Dogs on the Walking Dead in the Post-Apocalypse

In the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead, dogs are more than just pets, they're survival tools. Many survivors, including Rick Grimes and his group, rely on dogs for protection and companionship.

Dogs are highly attuned to their environment and can detect subtle changes in their surroundings, making them valuable assets in a world filled with walkers. This keen sense of awareness is evident in the way dogs like Rick's dog, Carl, and Hershel's dog, Lenny, alert their owners to potential threats.

Having a dog in the post-apocalypse is not without its challenges, however. Dogs require food, water, and regular veterinary care, which can be difficult to come by in a world where resources are scarce.

Daryl loads up his bike for Hilltop in Season 9.

Dog rides with Carol and Henry on their cart as they drive to Hilltop.

Dog leads the way as Daryl, Aaron, and Jesus search for Eugene.

Dog finds Eugene hiding beneath a trapdoor in a barn.

Daryl's group includes Dog as they run from the Whisperers' camp.

Dog follows Connie when she leads the group in a different direction, causing Daryl some annoyance.

Dog is with Daryl's group when they arrive at Alexandria for medical help for Henry.

Daryl calls Dog who runs on ahead as they leave Alexandria.

Michonne and Judith pick up Daryl and Dog on their way to the Kingdom.

Dog on The Walking Dead is a Belgian Malinois, a type of Belgian shepherd dog often confused for a German shepherd.

The breed is known for being highly trainable, which is why Seven, the canine actor playing Dog, was able to learn complex actions for the show.

Seven's breed is also known for being fiercely determined and won't give up on a task, which can be both an asset and a liability in filmmaking.

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The trainers working with Seven had to be aware of how far the dog would go to complete a task, as he might literally drop dead if he loses contact with his handler.

Seven's owner, Lynn Collins, described him as "really comfortable on set" and "super loving", making him a joy to work with.

Despite his breed's reputation for being intense, Seven's trainers said he was incredibly easy to work with and focused.

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As the world fell apart, some dogs were able to adapt and survive. At some point after the outbreak, Duke and at least three other dogs became feral and began to travel and hunt together in a pack.

Duke's transformation into a feral dog was likely a difficult and challenging process. The combination of the outbreak and the subsequent collapse of society must have been incredibly traumatic for him.

Feral dogs are known to be highly social creatures, often forming close bonds with other dogs in their pack. Duke's decision to join forces with at least three other dogs was likely a key factor in his survival.

Daryl's dog, Dog, was first introduced in the show's latest season 10 episode, Find Me.

The origin of Dog is revealed to be a puppy that Daryl meets five years prior to current events, while searching for Rick Grimes.

Daryl finds the puppy by a river and it leads him to a cabin, where he meets its owner, Leah.

Leah eventually lets Daryl go, and a number of months later, Daryl and Dog meet again, with Leah revealing that she lost her son after he was bitten by walkers the same day Dog was born.

Daryl vows to find Leah after she goes missing, leaving Dog behind.

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Daryl's journey is marked by moments of calm before the chaos erupts. He's accompanied by his loyal companion Dog to Hilltop.

Dog's keen senses prove invaluable as they search for Kelly in the woods, leading them to discover Magna has followed. Dog then finds Kelly injured under a tree.

That night, Daryl and Dog return to Alexandria with Kelly, leaving the community behind.

Daryl's dog's origin story has finally been revealed in The Walking Dead's season 10 episode.

The story begins five years prior to current events, when Daryl is searching for Rick Grimes.

During this time, Daryl meets a puppy by a river, who leads him to a cabin.

A year later, Daryl reunites with the mutt, but this time he meets its owner at the cabin, who takes him hostage.

The owner eventually lets him go, and Daryl and the dog meet again a few months later.

The woman reveals that the dog's name is Dog, and she lost her son after he was bitten by walkers the same day Dog was born.

Daryl subsequently vows to find her, but she's nowhere to be found when he returns to the cabin.

Showrunner Angela Kang previously teased Dog's origin story in 2018, saying it would show Daryl's state after Rick's presumed death.

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