The film couldn't be shot in the old city centre of Rotterdam, where the story takes place, because almost all historical buildings were destroyed by a German bombardment in World War II.
It was the Netherlands' submission to the 73rd Academy Awards for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, but was not accepted as a nominee.
Based on the 1923 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Abkoude (also known as Charles Winters). A comic strip and a musical were also adapted from said book.
The dog's fur was dyed black to make it resemble the dog of the novel. 'Moor' is named after its black color.