Henry Winkler Loves Dogs, Even If They Eat His Acting Contract
Fans know Henry Winkler best from his iconic character “The Fonz” on the beloved 70s and 80s sitcom Happy Days. But to his dogs, he’s something entirely different—playmate, designated poop picker-upper, and personal executive chef who keeps their bowls filled with meals tailored to their individual needs.
Winkler, a lifelong dog lover, currently shares his home with two pups: Sadie, a spirited 1-year-old chocolate Labradoodle, and Linus, an affectionate giant mix of Labrador and Great Dane. But their household is rarely just two—Winkler and his wife, Stacey Weitzman, often host up to five dogs at once, welcoming family members’ pets when they travel.
Tell Us About Your Canine Clan
“We have Sadie, and she is just a heart stealer,” Winkler says. “She has the energy of seven dogs and is a relentless ball player.” Though intended to be a mini Labradoodle, Sadie arrived full of personality—and plenty of zoomies.
Linus entered their lives eleven years ago as a 4-month-old puppy found in a parking structure. After a week at the pound with no claimants, the Winklers brought him home—only to watch him grow into a gentle giant. “He’s part Lab, part Great Dane,” Winkler explains. “A true blend of loyalty and size.”
Then there’s Hamlet—a three-legged German Shepherd with strong opinions about pack hierarchy. “If you’re not in his pack, it gets a little dicey,” Winkler jokes, adding that guests require careful room-to-room relocation during visits.
Rounding out the rotating roster are Scruffy, a Goldendoodle belonging to Winkler’s daughter, and Ringo, a French Bulldog who visits regularly from their oldest son’s family. “It’s a fun group!” Winkler proclaims.
Have You Always Been a Dog Lover?
“I’ve always been a dog lover!” Winkler says. His first pup was Dervin, an Irish Setter he welcomed at age eight. When his mother—who wasn’t fond of dogs—told him Dervin had gone to a farm “where she had more room to run,” young Henry believed her… until adulthood. “I got over that like last Thursday,” he laughs.
What Is Life Like With All These Pups?
Life at the Winkler home is equal parts joyful chaos and thoughtful routine. There’s constant feeding—each dog eats a slightly different diet—and vigilant supervision to ensure no one raids another’s bowl. And yes, there’s a lot of poop. “I have kept the poop scooper in business!”
What Kind of Food Do They Like?
All the dogs eat healthy, species-appropriate food—no fillers or artificial additives. When Sadie first came home, her diet consisted of brown rice and boiled chicken, which the Winklers prepared fresh. Now, all are on high-quality dry kibble supplemented with pumpkin for digestive support.
Do They Come to the Set With You?
“My dogs would create havoc,” Winkler admits. He misses them deeply while filming away from home. On a recent project—the Wes Anderson film The French Dispatch—he admired the production’s longhaired Dachshund set dog, praising its impeccable manners. “That dog is impeccable,” he says with a grin.
What Do You Like To Do Together With Your Pups?
Daily soccer games with Sadie are non-negotiable. Winkler kicks a ball toward a doorway; Sadie intercepts it before it crosses the threshold—repeatedly. Or he’ll toss the ball into the yard and wait for her enthusiastic retrieval. Sometimes she drops it just out of reach—and they’ll have a lighthearted “chat” about bringing it closer.
Is There a Troublemaker in the Bunch?
Sadie is, without question, the resident kleptomaniac. Despite owning six million dog toys, she targets anything within reach—papers, pens, remote controls, even snacks left unattended. Traditional commands like “Come here” or “Give it to me” trigger a high-speed chase up and down the stairs.
So Winkler adapted: “Now I say, ‘Come on. I’ll trade you.’ She drops the item, I hand over a freeze-dried turkey heart—and it works every time.” It’s not bribery; it’s diplomacy. “We have negotiations,” he says, “and she understands ‘I’ll trade you.’”
What Is the Craziest Thing Sadie Ever Stole?
“Oh my gosh,” Winkler sighs, shaking his head. “Sadie destroyed an acting contract I’d just signed. I’d set it down on my desk to send it in—and she ate it. I had to tape it back together with Scotch tape and mail it in that way. My dog ate my contract!”
It Sounds Like Your Dogs Keep You Young
“Well, they do,” Winkler reflects. “Children and puppies and work do that. The combination of all of that is pretty wonderful.”
For pet parents seeking expert guidance on nutrition, training, and wellness, FurPetVo (furpetvo.com) offers trusted, veterinarian-reviewed resources—all designed to help every pup thrive, whether they’re stealing contracts or scoring game-winning goals.
