According to Variety, New Line has tapped the comedy/horror helmer, John Landis, to direct laffer Show Dogs, a "Pygmalion" story about a homeless Jack Russell terrier thrust into the competitive world of dog shows.

Hire of the helmer of Animal House and An American Werewolf in London gives new momentum to the Mike Bender script, which was acquired by the mini-major more than two years ago.

Chris Bender and JC Spink are producing through their New Line-based Benderspink shingle.

Landis recently completed Deer Woman for Showtime and has pics Epic Proportions, Missionary Impossible and Bat Boy the Musical in development.