[4] An international co-production of the United States and Canada, the film stars Kevin Zegers as a young boy who befriends a runaway Golden Retriever (portrayed by Buddy) with a unique ability to play basketball.

One day after school, Josh practices basketball by himself in a makeshift court that he sets up behind an abandoned church, where he meets an abandoned and runaway Golden Retriever who had recently escaped from his abusive owner: a alcoholic clown named Norman Snively, who had locked him in a kennel for causing trouble at a birthday party when the kennel unknowingly fell out due to Snively not securing the back.

With Chaney's encouragement, Josh earns a place on the school basketball team, the Timberwolves, despite the reservation of their competitive coach, Joe Barker.

Barker is fired after being caught emotionally and physically abusing Tom for his poor performance and is replaced by Chaney at Josh's suggestion.

Withdrawn and depressed, Josh discovers Snively living in a small income house and sneaks into his backyard, freeing Buddy from his chain.

Buddy shows up to the cheers of the crowd, and after it is discovered that there is no rule preventing a dog from playing basketball, he is added to the roster and leads the team to victory.

The website's consensus reads: "Air Bud's wacky concept isn't entirely enough to fill a feature-length film, but this rather silly family-friendly outing is partly redeemed by its extremely charming title character.