Fang is a character from the Harry Potter Series. He is an oversized dog and is famously known as one of the pets of Professor Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper of Hogwarts. Fang is a prominent character in both the Books and Film Series. He has even appeared in the Video Game Spin-offs. So, what kind of dog is Fang In Harry Potter?
In the novel, Fang is a Boarhound (more commonly known as the Great Dane). Fang was portrayed by a total of 7 different dogs in the movies series. All of which were Neapolitan Mastiffs, a very different breed from the Great Danes. Sharing only the fact that both breeds were once used to hunt boars.
We’ll be looking into the breeds of dogs that portrayed Fang in the novel and movies.
The Great Dane is a large dog breed that originated from Germany. They are considered one of the largest breeds in the world and are said to have descended from hunting dogs during the middle ages.
They can grow to around 72 to 90 cm (28 to 35 inches) with a weight of 50 to 82 kg (110 to 180 lbs). They can come in a variety of colors such as Fawn, Brindle, Black, Harlequin, Mantle, and Blue.
Though they are large and imposing, Great Danes are ‘gentle giants’ with their friendly and attention-seeking nature that extends to both humans and other dogs. They are a loving breed that is great around children as long as they’re trained properly.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a breed of dog that originated in central Italy. They are descendants of the traditional catch and guard dogs of the area. They were selected in 1947 by Piero Scanziani and officially recognized in 1949 by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana.
Neo Mastiffs are massive dogs that grow to around 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 inches) and get to a weight of around 50 to 70 kg (11o to 150 lbs). Their preferred coat colors are Black, Leaden, and Grey.
Neo Mastiffs are gentle and even-tempered when it comes to family or people they are familiar with. Though they are rather protective and wary when it comes to strangers. Due to their independent and stubborn nature, they should be trained at an early age.
Fang was born around 1984 and became one of Hagrid’s pets by September of the same year. In 1985, he was trapped by a Devil’s Snare, a magical plant that has the ability to strangle anything. Hagrid then proceeds to save the dog with the help of Jacob’s sibling. Afterward, they decide to name the dog Fang.
Fang had always had a friendly and affectionate disposition, whether it be being very protective of Hagrid or having Harry’s robes soaked in slobber when he lays his head on Harry’s lap.
Fang may be a character set in a fictional and fantastical universe, but his sociable and defensive nature reflects both of his real-world counterparts.