The pet-centric suspense-action comedy "Year of the Dog" will return to Chinese theaters nationwide on February 14, positioning itself as a family-friendly film for audiences of all ages with its blend of adorable animals, mystery, high-stakes action and laughs during the upcoming Spring Festival movie season.

A staggering 273 trained dogs across thirty breeds – including Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Huskies – star in the film. Director Liang Ting revealed in an earlier interview her concerns over the logistical chaos behind the scenes: "We had dozens of dogs 'clocking in' daily. Their meal schedules, potty breaks, and tendency to chew props required our utmost caution. But their spontaneous antics created magic on set – this was easily one of the top 10 most challenging films to shoot."

The plot follows Cheng Bin, a retired police dog trainer, and his heroic Labrador "Da Xiong" as they embark on a mission to rescue dozens of stolen neighborhood pets. Beyond entertainment, the film subtly advocates animal welfare: Cheng Bin runs a pet club while sheltering over a dozen strays, emphasizing themes of compassion and respect for all living beings.

Originally filmed in 2017 and first released in September 2018, "Year of the Dog" struggled at the box office, grossing under 2.1 million yuan (around $300,000) across two attempts. Producers now hope its 2026 Valentine's Day re-release, timed to capitalize on family audiences during the holiday, will finally give this furry adventure the tail-wagging success it deserves.