Introduction
The dog, who came to be known as Dog, was an important companion for Daryl Dixon throughout several seasons of The Walking Dead. First appearing in season 9, Dog bonded with Daryl and became a loyal friend as well as an asset to the group of survivors. Dog helped track people, fought walkers, and provided emotional support during difficult times. He was even shot during an altercation with the Whisperers, but thankfully recovered. Dog remained at Daryl’s side until the very end, showcasing the powerful bond between human and animal even in the apocalypse. This article will recount Dog’s role in The Walking Dead and his unwavering loyalty to Daryl Dixon.
The Dog’s First Appearance
The dog first appeared in the ninth season of The Walking Dead. He was introduced in the episode “Stradivarius” when Daryl Dixon encountered him in the woods while searching for Eugene after he went missing from the Hilltop colony. The dog was emaciated and injured, with an arrow stuck in his side. Daryl nursed the dog back to health and removed the arrow, and the two quickly formed a close bond.
According to the Walking Dead Wiki, the dog belonged to a woman named Leah Shaw prior to meeting Daryl, along with the dog’s mother (Source 1). Leah abandoned the dogs to join the mysterious Reapers group. This left the dog to fend for himself alone in the woods until Daryl rescued him.
The dog’s introduction marked the start of his journey alongside Daryl throughout the later seasons of The Walking Dead. Daryl appropriately named him “Dog” and the canine became his loyal companion. Dog’s first appearance kicked off an important friendship in the show between man and his best friend.
The Dog Bonds with Daryl
The dog first bonded with Daryl Dixon in Season 9 after Daryl found him alone in the woods. Daryl named the dog simply “Dog” as he was never one for fancy names. As explained on the Walking Dead Wiki, “Daryl didn’t give him the name Dog, it was Leah” who started calling him that as a joke since Daryl refused to give him a real name (1). Daryl and Dog soon became inseparable, with Dog loyally following Daryl everywhere he went.
Many fans wished that Daryl would give Dog a proper name, but Daryl stuck with simply calling him Dog (2). Actor Norman Reedus even said in an interview that he wanted to give Dog a real name and backstory, but the writers never went in that direction (3). Regardless of his lack of a proper name, Dog filled an emotional need for Daryl and the two forged an unbreakable bond that fueled their survival in the harsh world of The Walking Dead.
Sources:
1. https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/Dog_(TV_Series)
2. https://www.reddit.com/r/thewalkingdead/comments/y134ut/why_didnt_daryl_give_the_dog_a_proper_name/
3. https://www.nme.com/news/the-walking-deads-norman-reedus-wants-to-give-dog-a-real-name-and-a-proper-backstory-2554607
Dog Helps the Group
Dog proves to be a valuable ally for Daryl and the group in multiple ways. The intelligent dog helps track humans and walkers, warning the group of impending threats. According to the Walking Dead Wiki – Fandom, “Daryl picks off the walkers to save Dog and before a walker can bite him, Henry jumps in and saves him.”
Dog also provides emotional support and companionship to Daryl in particular. As noted by Deca Games, “Dog inflicts the Crippled status effect on X closest visible walker(s) for Y turn(s). Dog prioritizes special walkers, but ignores stunned/rooted targets.” With his protective instincts and fierce loyalty, Dog becomes an important member of the group.
Dog Gets Shot
In Season 11 Episode 2 Acheron Part 2, Dog gets shot while fighting the Reapers alongside Daryl. The Reapers are a militant group who have been attacking Maggie’s group. During a confrontation at an abandoned building, Dog leaps at a Reaper to protect Daryl. However, the Reaper shoots Dog before fleeing the scene.
Dog whimpers in pain after getting shot. Daryl rushes over to help him, but Dog runs off into the woods. Daryl is unable to find Dog before having to retreat from the Reapers. He fears that Dog is dead after getting shot at close range. This leaves Daryl devastated since he had formed a close bond with Dog.
(Sources:
https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/Dog_(TV_Series))
Dog’s Recovery
In Season 11 Episode 6 “On The Inside”, Dog was shot by a Reaper while trying to protect Alden and Maggie. The bullet went through Dog’s neck, leaving him severely injured and unable to walk or move (“Dog (TV Series)” https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/Dog_(TV_Series)).
Dog was rushed back to Alexandria where he received emergency medical treatment. The community’s head doctor and veterinarian worked diligently to stabilize Dog and stop the bleeding. They carefully extracted the bullet fragments and stitched up the wound through Dog’s neck. It was a delicate surgery that required precision to avoid further damage to nerves and blood vessels (“Dog (TV Series)” https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/Dog_(TV_Series)).
For the next several days, the veterinarian nurtured Dog back to health with antibiotics, pain medication, and round-the-clock care. Dog was able to make a full recovery thanks to the medical expertise in Alexandria (“Dog (TV Series)” https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/Dog_(TV_Series)). By Episode 7, Dog was reunited with Daryl and back on his feet, though moving a bit slowly at first. Dog’s recovery was a relief for both the pet and his beloved owner Daryl.
Dog Reunites with Daryl
In season 9 episode 5 “What Comes After,” Dog is shot by a group of Saviours and left for dead. Daryl is heartbroken, thinking his loyal companion didn’t survive. But in episode 6 “Who Are You Now?,” Daryl discovers Dog alive in the woods near where he was shot. Their reunion is an emotional one, with Daryl overjoyed to see his friend again. As Daryl pets Dog, the camera focuses on Dog’s tail wagging furiously, showing how happy he is to see Daryl too (1).
The reunion highlights the strong bond between Daryl and Dog. Though they were only recently united, Dog clearly cares deeply for Daryl, enough to track him down again after being gravely injured. And Daryl is equally attached to his new canine companion. Their relationship brings out Daryl’s tender side, reinforcing that under his gruff exterior he has a kind heart (2).
After their tearful reunion, Daryl brings Dog back to his camp to nurse him back to full health. Dog remains loyally by Daryl’s side from that point forward, with the two becoming inseparable.
(1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTx9gVyrjPY
(2) https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/Dog_(TV_Series)
Dog Fights Off Walkers
In Season 11 Episode 2 ‘Acheron: Part 2’, Dog demonstrates his fierce loyalty and protectiveness when he helps Daryl and Judith fight off a group of walkers. As Daryl, Judith and Dog are walking in the woods, they are suddenly surrounded by walkers emerging from the trees and bushes. Daryl tries to shoot them but runs out of arrows, leaving them vulnerable. At this critical moment, Dog leaps into action and viciously attacks the walkers, biting and pulling them down so Daryl and Judith can get away. Dog continues fighting, keeping the walkers at bay despite being outnumbered, showcasing his bravery and refusal to back down when his loved ones are threatened. According to the Walking Dead Fandom site, “Dog helps protect Judith and Daryl when they are surrounded and buys them enough time to escape into the river” [Source]. Thanks to Dog’s fierce efforts fighting the walkers, Daryl and Judith manage to retreat to safety.
Dog Stays at Alexandria
In the later episodes of Season 10, Daryl decides to leave Alexandria to go search for Rick Grimes. While Daryl is away, Dog remains safely behind in Alexandria under the care of Judith Grimes (Dog (TV Series) | Walking Dead Wiki – Fandom).
Some fans on Reddit discussed what happened to the dogs after the time jump in Season 9, wondering if they were still in Alexandria (Whatever happened to the dogs in Alexandria?). It’s confirmed that Dog does stay behind in Alexandria when Daryl leaves, showing that the town continues to care for the animals under their protection.
While Daryl is away, Dog remains safely in Alexandria, likely under the watchful eye of Judith. This allows Daryl the freedom to search for Rick without worrying about Dog’s wellbeing. When Daryl returns, he and Dog can reunite in the community they call home.
Conclusion
In summary, Dog played an important role for Daryl and the group in The Walking Dead. After bonding with Daryl early on, Dog became a loyal companion and helped the group by tracking walkers and warning of danger. Even after sustaining an injury, Dog eventually recovered and reunited with Daryl, showing his resilience. Throughout his time on the show, Dog has proven to be a brave and steadfast ally for Daryl and the other survivors, providing comfort and helping to fight off threats when needed. His presence clearly had a significant impact on Daryl in particular, giving him friendship and unconditional loyalty during the apocalypse. Dog’s role reminds viewers of the meaningful bonds that can form between people and animals even in the most dire circumstances.