The Wolf-Like Dog Breed Behind Game of Thrones’ Direwolves
When Game of Thrones premiered in 2011, one of its most unforgettable images appeared almost immediately: a litter of direwolf pups discovered in the snow, destined to become loyal companions to the Stark children. Massive, wild, and hauntingly beautiful, the direwolves felt real—almost too real. Viewers quickly began asking the same question:
What kind of dog could possibly look like that?
The answer is surprisingly grounded in reality.
The Real Dogs Who Played the Direwolves
In Season 1, the direwolves were portrayed primarily by Northern Inuit Dogs, a rare, wolf-like domestic breed developed in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. Breeders intentionally crossed dogs such as German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, and Siberian Huskies to create a companion animal that looked like a wolf—but behaved like a trainable family dog.
That balance made the Northern Inuit Dog ideal for television. Unlike real wolves (which are extremely difficult and unsafe to use on set), Northern Inuits could be trained, handled, and filmed safely alongside child actors, while still delivering the powerful visual impact the show demanded.
Why Not Use Real Wolves?
Early in development, producers explored using wolves or wolf-dog hybrids. Experts quickly advised against it. Wolves are not domesticated, do not respond reliably to commands, and pose serious safety risks in controlled filming environments.
Northern Inuit Dogs, by contrast, offered:
- A strong wolf-like appearance
- Predictable, trainable behavior
- The ability to work long hours on set
- Safe interaction with actors and crew
This made them the perfect practical solution for bringing the mythical direwolves to life.
What Changed After Season 1?
As the show progressed and the Stark children aged, the direwolves were depicted as far larger and more imposing than any real dog breed could convincingly portray. From Season 2 onward, the series relied increasingly on CGI (computer-generated imagery), often using real dogs only as references for movement and posture.
Still, the emotional bond audiences formed with the direwolves began with those real Northern Inuit Dogs in Season 1 setting the foundation for one of television’s most iconic human-animal relationships.
The choice wasn’t just about looks, it was about safety, trainability, and realism. Thanks to this little-known breed, the direwolves felt authentic, powerful, and unforgettable from the very first episode.
Sometimes, the most legendary creatures on screen start with very real dogs behind the scenes. 🐺
