Jackie (dog)

Jackie was a mixed-breed dog owned by Serbian actor Dragoljub "Mija" Aleksić during World War II in German-occupied Serbia. Jackie gained notoriety for understanding and responding to commands in both Serbian and German, a feat that was documented in local newspapers and caught the attention of German officers.

During the occupation, Aleksić used Jackie's bilingual ability to his advantage, often using German commands to subtly mock or mislead the German soldiers, while using Serbian commands for the dog's actual training. This act of defiance made Jackie a symbol of resistance for the local population.

Stories surrounding Jackie circulated widely, contributing to the dog's legend. Accounts vary, but most describe Jackie as a smart, loyal, and playful dog who brought moments of levity to a dark period. While hard historical evidence is limited, Jackie's story persists as a popular anecdote highlighting the resilience and spirit of resistance during the occupation of Serbia. The dog's tale has been retold in various forms, solidifying its place in local lore.