Love And Monsters: What Kind Of Dog Plays Boy

The adventure film Love and Monsters stars a dog named Boy, and audiences may be wondering what breed he is. This 2020 film follows Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Brien) as he navigates a post-apocalyptic world filled with mutated creatures that kill people. Although originally slated for a theatrical release, the COVID-19 pandemic led to Paramount putting it out digitally on video-on-demand and a Netflix international release.

Love and Monsters was filmed in Australia and received fairly positive critical reception. It was even nominated in the Best Visual Effects category at the 93rd Academy Awards, losing to Tenet. Although no Love and monsters sequel has been announced, there’s potential since the ending leaves room to explore more in the story. The film adds appeal by balancing O’Brien and Michael Rooker’s humor with the charm of Joel’s goal to reunite with his girlfriend. Plus, Joel’s sidekick is none other than Boy the dog.

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Love And Monsters’ Dog Is An Australian Kelpie

Boy is played by an Australian Kelpie named Hero (via People). Although there were dog doubles, Hero was the principal canine in front of the camera. Lead dog trainer Zelie Bullen shares in a behind-the-scenes video that “Australian Kelpies are incredibly intelligent, versatile, agile, athletic, known for their loyalty and companionship.” These traits embody Boy’s contribution to Joel’s journey perfectly.

Much of the film’s charm is the clear bond between Joel and Boy. Off-screen, this was also the case with O’Brien and Hero. Bullen confirms this, saying, “In all my years of doing what we do, it is probably the strongest real-life, off-camera bond that we have had with one of the animals and one of the actors.” O’Brien also touches on the great pairing between the two characters, “It’s like this perfect marriage, in a way — a kid who’s in over his head and a dog who’s like the experienced one showing him the ropes.”

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What Happens To Boy The Dog In Love And Monsters

In Love and Monsters, Boy and Joel meet for the first time when the latter is being attacked by a giant toad monster and the former saves him. From then on, Boy follows Joel, providing insight into the post-apocalyptic world, such as which berries are poisonous. Boy’s attachment to Joel is due to losing his owner. Through their solitude, the pair connect. Along the way, the pair encounter dangerous creatures, such as a giant centipede monster. While Boy is trapped and can’t help, Joel is forced to be brave and save him.

Later, while under attack, Boy barks and gives away their location. Joel yells at him for this, causing Boy to run away. Even without Boy, Joel makes it to his destination, a beach colony where his girlfriend Aimee resides. Luckily, Boy saves the day again by licking Aimee’s face until she wakes up so she can toss Joel a weapon to defeat a massive crab monster. All in all, Boy’s importance in Joel’s journey to bravery is unquestionable. By the end of Love and Monsters, Boy and Joel trek back to the original colony, emphasizing that a dog really is ‘man’s best friend.’

Sources: People, YouTube/Paramount Movies