Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter series, passed away on Friday 14th of October. Since then, tributes to him have been outpouring from both his fans and his costars.
Robbie was described as a kind soul, one that always looked out for people on set, whether it was by listening to them in a time of need, or by making them laugh in the duller moments.
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What kind of dog was Hagrid’s dog?
In the films, Hagrid was a game-keeper and was interested in animals of all kinds: Dragons, spiders, three-headed dogs…
But his most faithful companion was Neapolitan Mastiff, Fang. The dog went everywhere with Hagrid, and was also a fervent protector of the Hogwarts students.
How many dogs played Fang in Harry Potter?
In reality, there were many dogs that played Fang on set throughout the years. Most memorable are Hugo, who took on the role for the first 3 films, and rescue dog Monkey, who worked from the 4th film onwards.
Much like Robbie, Monkey liked to entertain everyone on set; once playing with an animatronic dragon as if it were a chew toy, and covering everyone in drool after shaking on another occasion.
Hagrid and Fang, an inseparable duo
As a dog lover and dog owner himself, Robbie truly took a liking to Monkey, and their chemistry was visible on set. Plus, they both shared the same wicked sense of humour.
Robbie will be greatly missed, but as he so wonderfully put it in the Harry Potter reunion, when talking about the movies’ legacy in 50 years time: "I'll not be here, sadly…but Hagrid will."
Thank you for the magic, Robbie.
