, Ger recognized the theatrical potential of his stunts and began showcasing them in local shows. Tuffy's first booked show was in Faith, South Dakota, in 1932, where he amazed audiences with his food stunts and ability to lead a horse from a distance.
In 1935, Ger took Tuffy to Hollywood, where they initially faced lean months. However, their break came when Tully Marshall, a veteran actor, stopped at the filling station where they were staying and befriended Tuffy. Marshall mentioned Tuffy's talents to a production manager at Paramount, who gave him a tryout.
Tuffy's film career took off, with his first appearance in the western picture "Nevada" (1936). He went on to appear in numerous films, including "Drift Fence" (1936),"The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" (1936),and several serials. He also played the title role in "The Mighty Treve" (1937),a movie based on an Albert Payson Terhune novel.
Tuffy's strong performances in four Jack Luden westerns - "Rolling Caravans" (1938),"Stagecoach Days" (1938),"Pioneer Trail" (1938),and "Phantom Gold" (1938) - showcased his many talents. However, Tuffy's film career came to an end in 1941, after a nervous breakdown during the filming of "Brigham Young" (1941).
Tuffy continued to give shows and make appearances at movie theaters showing "The Mighty Treve" until 1946, when he was put down at the age of 16. Despite his untimely death, Tuffy's legacy as a talented canine performer continues to be celebrated.
