5 Shocking Secrets Behind The Deadly 'Dog Fu' Of John Wick 3's Belgian Malinois

The John Wick franchise has always centered on a man and his dog, but John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum elevated the role of canines from emotional anchors to elite, weaponized assassins. As of December 13, 2025, the legend of Sofia Al-Azwar's two Belgian Malinois continues to captivate fans, not just for their on-screen lethality, but for the unprecedented real-world training that made their breathtaking action sequences possible.

This deep dive reveals the incredible secrets behind the "Dog Fu" fighting style, the identity of the animal actors, and the shocking revelation that the dog training regimen took longer to complete than the film's entire principal photography.

The Canine Assassins: Biography and Profile

The breakout stars of the Casablanca sequence in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum were the two Belgian Malinois belonging to Halle Berry’s character, Sofia Al-Azwar. These dogs were not merely pets; they were integral partners in combat, showcasing a ferocious loyalty and a unique, coordinated fighting style that stunned audiences.

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• In-Film Names: Dazir and Havan (sometimes cited as Lerna and Orthrus in fan circles).
• Breed: Belgian Malinois (Malinois is a highly intelligent, intensely loyal, and powerful working breed often used by military and police forces, including Navy SEALs).
• Owner/Handler: Sofia Al-Azwar (played by Halle Berry).
• Number of Actors: A total of five different Belgian Malinois were used to play the two on-screen dogs, each specialized in different stunts.
• Key Trainer: Andrew Simpson, the owner of Instinct Animals for Film. Simpson is also famous for training the wolves on HBO’s Game of Thrones.

The choice of the Belgian Malinois was deliberate. Director Chad Stahelski and the stunt team needed a breed that was fast, agile, and capable of complex, aggressive maneuvers that could be filmed clearly and safely. The Malinois delivered on all fronts, becoming the perfect embodiment of the High Table's ruthless efficiency.

The Unprecedented 'Dog Fu' Training Regimen

The action sequence in the Casablanca Continental Hotel's stable area, where Sofia and John Wick fight alongside the dogs, is a masterclass in animal coordination. The style was quickly dubbed "Dog Fu" by fans and the production team, a unique blend of martial arts and canine attack maneuvers.

Halle Berry's Five-Month Commitment

For the "Dog Fu" to look realistic, the dogs had to respond to Sofia, not just a hidden trainer. This required Halle Berry to undergo an intense, five-month training program with Andrew Simpson and his team. This commitment was not typical for a major star, but Berry embraced the challenge, often doing overtime with the dogs to build a genuine bond.

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This personal connection was critical. The dogs were trained to see Berry as their primary handler, ensuring that their on-screen movements and attacks were triggered by her specific verbal and physical cues, making the action seamless and authentic.

The Shocking Time Commitment

One of the most surprising facts about the production of Parabellum is the sheer amount of time dedicated to the animal actors. According to stunt performers, the dog training took longer than the movie's entire principal photography shooting schedule. This dedication highlights the director’s commitment to making the canine action a central, believable element of the narrative, rather than a quick visual gimmick.

The training involved complex choreography, teaching the dogs to run, jump, and attack specific targets—often stuntmen in protective gear—in a coordinated manner with Berry and Keanu Reeves. The dogs had to learn to transition from a calm heel to a full-speed, targeted attack on command, all while navigating a complex set piece.

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The Most Vicious Stunt: 'Crotch-Biting'

The most memorable and talked-about move in the "Dog Fu" arsenal is the dogs' preference for attacking the groin area of Sofia's adversaries. Director Chad Stahelski confirmed that this move was a deliberate, comedic, and tactical choice.

Why the Crotch?

The attack on the groin—or "crotch-biting"—was a unique element choreographed into the fight. It served two purposes: it was a visually shocking and darkly humorous moment, and it was a practical way to instantly neutralize a threat, allowing Sofia to finish the job. The dog trainers had to develop a specific cue for the dogs to target the lower body of the stunt performers, who were, of course, heavily padded for safety.

The scene where a villain, Berrada (played by Jerome Flynn), shoots one of Sofia’s dogs (who is wearing a protective vest) served as the emotional trigger for the full, brutal unleash of the "Dog Fu" technique, cementing the dogs' protective and vengeful role in the story.

The Legacy of Canines in the John Wick Universe

While Sofia's Malinois were the action stars of Chapter 3, the film also continued the story of John Wick's own surviving companion, the unnamed Pitbull from Chapter 2. This dog, affectionately referred to as "Dog," remains with the Continental Hotel's concierge, Charon, for safekeeping throughout the events of Parabellum.

The entire franchise has built a foundation on the emotional weight of dogs, starting with Daisy, the Beagle from the first film, whose death set the entire chain of events in motion.

The dogs in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum represent the evolution of this theme. They are not just symbols of John Wick's lost humanity; they are now active participants in the violent world of the High Table. The intense training and the use of the highly skilled Belgian Malinois turned a simple action sequence into a cinematic benchmark for animal stunt work, proving that in the Wick universe, a dog is truly the most loyal, and the deadliest, ally.

The dedication of Halle Berry and the expertise of Andrew Simpson ensured that Dazir and Havan (and their five talented actors) will forever be remembered as the most formidable canine duo in modern action cinema.