Magical Dog Names

When it comes to mythical dogs, most pale in comparison to Fang, Hagrid’s massive, yet faithful companion in the Harry Potter series. 

In the books, Fang is actually described as being a boarhound, better known as a Great Dane, but in the films is portrayed solely by Neapolitan Mastiffs. Surprisingly enough, while breeds of that size are rarely popular enough to readily find, the producers of the film were not only able to find one to play the part of Fang, but a whopping seven, each of which is featured selectively throughout the film series, many of which went on to do small television appearances for the parts they played. 

To get them ready for their parts, each dog was trained for specific actions that needed to take place on screen, such as lowering their heads and barking on command. But of course, many of them were untrained to begin with, so head trainer Julie Tottman had to start with the basics, such as sitting, laying down, staying and hitting specific marks so they stand in the proper spots within the framing of the shot. 

To get them to bark on cue, she used positive reinforcement by putting a see through fence or gate between her and the dogs, then allowing them to get excited as she backed away, and rewarding them with treats when they responded with appropriate barking. Of course, it didn’t hurt that many of the dogs already enjoyed barking, so it was just a matter of getting them to do so (and not to do so) at the appropriate times.

But working the behind the scenes was only half the magic, if not less, as their on-screen presence and context within the stories are what really made them come to life. 

Within the Harry Potter series, Fang’s character is often featured in many important moments and despite being non-magical, reinforces a dog’s status as one of the most loyal friends a person (or wizard) could ask for. When Harry and Draco Malfoy must help Hagrid by descending into the Forbidden Forest on their own, Fang accompanies them before re-appearing near Hagrid to alert him that the boys are in danger. He later joins Harry and Ron in the Forbidden Forest again when they must go meet Aragog, whose children nearly eat them. He also shows the depth of his character when Buckbeak is reviewed by the Ministry of Magic by taking on a convincingly solemn look. When Delores Umbridge and the Ministry Wizards eventually attempt to attack Hagrid, it’s also Fang who steps in front of a Stunning Spell to save his master. When Hagrid casts the opposing wizards away, he carries the stunned Fang off with him. 

While he may not have been magic himself, Fang’s place in the magical world is cemented numerous times throughout the series and with it, the timeless and unshaken notion that dogs, regardless of the world they exist in, will do everything they can to provide companionship, make us laugh, and even keep us safe.