A Tribute to Max Rockatansky’s Dog, Dog, in The Road Warrior (1981)

Today is Take Your Dog To Work Day, a day that means a lot to me*, so I’d like to shine a spotlight on a beloved film character who took his dog to work every day.

Yes, today’s newsletter is dedicated to Max Rockatansky, also known as Mad Max, and his dog, Dog, in The Road Warrior, also known as Mad Max 2. (I could not find Dog’s real name, so for the duration of his newsletter, he will be referred to as his character’s name, which is Dog.)

Before we get into the film, a little bit of backstory on Dog. Director George Miller decided to adopt not shop when he was casting Max’s best friend. After auditioning 100+ dogs without finding the right fit, he went to a dog pound in Yagoona (a very Australian-sounding city) and found the perfect pup. Dog, a two-year-old Australian Cattle Dog (which Miller says is a half-breed between a dingo and a sheep collie), was actually scheduled to be put down when Miller found him, but after the dog fetched a rock and brought it back to his feet, that was all Miller needed to see. Dog found not only a starring role in an action classic but a forever home as well.

How is Dog’s performance in the film? Immaculate, of course.

I know what you’re thinking, though. “Dog sure is a silly name for a dog!” Well first of all, you’re wrong, nerd, it rules. Second of all, it actually makes sense for the film, I think.

The Road Warrior takes place in a post-apocalyptic Australia where humans essentially wander the wasteland in search of water and gasoline. In a situation such as this, a dog is not just a pet but a utility. It may seem cold to name a dog “Dog,” but in Max’s survivalist mind, it’s the same reason why he wouldn’t name his gun or his jacket.

(Consider also that Max can be see in the film eating Dinki-Di dog food while Dog sits and watches patiently, only getting a taste when Max throws him the nearly empty can. Is it cruel to eat dog food in front of your dog? Undoubtedly, but this is post-apocalyptic Australia and kindness will get you killed.)

Now, back to Dog’s performance, which is really delightful. Dog is not only loyal, standing by Max’s side wherever he goes, but brave, attacking enemies and even suspicious friends at the drop of a hat. Dog’s highlight moment comes when Max meets the Gyro Captain and, still not sure if he can trust this new acquaintance, has Dog ride shotgun while holding a trigger pulley to an actual shotgun aimed at the Gyro Captain. Now that, folks, is how you survive the post-apocalypse.

I will not be addressing what ultimately happens to Dog in this film. Instead, I will leave you with this note.

At the end of the shoot, everyone in the cast and crew had, naturally, fallen in love with Dog. There was even a big argument over who would get to take Dog home to keep as a pet. It was finally decided that stunt coordinator Max Aspin would get to keep Dog, seeing as his wife was an animal handler and trainer. Dog got to live out his days rounding up animals (and eating chickens, allegedly) on their farm, and I think it’s nice that he got to live with another Max.

Happy Take Your Dog to Work Day, everyone! Please give your good boys and good girls a pat for me.

*I adopted my dog, Jessica, after meeting with the director of our local Humane Society during a Take Your Dog to Work Day event in 2015. This is her. She is a good girl.

The Road Warrior is now streaming on HBO Max, and it’s available to rent elsewhere.