While it has a family-friendly reputation, the film contains "moderate violence and gore" and "frightening scenes," specifically relating to the murder investigation and the dog's death.

The dog, Hooch, was played by a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) named Beasley. While the character dies in the film, NYFA notes that Beasley lived to the age of 14. Critical Reception and Themes

Turner & Hooch remains a culturally significant example of the late-80s action-comedy. Its legacy was recently revived with a 2021 television series on Disney+, continuing the story of Scott Turner's son and a new generation of the iconic dog. Turner & Hooch Movie Review - Common Sense Media

The film is often compared to other canine-cop films of the era, such as K-9 . However, IMDb highlights that Turner & Hooch stands out for its "harsh ending," where the dog is killed—a bold and divisive choice for what was marketed as a Disney family comedy.