Uggie, the canine star of Oscar-nominated hit The Artist, is to retire, his trainer has said.

Omar von Muller told Life and Style magazine he was hanging up his collar because the 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier was "getting tired".

"He may do a couple of little things here and there because he enjoys them, but I don't want to put him through long hours anymore," he said.

It is thought Uggie will make his final appearance at the Oscars.

"I hope he gets to go," said von Muller. "They should give him an envelope to bring to Billy Crystal."