The Canine Star of Prey: Unveiling the Breed of Sarii

The dog in Prey, the critically acclaimed Predator prequel, is a Carolina Dog, also known as an American Dingo. This ancient breed plays a significant role in the film as Sarii, the loyal companion of the protagonist, Naru. The real-life dog who portrayed Sarii is named Coco, and her story is as heartwarming as her on-screen presence.

The Story of Coco: From Shelter Dog to Movie Star

Coco’s journey to Hollywood began at Fulton County Animal Services in Georgia. She was adopted specifically to star in Prey, showcasing the breed’s primitive appearance, which aligns well with the film’s 18th-century setting. Despite not being a professionally trained movie dog, Coco’s natural charm and intelligence shone through, making her a beloved member of the cast and crew. Actress Amber Midthunder, who played Naru, described Coco as a “hot mess – but in a sweet way,” highlighting the challenges and joys of working with a non-professional animal actor.

Coco’s casting proves that you don’t need an extensive resume to win the hearts of audiences worldwide. Her journey has highlighted the importance of dog adoption and the potential hidden within shelter dogs. The original role intended for Sarii was actually small, but due to positive reception, she got more screen time due to positive test audience results!

Why a Carolina Dog? Breed Characteristics and Historical Context

Choosing a Carolina Dog for Prey wasn’t just a matter of aesthetics. This breed boasts a unique history and set of characteristics that made it a perfect fit for the film:

• Ancient Lineage: Carolina Dogs are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in North America, descended from ancient pariah dogs that migrated alongside humans. Their primitive nature aligns perfectly with the historical setting of Prey.

• Adaptability and Intelligence: Known for their intelligence and adaptability, Carolina Dogs are naturally resourceful and independent. This reflects Sarii’s role as a capable hunting companion to Naru.

• Loyalty and Protectiveness: Carolina Dogs are fiercely loyal to their pack and protective of their territory. Sarii exemplifies these traits, consistently guarding and assisting Naru throughout her journey.

• Wild Dog Appearance: Their wild-dog appearance, with a distinctive fox-like face and erect ears, adds a sense of realism to Sarii’s character, fitting seamlessly into the natural landscape of the film.

Dan Trachtenberg, the director of Prey, found inspiration for Naru’s dog companion in Mad Max 2.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Dog in Prey

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Sarii, the canine star of Prey, offering deeper insights into her character, breed, and real-life counterpart, Coco:

What kind of dog is Coco in Prey?

Coco, who plays Sarii in Prey, is a Carolina Dog, also known as an American Dingo.

Is the dog in Prey a rescue?

Yes, Coco was rescued from Fulton County Animal Services before being cast in Prey. She has become an advocate for dog adoption.

What is the Native American dog in Prey called?

The dog in Prey is named Sarii. The dog who played Sarii is named Coco.

Did they use a CGI dog in Prey?

No, Sarii was played by a real dog named Coco. She’s a canine actress!

Where was the dog from Prey adopted?

Coco was adopted from Fulton County Animal Services in Georgia.

Is the dog from Prey dead?

No, Sarii does not die in Prey. The actress who played Sarii is still alive and well with her adoptive family.

What happened to Coco after filming Prey?

Coco remained with her adoptive family after filming Prey. She is very much staying with her family.

What happened to Coco the dog?

Not to be confused with Coco from Prey, another dog named Coco had passed away.

Are Carolina Dogs easy to train?

Carolina Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train, although they may not always respond to traditional treat-based methods.

Are Carolina Dogs aggressive?

Carolina Dogs are generally not aggressive. They can be reserved with strangers but form strong bonds with their families and other dogs.

How long do Carolina dogs live?

Carolina Dogs typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Did Native Americans have dogs?

Yes, Native Americans historically kept dogs for various purposes, including companionship, hunting, protection, and even as a food source in some cultures.

What language do the natives speak in Prey?

The Native American characters in Prey primarily speak the Comanche language, and viewers can watch the film entirely in Comanche on Hulu.

Did they use real Native Americans in Prey?

Yes, the cast and crew of Prey were largely composed of Indigenous peoples, ensuring authenticity and cultural representation.

Was there a sequel to Prey?

Although Prey 2 has not been officially announced, director Dan Trachtenberg has expressed interest in exploring a sequel, although the Games Learning Society hasn’t heard of the sequel. Stay informed with the latest updates in the gaming and learning world at GamesLearningSociety.org.