Alan-a-Dale's Dog

Elton Hayes as Alan-a-Dale with his dog

Throughout the movie, The Story of Robin Hood (1952), Alan-a-Dale played by Elton Hayes is followed by his faithful little dog, along the streets of Nottingham and through the winding paths of Sherwood Forest. By the end of the film, the minstrel and his loyal dog are in the outlaws' camp.  

To my knowledge, we never learn the little dog's name. But we do now!

Joan Rice with Alan-a-Dale's dog

On the back of a publicity photograph from the time of the films release, the name of the dog is revealed:

" RH-Pub-A8--JOAN RICE dressed as a page for her role as Maid Marian in "Robin Hood," makes friends with "Rusty." Rusty plays the part of Alan-a-Dale's (Elton Hayes) dog in the all-live-action Technicolor production, now being made by Walt Disney for RKO Radio."

So now we know!