Dogs have been associated with HBO’s Game of Thrones ever since the intelligent direwolves were depicted using American Alsatians. Sophie Turner (Sansa on the show) even adopted the adorable animal used for her character’s direwolf, Lady.
We got to thinking it might be fun to see what would happen if they recast ‘Game of Thrones’ entirely with dogs. Which dog breeds would these major characters be? Hint: Tyrion Lannister is definitely a bulldog.
1. Eddard Stark = German Shepherd
Poor Sean Bean—he seems to pick characters that always perish horribly. But nothing could chop down his character’s sense of honor! Which dog would be the stalwart head of House Stark, a capable and cunning fighter, above reproach, even Hand to the King himself?
Who else but a German shepherd? From their devotion and duty as K-9 police dogs to their powerful appearance, this breed captures Eddard perfectly.
2. Jon Snow = Bernese Mountain Dog
The illegitimate child of Eddard Stark, Jon Snow finds himself far north at a wintry wall, protecting his kingdom. Who better to portray the loyal, gentle spirit of Jon than a Bernese mountain dog? Jon’s character lacked for love, and the Bernese temperament often craves extra cuddles, too.
3. Petyr Baelish = Jack Russell Terrier
That’s right. Look at that face. It communicates all the right things. You feel at ease…but doggone it, they’re up to something!
Now, we’re not saying the Jack Russell terrier shares Petyr’s murderous intentions. But the bottom line is that Baelish is a man who is not to be outdone, just like this breed. With a strong prey drive, tenacity, determination, and intensity few dogs can match, the Jack Russell is the perfect fit. They share that look. You know what we’re talking about.
4. Jaime Lannister = Golden Retriever
That smile. Those wavy, golden locks. At least on a surface level, this handsome soldier, brother of Cercie, and Game of Thrones golden boy totally matches up with a golden retriever.
Like a golden, beholden retriever, Jamie is big on loyalty. A breed known for being familial and affectionate, it’s the perfect fit…although we know this particular brother’s affection is a little overboard. And intense. And creepy, which we’d never say about one of America’s most popular dog breeds.
5. Arya Stark = Boston Terrier
Wide-eyed. Quirky. Constantly underestimated. Arya doesn’t necessarily fit the mold you’d expect. She’s a tiny tomboy with a unique personality, and that’s just the part to be played by a Boston terrier.
Despite their size or stature, these independent spirits consider themselves a strong member of the family. If they’re left alone, they grow stubborn and aggressive. Just as Arya has things taken from her one by one, a little Boston terrier could bark and bite back just like she does!
6. Tyrion Lannister = English Bulldog
A lifetime of being viewed as the little guy has made Tyrion develop a tough hide. What he lacks for in stature, he makes up for in sheer determination. Short legs, big attitude, and a history of not backing down? It really goes without saying that our Tyrion is a real bulldog.
Once a bulldog sets his mind on something and grabs hold of it, he won’t let go. The bulldog is a stubborn, unyielding force to be reckoned with.
7. Daenerys Targaryen = Iban Hunting Dog
Daenerys may look youthful, demure, and unassuming, but don’t let that fool you: this woman is a survivor. Emerging from the shadow of her brother and even surviving beyond the life of her warrior husband, she conquers cities and awakens dragons.
The Iban hunting dog, or Borneo hound, is a lot like Daenerys. Sometimes called a “pariah dog,” it is a free-ranging animal whose spirit can’t be caged, used by indigenous people for hunting, but often running feral and uninhibited. Like the dragon-nurturing queen of the Andals, this hound is an untamed beauty.
8. Cersei Lannister = Afghan Hound
Willfull, ambitious and cunning…this Lannister will do whatever she needs to remain at the center of the action. Is it any wonder we picked the similarly tempered Afghan hound to inhabit the role of Cersei?
In addition to long, wavy locks, Cersei embodies the heart and soul of the Afghan. Dignity and aloofness are marks of their temperament, sociable when needed but generally standoffish.
9. Joffrey Barotheon = Chihuahua
The arrogant, petulant child king is one of those “love-to-hate” characters. Marked by rash outbursts and talking a big game, but ultimately small and cowardly, he embodies the worst stereotypes people have about chihuahuas—or as we might call Joffrey, the quintessential yappy dog.
An important caveat: not all chihuahuas are nipping at heels and trying too hard to prove how big they are, of course! Cast the right pint-sized canine and you’ll have the perfect little boy-king with a god complex.
10. Margaery Tyrell = Corgi
Margaery has a shrewd ability to see—and achieve—the course of action in front of her. She even trumps Cersei in tact and polite demeanor. To top things off, she repeatedly secures herself a royal standing. What better four-legged representation could we have then the Queen’s clever Welsh Pembroke corgis?
Via Flickr/evocateur
These amazing herders not only exhibit clever traits, they have the looks and come-hither eyes that make persuading others a walk in the (dog) park.
11. Khal Drogo = Cane Corse
Gone but not forgotten, the seemingly savage leader of the Dothraki was powerful and feared. We think the intimidating warlord’s memory is best commemorated by the capable (and huge) Cane Corso mastiff. Both of these broad-shouldered characters are innately suspicious, disliking strangers. They’re hunters by nature, but also serve as guards. So long as you’re not naive, and don’t let them overpower you, they make great allies.
Khal Drogo doesn’t take orders from someone who doesn’t provide strong leadership, and neither does the Cane Corso.
So which dogs would your favorite characters be?
Top image via Flickr.
