Introduction
The film Dog, released in early 2022 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, has gained attention not just for its star actor Channing Tatum but also for its canine co-star. The movie tells the story of Army Ranger Briggs (Tatum) and his military service dog Lulu as they journey down the Pacific Coast to attend her handler’s funeral. Along the way, Briggs and Lulu drive each other crazy yet soon realize they need each other more than they initially believed.
While Dog features plenty of comedic moments between man and his best friend, it also touches on serious topics like PTSD and loss. Critics have praised Dog for combining heart and humor in an entertaining crowd-pleaser. But the true star that steals the spotlight is Lulu, a Belgian Malinois tasked with playing Briggs’ devoted companion.
Lead Actor: Channing Tatum
Channing Tatum stars as Briggs in Dog. Tatum is best known for his starring roles in Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street, The Vow, and the Step Up films (Channing Tatum’s 10 Highest Paying Film Roles). He got his start on television shows like CSI: Miami before transitioning to film. Some of his earlier film roles included Coach Carter, She’s the Man, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, and Fighting. His breakout roles came in 2006’s Step Up and its sequels, where he played the lead male dancer. From there, Tatum went on to star in major box office hits like G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Dear John, The Vow, 21 Jump Street and its sequel, Magic Mike and its sequel, and Foxcatcher which earned him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. He has proven himself as a versatile actor capable of both comedic and dramatic roles.
Supporting Cast Members
Dog features an ensemble supporting cast alongside lead actor Channing Tatum. Some of the most notable supporting cast members include:
Jane Adams as Debbie Berman, Briggs’s wife. Adams is known for roles in films like Happiness, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Pollock. In Dog, she plays Briggs’s supportive wife who sticks by him during his eventful road trip with Lulu.
Kevin Nash as Mark Berman, Briggs’s handler. Nash is best known as a wrestler and actor, appearing in films like The Punisher and Magic Mike. Here, Nash plays Briggs’s friend who tries to help him complete his mission with Lulu.
Q’orianka Kilcher as Niki Manning, a woman Lulu rescues. Kilcher’s most famous role is as Pocahontas in the 2005 film The New World. Her character represents one of the lives affected by Lulu’s heroism.
Ethan Suplee as Jim Manning, Niki’s brother. Suplee is recognizable from his roles in films like American History X and Mallrats. He plays Niki’s protective older brother who is initially suspicious of Briggs and Lulu.
The supporting cast provides talent and diversity of roles surrounding the central relationship between Briggs and Lulu. Their interactions help showcase the transformative power of Lulu’s companionship.
About the Dog Breed: Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a herding breed that originated in the Belgian region of Malines. The breed has a long history as an intelligent and hardworking sheep herder, suitable for working in the harsh conditions of its native region according to the American Kennel Club (Belgian Malinois Dog Breed – Facts and Traits).
Belgian Malinois are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 40-80 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall. They have a square, proportionate build and a short mahogany coat with black shading on the ears, tail, and mask. The breed is known for its agility, strength, and endurance. It has a high energy level and strong protective and territorial instincts.
The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent breed that excels at obedience training and working roles. They are alert, confident, hardworking dogs that form close bonds with their owners. As working dogs, they require extensive exercise and training to prevent problem behaviors from developing. Overall, the Belgian Malinois is an active, versatile breed dedicated to its family and work according to the American Belgian Malinois Club (Belgian Malinois Dog Breed – Facts and Traits).
Why Belgian Malinois Was Chosen
The filmmakers specifically sought out the Belgian Malinois breed for the lead role of Lulu in Dog. Director Reid Carolin explained that the Belgian Malinois was chosen due to their reputation as an intelligent, hard-working breed often used in police and military operations (Today). Additionally, according to trainers on set, the Belgian Malinois was selected for their athleticism, trainability, and ability to repeatedly perform tasks on command (Dogster). This made them well-suited for the demanding role of acting in a feature film.
The Belgian Malinois is known for being highly active with a strong work ethic, both qualities that lent themselves well to playing Lulu. Their high energy and drive enabled them to enthusiastically perform physically demanding stunts and tricks during filming. Additionally, their eagerness to please and quick response to training allowed the dogs to follow direction reliably on set.
Overall, the intelligence, athleticism, and trainability of the Belgian Malinois breed made them an ideal choice for the starring canine role in Dog. Their natural attributes aligned perfectly with the needs of a working dog actor.
Training the Dogs
The Belgian Malinois chosen for Dog went through extensive training to prepare them for their on-screen roles. According to animal trainer Mark Miller, the process started by socializing the dogs from a very young age to get them comfortable being touched and handled by strangers [source]. The dogs were introduced to various environments and situations like loud noises, crowds of people, and camera equipment.
The trainer used positive reinforcement, rewarding the dogs with treats and praise for good behavior. Commands were taught through a clicker training method. When the dog performed the desired action like “sit” or “stay”, a click sound was paired with a treat to help the dog associate the click with a job well done [source].
More advanced training involved things like teaching the dog to hit certain marks on set, hold a stare, or portray specific emotions on command. According to Miller, it took about 2 years from puppyhood to fully prepare the dogs for appearing in the film Dog.
On-Set Experiences
Working with animals, especially dogs, on a movie set can be challenging but also rewarding for cast and crew. According to an anonymous Reddit post by a filmmaker, dogs require a lot of training and preparation before filming begins to get them accustomed to lights, cameras, and multiple takes (https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/15cqc6c/anyone_ever_work_with_a_dog_on_a_short_film_or/). The crew of Dog had to put in many hours working with the Belgian Malinois dogs to ensure they could handle the demands of a feature film set.
In an interview, Channing Tatum spoke about his experience acting alongside the canine stars: “The dogs were so smart, professional and eager to work. Their trainers did an amazing job. There were moments when I really felt like I was having an acting ‘conversation’ with the dogs” (https://kylekittleson.com/working-with-dogs-in-television-and-movies/). To protect the safety and wellbeing of the dog actors, the production team followed guidelines from the American Humane Association requiring ample breaks, access to shade, and an on-set safety representative (https://humanehollywood.org/guideline/dog-guidelines/).
The cast and crew grew quite attached to the dogs during filming. Animal trainer Kyle Kittleson said the dogs brought a fun energy to the set: “They really enjoyed working and brought a lot of tail wags and smiles to the cast and crew after long shooting days.” The story of Dog shows that with proper training and care, dogs can thrive in a film environment.
Critical Reception
Dog received generally positive reviews from critics. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 74% based on 212 reviews, with an average rating of 6.20/10. The website’s critics consensus reads: “Carried by a story told with sensitivity and heart – plus two tremendously appealing canine performers – Dog delivers gently uplifting entertainment the whole family can root for.”
Mark R. from CinemaClock gave the film a positive review, saying “Despite issues with a lopsided tone I still enjoyed this movie much more than I expected. Dog was a surprisingly moving film when it wanted to be with an ending that really stuck the landing for me.”
Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of “A–” on an A+ to F scale. Viewers found the relationship between the two main characters, veteran Jackson Briggs and his dog Lulu, to be the heart of the film. The portrayal of a veteran with PTSD also resonated with many audience members.
Overall, the lighthearted road trip paired with emotional moments between man and dog led to a positive response from both critics and general audiences.
Impact on Belgian Malinois Popularity
The release of Dog starring Channing Tatum has drawn a lot of positive attention to the Belgian Malinois breed. As the canine co-star of the movie, the intelligence and athleticism of the Belgian Malinois is on full display.
However, some experts have warned that the breed’s popularity boom following the movie could lead to unintended consequences. Movies featuring cute dogs sometimes cause a surge of interest in that breed, with some people rushing out to get the dog without understanding the commitment required to properly care for it.
Belgian Malinois are very active working dogs that need extensive training and exercise. Their strong drives make them better suited for experienced dog owners. As veterinarian Dr. Klein warns, “Families see the movie, fall in love with the friendly dog on screen and rush out to get a puppy without doing their homework” (source).
This can ultimately lead to behavioral issues and owners surrendering dogs to shelters once the excitement of the movie wears off. Movies don’t always showcase the challenges of owning certain breeds. It’s important that viewers do thorough research before getting any dog.
While Dog spotlights the Belgian Malinois positively, it remains to be seen whether it will cause a dramatic spike in irresponsible breeding or ownership. However, shelters and rescues should prepare for an increased interest following the movie’s release.
Conclusion
Dog offers a heartwarming story about an army ranger and his canine companion. Though fictional, the film sheds light on the real bonds formed between soldiers and military working dogs. Channing Tatum gives an emotional performance as Briggs, while the talented Belgian Malinois who played Lulu tugs at viewers’ heartstrings. Their on-screen chemistry makes the film work.
While Dog received mixed reviews, most critics praised the canine cast members. For many, the dogs were the real stars of the film. Their training and performance were key to portraying the story believably. The movie also sparked interest in the Belgian Malinois breed. Though not suitable for most pet owners, they are intelligent, hardworking dogs capable of doing amazing things with the right handling and training.
Ultimately, Dog provides an entertaining look at the relationships between humans and dogs. Led by Channing Tatum’s sensitive portrayal, it captures the loyalty and affection between a soldier and his canine partner. Their fictional bond represents the real sacrifices military dogs and their handlers make together while serving their country.