Introduction
The John Wick franchise follows the exploits of the legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves). In the previous films, Wick had an unbreakable bond with his dogs. His original pit bull puppy was tragically killed, setting off the events of the first John Wick film. In John Wick: Chapter 3, he adopted a pit bull from Sofia (Halle Berry) that fought alongside him. Now in John Wick: Chapter 4, Wick is joined by a new canine companion – a Belgian Malinois.
The Belgian Malinois is an energetic herding breed known for its intelligence, trainability, and loyalty. With their protective instincts and working drive, Belgian Malinois excel at many tasks including police work, search and rescue, and personal protection. This versatile breed was the perfect choice to play John Wick’s fiercely devoted ally in the latest installment of the action franchise.
In John Wick: Chapter 4, the Belgian Malinois is owned by Winston (Ian McShane) and The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne). She assists Wick on his globe-trotting mission to take down the High Table. The dog’s importance grows throughout the film, emerging as a pivotal character in her own right.
Belgian Malinois Breed History
The Belgian Malinois originated as an energetic sheepherding dog in Malines, Belgium. The breed descends from local shepherd dogs and was first recognized in Belgium in the late 19th century (Wisdom Panel). The Malinois was later introduced to the United States in 1911, where it initially flourished until World War II temporarily halted importation from Europe (European Belgian Malinois).
Today, the Belgian Malinois is highly valued as a police and military working dog. Their intelligence, trainability, and energetic nature make them well suited for these demanding roles. However, the breed also needs regular activity and mental stimulation. Without a job to do, these smart dogs can become bored and potentially destructive.
Belgian Malinois Temperament
The Belgian Malinois has a confident, hardworking, and focused temperament. They are intelligent dogs that excel at many tasks. Malinois are high energy and always eager to be working. Their strong drive makes them extremely motivated.
Belgian Malinois can be territorial and protective. Early socialization and training are essential for this breed. Without it, Malinois may become overly protective or aggressive towards strangers and other dogs. Their natural wariness means they require extensive exposure to a wide variety of people, animals, and situations as puppies.
This breed thrives when given a job to do. Malinois have a very high exercise requirement and need significant daily physical and mental stimulation. A bored Belgian Malinois is likely to find unhealthy ways to occupy themselves. Malinois owners should be prepared to provide this active breed with plenty of interactive play, training, and outdoor activities.
Training a Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is an extremely intelligent and energetic breed that requires dedicated training and socialization from a young age to thrive. While very trainable, they need an experienced owner who can provide the structure, patience, and consistency required to reinforce desired behaviors. Belgian Malinois excel at obedience, agility, detection, protection sports, and more when properly trained.
It’s essential to start training and socializing Belgian Malinois puppies as soon as you bring them home. Early socialization gets them comfortable with new people, animals, places, and experiences. Meanwhile, basic obedience training like sit, stay, and coming when called provides the foundation for more advanced skills. Use positive reinforcement like praise, play, and treats to shape wanted habits.
Adolescent Malinois benefit from increased mental and physical exercise. Continue obedience training and introduce nose work, agility courses, tracking drills and more to engage their body and mind. Leash training improves heel and walking manners. If interested in protection sports, work with a qualified trainer to develop control and discipline.
Adult Belgian Malinois thrive on having a job to do. Maintain obedience skills, vary activities to prevent boredom, and provide new challenges to keep them stimulated. For best results, work with an experienced trainer to establish you as the consistent pack leader. With proper training, the Belgian Malinois makes an extremely capable working dog.
While very smart and trainable, the Belgian Malinois is not recommended for inexperienced owners. Their drive and energy requires an owner fully committed to providing structure through ongoing training. But for the right owner willing to put in the work, the Malinois can excel at many roles.
Belgian Malinois in John Wick
The Belgian Malinois breed has played an iconic role throughout the John Wick film franchise. In the first John Wick movie, John’s beloved beagle puppy Daisy was killed, setting off the film’s revenge plot. According to Screenrant (1), Daisy was played by a dog named Lili.
After Daisy’s death, John adopted a pit bull puppy he named Dog. Dog was portrayed by a pit bull named Taro in the films. Taro tragically passed away in real life shortly before the third John Wick film began production (1).
In the upcoming fourth John Wick movie, John will have a new canine companion – a Belgian Malinois. Not much is yet known about this dog’s name or backstory. However, the athletic and intelligent Belgian Malinois is well-suited for an action movie role. With their reputation as outstanding police and military working dogs, the breed brings both brains and brawn to the John Wick franchise.
John Wick 4 Dog’s Name & Backstory
In John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves’ title character is accompanied for much of the movie by a Belgian Malinois named Director. Director was given to John Wick by Winston (Ian McShane) to replace his beloved dog from the first John Wick film who was tragically killed. Director immediately bonds with Wick and becomes his fiercely loyal companion.
Some of the major action scenes involving John Wick and Director in the film include escaping together through the streets of New York City, taking down enemies during a fight in a museum, and working together in the climactic confrontation against the High Table. Their bond and teamwork is on full display as man and canine fight side-by-side. As noted in Screen Rant, Director emerges as one of the true stars of the movie.
The name Director for John Wick’s dog is fitting considering Wick’s past as the lethal Director of the Tarasov crime syndicate. It also signifies Winston positioning Wick to regain control. With Director by his side, John Wick is able to return to his deadly ways and continue his war against the High Table.
Famous Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois have a reputation as strong working dogs, making them common choices for service in the military and police forces. Some of the most famous Belgian Malinois include:
Layka served with the Army Rangers and was trained to detect explosives and clear buildings of threats. She was awarded the K9 Medal of Courage in 2013 for saving many soldiers during her service in Afghanistan (https://spotonfence.com/blogs/training-tips/8-heroic-military-veteran-dogs).
Cairo was part of the Navy SEAL team that carried out the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in 2011. He was tasked with searching the area for hidden threats and participated in other secret missions (https://moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/belgian-malinois).
Rudi and Titan were two of the dogs who helped search for survivors in the wreckage of the World Trade Center after 9/11. They worked tirelessly for days to find anyone still trapped in the rubble.
A Belgian Malinois named Captain America has starred in several action movies, thanks to his intelligence and ability to follow commands on cue. He performed many of his own stunts alongside his trainer.
With their strong work ethic, bravery, and adaptability, it’s no wonder Belgian Malinois are relied upon for critical missions demanding unwavering focus. Their successes highlight the immense capabilities of the breed.
Belgian Malinois Health
Belgian Malinois are known for their agility and high energy, but this active breed can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most common is hip and elbow dysplasia, which occurs when the ball and socket joint doesn’t form properly, leading to arthritis and lameness.
According to this source, large and active dog breeds like the Belgian Malinois are at higher risk for hip and elbow dysplasia. Maintaining a healthy weight and proper nutrition from puppyhood into adulthood can help prevent issues. It’s also important to have a veterinarian screen for dysplasia and monitor joints as the dog ages.
Some other potential health concerns for the Belgian Malinois include eye problems like cataracts, skin allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and hypothyroidism. Making regular vet visits for checkups and screening tests can help catch any problems early. Following your vet’s advice on diet, exercise, medication, or supplements, can also help manage conditions if they do occur.
With proper care, exercise, training, and veterinary attention, the hardy Belgian Malinois can live a full 10-14 years. Keeping up with preventative care and staying alert to any changes in your dog’s mobility, appetite, or behavior are key to maximizing their health and longevity.
Finding a Belgian Malinois
When looking to welcome a Belgian Malinois into your home, you have a few options of where to find one. Some people seek out reputable breeders who focus on breeding healthy, well-tempered Malinois. Others look to adopt from Belgian Malinois rescues or shelters. Both options have their pros and cons.
If going through a breeder, do your research to find one who breeds ethically and cares about the dogs’ welfare, not just profits. A good breeder screens buyers to match dogs with suitable homes. Breeder puppies typically cost $1,500-$2,500. Some key things to ask breeders: health testing of parents, lineage information, how puppies are raised, contract terms. See American Belgian Malinois Rescue for tips on identifying responsible breeders.
You may also find Mals in need of adoption through rescues like Malinois Rescue League. These adult and young dogs often come from challenging backgrounds like police work, shelters, or irresponsible owners. Rescue dogs typically cost $200-$500 but require more time, patience and training. The rescue conducts meet-and-greets to ensure a good match before an adoption.
Whether going through a breeder or rescue, potential owners should carefully consider if they can make the long-term commitment to meet the Belgian Malinois’ substantial needs for training, socialization, stimulation and exercise. Mals thrive with owners who dedicate ample time and energy to providing structure, leadership and activities for these highly active working dogs.
Conclusion
In summary, the Belgian Malinois is an energetic, intelligent breed that excels as a working dog. They need extensive training and activity to thrive in a family environment. John Wick’s newest canine co-star in the upcoming John Wick 4 continues his tradition of working with this amazing breed.
If you’re considering adding a Belgian Malinois to your home, make sure you can provide the high level of physical and mental stimulation they require. Adopting any dog is a long-term commitment that should not be taken lightly. But for the right owner willing to put in the work, the Belgian Malinois makes a loyal pet.
We look forward to seeing more thrilling action sequences with John Wick and his fierce four-legged companion when John Wick 4 releases in theaters. This newest canine character is sure to delight fans of the franchise.