Cybermutt (2003)

This French/German co-production stars Judd Nelson as eccentric scientist Alex Branson, who, after his life is saved by a courageous golden retriever named Rex, returns the favor by operating upon the seriously injured canine. Implanting a high-tech "thetachip" in Rex, Alex transforms the pooch into a super-powered cybermutt, with ultra-developed artificial intelligence and physical powers far beyond those of ordinary hounds. Naturally, Rex's awesome new powers attract the attention of several scurrilous villains, who, aided by Alex's treacherous assistant Erica (Paulina Mielech), try to steal the dog for their own sinister motives. Directed by Australian George Miller of The Man From Snowy River fame, Cybermutt was completed in 2002, but not exhibited in the U.S. until it aired over cable's Animal Planet network on May 26, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi