Bloodhound

A bloodhound is a large breed of scenthound, known for its tracking abilities and distinctive appearance with long, drooping ears and wrinkled skin. Within the context of the Harry Potter universe, the term bloodhound is not used in the seven canonical novels. The association stems from Rubeus Hagrid's pet dog, Fang, who is canonically a boarhound but is sometimes misidentified by fans, partly due to the breed of dog used to portray him in the film adaptations. This entry primarily details the character of Fang, the subject of this association.

As the term “bloodhound” is a misnomer, the following biography pertains to Fang, the boarhound who is the sole reason for the term's connection to the series. Fang was the pet dog of Rubeus Hagrid and resided with him in his hut on the Hogwarts grounds. He was present from Harry Potter's first year at the school. Despite his enormous and intimidating size, Fang was overwhelmingly timid. During a detention in the Forbidden Forest, he accompanied Hagrid, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, and Neville Longbottom, but whimpered and cowered in fear of the potential dangers. In Harry's second year, Fang reluctantly followed Harry and Ron Weasley into the Forbidden Forest on their quest to find Aragog the Acromantula. He was terrified of the giant spiders and had to be magically rescued and carried out of the nest by the Ford Anglia. During the events of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Fang was present in Hagrid's Hut when Cornelius Fudge, Walden Macnair, and Albus Dumbledore came to oversee the execution of Buckbeak the Hippogriff. In Harry Potter's fifth year, Fang was hit by a stunning spell when Dolores Umbridge and a group of Ministry of Magic wizards ambushed Hagrid at his hut in an attempt to forcibly remove him from Hogwarts. Hagrid managed to escape with his unconscious dog. Later, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Fang and Hagrid narrowly escaped the hut again when it was set on fire by the Death Eater Thorfinn Rowle following Dumbledore's death. Fang's final appearance was during the Battle of Hogwarts, where he was seen running in panic to escape a shattered vase, highlighting his consistently cowardly nature even in the face of true conflict. His ultimate fate after the battle is not stated, but he is presumed to have survived.

In the novels, Fang is consistently described as a huge black boarhound. He is large enough to rest his head on Harry's lap while standing and is known for drooling copiously on anyone he is fond of. His great size and deep, booming barks give him a fearsome appearance that is entirely contrary to his actual temperament. Fang's personality is that of a gentle giant and, as Hagrid himself admits, “a bloody coward.” He is affectionate and loyal, particularly to Hagrid, but is easily frightened by loud noises, signs of conflict, and many of the creatures in the Forbidden Forest. He is friendly towards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, whom he greeted enthusiastically on their many visits to Hagrid's Hut.

Fang is a non-magical creature. As a Boarhound, or any type of dog, he possesses no magical abilities of his own. His skills are limited to those of a domestic dog, primarily companionship and loyalty to his owner. Despite his breed's hunting origins, he shows no particular aptitude for tracking or guarding, largely due to his timid nature.

As an animal, Fang did not have personal possessions. He lived with Rubeus Hagrid and shared his living space and furnishings, such as a basket by the fire in Hagrid's Hut.

• Rubeus Hagrid: Fang was Hagrid's loyal and beloved companion. Hagrid was extremely protective of Fang, becoming enraged when he was stunned during the ambush led by Umbridge.
• Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger: Fang was consistently friendly with the trio, often slobbering on them in greeting. They were fond of him, though Ron once called him a “cowardly git” after their encounter with Aragog.
• Draco Malfoy: Malfoy was terrified of Fang on their first encounter, believing him to be a savage beast. Fang showed no particular aggression toward Malfoy, who was simply intimidated by his size.

• Bloodhound: The term “bloodhound” derives from Old English, meaning a “blooded hound” or a hound of pure breeding, and does not refer to blood-tracking.
• Boarhound: This term refers to a type of large dog, such as a Great Dane, historically bred for hunting wild boar. This name fits Fang's immense size and strength.
• Fang: The name is deeply ironic. “Fangs” suggest ferocity, danger, and predatory skill, none of which the character possesses. The name reflects Hagrid's love for fearsome-looking creatures, regardless of their true nature.

The common association between Fang and the bloodhound breed is a phenomenon rooted in the film adaptations, not the books.

• In the Harry Potter films, Fang was portrayed by several canine actors, all of whom were Neapolitan Mastiffs. (film)
• The Neapolitan Mastiff, like the bloodhound, is a large dog with a wrinkled face and drooping jowls, which may have caused viewers to confuse the breeds or use “bloodhound” as a general descriptor. (film)
• The canonical breed, the boarhound, is an archaic term for breeds like the Great Dane. The choice of a Neapolitan Mastiff for the films was likely an aesthetic one to capture Fang's intimidating but ultimately gentle appearance. (film)