John Wick Dog Breed [and Photos] (2024 Update)
Often, when there’s a popular movie that involves a dog as the main character – or even a side character – that dog breed spikes in popularity. People are so moved by the portrayal of the breed that they decide they must have one for themselves.
After seeing the 2014 movie John Wick and its subsequent sequels, you probably noticed that the entire series starts with one terrible act:
The killing of Wick’s dog.
If you’ve been wondering about the breed of John Wick’s dogs in the films, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll talk about John Wick, his first dog, and the other dogs he has throughout the movie franchise.
Who is John Wick?
John Wick, played by actor Keanu Reeves, grew up an orphan in Belarus. The Russian Mafia took him at a young age, raising him as a trained assassin and hitman.
None of this, however, is featured in the film. In fact, by the time we meet Wick, he has been retired for five years and is happily married, living an everyday life.
John Wick’s Dog Breeds
In the first John Wick movie, Wick has a Beagle puppy. The puppy, named Daisy, was a gift from Wick’s wife. The significance of the puppy is that she was a gift from Wick’s late wife, who died of leukemia.
The dog was left behind so that Wick wouldn’t be alone once she passed.
At the end of the first John Wick movie, we see Wick adopt a Pitbull from a shelter. Or rather, take the dog from the shelter.
During this scene, Wick is hurt from fighting off bad guys. He stumbles into the shelter and uses the supplies there to treat himself. While he’s there, he notices the Pitbull puppy and decides to take him.
Very simply, Wick calls this Pitbull “boy.”
Update – John Wick 4 Dog Breeds
In the early 2023 release of John Wick, we were treated in the trailer too what many incorrectly though was return of a glorious German Shepherd. Some think it was a reference to Halle Berry’s dogs previously seen in the John Wick franchise, but there is no confirmed connection.
In the movie however, the John Wick 4 dog is actually a Belgian Mallinois owned by Mr Nobody. See this photo to see who the breeds are often confused.
What Happened to John Wick’s Beagle?
As we briefly mentioned earlier, the John Wick franchise begins with the ruthless murder of his beloved puppy, Daisy – a Beagle. Santino, an Italian mafia boss, and the movie’s main antagonist, invades Wick’s home.
Santino, upset with Wick for refusing to repay a debt he owes, not only blows up and burns down Wick’s house, but he also kills his Beagle, delivering the infamous line:
“No wife. No home. No dog. You have nothing, John. Vengeance is all you have left.”
The incident was the cherry on top of a multitude of disastrous events in Wick’s life, which gave us the rest of the franchise.
What Happened to John Wick’s Pitbull?
At the end of the first movie, Wick adopts a rescue Pitbull that he calls “boy.” This dog continues as Wick’s faithful companion throughout the second and third movies, and Wick eventually grows to nickname him Bubba .
About Beagles
The first dog breed featured in the John Wick movies was a Beagle puppy.
Beagles are known for being friendly, outgoing, and loyal hunting dogs. Their small size makes them seem convenient for quaint houses and apartment living, but they’re high-energy pups that need tons of exercise.
Beagles can be between 13 and 15 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Most variations are widely recognizable by their mixture of white, black, and brown colors and ticking patterns. Ticking refers to flecks or spots of color in what would otherwise be white fur.
However, some variations are solid colors.
According to the AKC, the Beagle is the most popular hound dog for American dog owners. The breed was initially bred to hunt in packs, and their work not only gave them a purpose but let them expel all of that crazy energy they store up.
These days, families often keep Beagles as pets rather than working dogs. It’s acceptable to own a Beagle and not hunt with it, but you’ll need to ensure it gets plenty of exercise. Otherwise, the breed can become very bored and mischievous, outing itself as a bit of an escape artist, a tunnel digger, and a squirrel chaser.
About Pitbulls
Pitbulls often get a bad rep due to myriad myths and an unfortunate history that make people believe they’re dangerous and aggressive dogs, but these notions aren’t valid.
When given a chance, Pitbulls make excellent family pets and very loving furry friends.
Currently, the AKC recognizes four different Pitbull-type breeds. When referring to Pitbull, most people are talking about the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier. But a Pitbull can refer to any bully-type breed with similar characteristics.
Pitbull breeds were created by crossing a Bulldog with a Terrier. They were made to be working dogs on farms but quickly subjected to cruel – and now thankfully illegal – dog fighting competitions.
Because of the different variations, Pitbulls can range in size and weight. On average, most Pitbulls stand between 17 and 19 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds. Though they aren’t as tall or long as other dogs, their dense muscles make up their weight.
Pitbull breeds are very loyal, good-natured dogs who consistently score well in terms of temperament. Their broad heads give them a goofy smile that you can’t resist, and their intelligence is something to be admired.
This highly trainable breed will quickly become your best friend and biggest supporter if you let him.
John Wick Dog Breed
Throughout the movie franchise, John Wick had two different dogs: Daisy the Beagle and Bubba (Boy) the Pitbull. Other characters played by Halle Berry and the new character Nobody, both have Belgian Mallinois dogs (NOT German Shepherds)
Although Wick didn’t get to enjoy Daisy for very long before her untimely death, the adorable puppy graced the screen long enough to make us fall in love with her soulful eyes and playful spirit.
Thankfully, we were rewarded in the second movie with another loyal pup who we got to watch stick by Wick’s side through the good and the bad.
If you’re thinking about getting one of these breeds for yourself and your family, make sure you do plenty of research to train and care for these intelligent, faithful dogs properly.
FAQ: Does the dog die in John Wick 4?
No, the dog does not die in John Wick 4.
