We already saw Sofia’s trained Belgian Malinois save the day in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. And John Wick’s faithful Pitbull is already saving the skilled assassin’s heart. With the next installment expected to arrive in 2021, the film has the opportunity to please audiences with another fearless pup that will courageously save the day.
Now that John Wick will likely face off against the high table in John Wick 4, he will need the best dogs for every situation. But not all dog breeds are a match for the intense life of an international assassin. Some dogs are made simply to be lap dogs, not guard dogs. Here are 5 dog breeds that will surely save the day, and 5 that would end up utterly useless.
Useless: Poodle
These beautiful show dogs may be large and intelligent, they are simply too passive and peaceful to be of any use for Wick. These walking cotton balls are loving, easy to train, low maintenance, and more importantly, they are hypoallergenic, which means they do not shed hair. In other words, they are great dogs for families but not for usurping The High Table. Unless Wick needs to infiltrate a dog pageant in the next film, it is better to leave the poodle at home. And besides, no one wants to dirty a poodle’s elegant coat.
Save The Day: Yorkshire Terrier
While Yorkshire Terriers may appear small and helpless, they are actually extremely intelligent and protective of their owners. Wick needs a small dog on his team that can weave through enemy defenses and gets any stealth job done. While the equally small chihuahuas can potentially accomplish such a task, Yorkies actually have a history of fitting through tight places during a mission.
Apparently, during WWII a brave Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky was instrumental in running telegraph wires through a small opening. Now that is a dog that will surely save the day.
Useless: Cocker Spaniel
Gentle, regal, and affectionate easily describe the Cocker Spaniel breed. Unfortunately, Wick cannot do much with those traits outside of The Continental. It is a dog-eat-dog world out there and Wick needs the muscle and alertness that other breeds can offer. Cocker Spaniels are great at a lot of things. They can fall in love with stray dogs and eat spaghetti one noodle at a time (Lady and the Tramp), but being suitable combat dogs for Mr. Wick is not one of them.
Save The Day: Bullmastiff
While Mastiffs are docile by nature, they are protective and courageous. These bulky dogs can use their intimidating features and brute strength to ward off assailants or engage in a fight. And if Turner and Hooch is anything to go by, Mastiffs (whether Bullmastiffs or Dogue de Bordeaux) make great detectives.
Wick could definitely use the physicality of Mastiffs in his assault against the High Table. Or maybe Mr. Wick will need help solving a murder case. Probably not, but either way, it is definitely a good idea to have these dogs on your side.
Useless: Maltese
While Maltese dogs are extremely over-protective, they lack the physical strength to actually put it to good use. These small teacup dogs are petite, fragile and have a bark that is not at all threatening. If John Wick wanted to captivate the hearts of his enemies with ultimate cuteness, then a Maltese might be on his list, but attempting a coup against The High Table requires more firepower than cuteness power.
Save The Day: Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers have some of the strongest senses of smell in the doggy business, almost 100,000 better than the human nose. However, Labradors do not possess the right temperament to be a guard dog. This means Wick cannot truly rely on a Lab during combat, especially when compared to Sofia’s fearless German-Shepherds.
Regardless, Wick could easily use a Lab’s strong nose to find someone in hiding like Sofia or Winston. Labradors make great hunting dogs, and according to Winston, “hunting” is what John Wick does best. It’s a match made in heaven.
Useless: Chihuahua
If Mr. Wick wanted to annoy his neighbors, then a chihuahua would be his first option. Unfortunately, Wick has to fight off hordes of bad guys and a small little chihuahua will not be much help. Chihuahuas are indeed fearless and will pick a fight with dogs ten times their size, but they are no match for armed mercenaries. Even a chihuahua’s signature high-pitched bark will be drowned out by the intense shootouts John Wick will surely find himself in. Despite this, seeing a chihuahua in small tactical gear attempting to fight off bad guys would be the cutest thing ever.
Save The Day: Siberian Husky
John Wick has traversed the desert, the bustling streets of New York City, and the ancient catacombs of Rome. In three films John Wick has surprisingly not fought off hordes of enemies in the blistering cold. Now that John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum revealed Wick’s upbringing within the Russian criminal underworld, it is quite possible that Wick travels to the country in the upcoming film.
If Wick does find himself in the middle of a blizzard or in the icy tundra, Siberian Huskies will undoubtedly come in handy. These loving and athletic dogs are made to be sled dogs. So John can lose the Mustang and hop on a sled.
Useless: Pug
Pugs top the charts on ugly-cute dogs, but unfortunately, their physical traits restrain them from becoming a useful addition to Mr. Wick’s team. Although undeniably adorable, as a flat-faced dog all pugs generally have difficulty breathing and a heavy strain on their lungs may leave them panting and fatigued. Yet, even if pugs snore like dinosaurs they are extremely alert and can be excellent guard dogs. The only issue is that pugs are more passive than aggressive, and their bites do not pack a punch.
Intruders or assailants might be captivated by a pug’s adorable eyes, but they would certainly not be intimidated. Sorry pugs, you are all bark and no bite.
Save The Day: Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are the ultimate dog for someone of Mr. Wick’s skills. They are agile, protective, and one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. Due to their physical stature and superior agility, Dobermans can reach and dispatch its targets with ease. With a Doberman on Wick’s side, The High Table does not stand a chance. Imagine a Doberman fighting alongside Sofia’s dogs? That could easily become one of the franchise’s greatest moments.
