The animated movie The Secret Life of Pets 2 introduced audiences to a host of new characters, expanding the hilarious and heartwarming world of our furry friends’ secret lives. Among these fresh faces was Rooster, a gruff yet ultimately kind character voiced by the legendary Harrison Ford. Fans of the movie, especially pet enthusiasts, quickly became curious about this assertive farm dog. So, what breed is Rooster from The Secret Life of Pets?
Rooster is a Welsh Sheepdog. This breed is known for its intelligence, energy, and strong herding instincts, traits that are clearly reflected in Rooster’s personality and role in the film. As a Welsh Sheepdog, Rooster embodies the characteristics of a seasoned farm dog, providing guidance and a dose of tough love to Max, the terrier protagonist who finds himself in the unfamiliar countryside.
Rooster: The Stern Mentor in Secret Life of Pets 2
Voiced by Harrison Ford, Rooster is a significant character introduced in The Secret Life of Pets 2 when Max and his family visit a farm. He is depicted as a seasoned farm dog, confident and self-reliant, a stark contrast to the anxious and city-dwelling Max. Rooster’s role is to help Max overcome his fears and anxieties, particularly around the farm animals that Max initially finds intimidating.
Harrison Ford, known for his iconic roles in action-packed films like Indiana Jones and Star Wars, brings a unique gravitas to Rooster. His distinctive voice lends authority and a sense of experience to the character, making Rooster a believable and impactful mentor figure for Max. Rooster’s introduction adds a new dimension to the storyline, shifting from the urban setting of the first film to the more rural and adventurous landscape of a farm.
Welsh Sheepdog Breed Characteristics
The choice of Welsh Sheepdog for Rooster’s breed is quite fitting, considering the breed’s inherent traits. Welsh Sheepdogs are working dogs originating from Wales, known for their herding abilities, stamina, and independent nature. Here are some key characteristics of Welsh Sheepdogs that align with Rooster’s portrayal in the movie:
- Intelligence and Trainability: Welsh Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and quick learners, essential for herding livestock and responding to commands. Rooster’s ability to quickly assess situations and guide Max reflects this intelligence.
- Energy and Stamina: Bred for long days of working on farms, Welsh Sheepdogs possess considerable energy and stamina. Rooster’s active and robust nature on the farm is a testament to this breed characteristic.
- Herding Instincts: As the name suggests, herding is ingrained in Welsh Sheepdogs. They have a natural instinct to control and guide animals, which is subtly shown in Rooster’s interactions with other farm animals and his protective behavior.
- Independent and Courageous: Welsh Sheepdogs are known for their independent thinking and courage. Rooster’s self-assured demeanor and willingness to face challenges head-on, as seen in his interactions with Max, are typical of the breed.
- Loyalty and Protectiveness: While independent, Welsh Sheepdogs are also loyal and protective of their charges, be it livestock or their family. Rooster’s eventual warmth and protectiveness towards Max, despite his initial gruffness, highlight this trait.
Other Notable Characters in Secret Life of Pets 2
While Rooster is a central new character, The Secret Life of Pets 2 brings back many beloved characters from the first film and introduces a few more. Here’s a quick look at some of the other voice cast and their characters:
- Max (Patton Oswalt): The terrier protagonist, originally voiced by Louis C.K., now voiced by Patton Oswalt, continues his adventures, grappling with new anxieties.
- Snowball (Kevin Hart): The energetic and initially rebellious rabbit, now living a domesticated life but still full of surprises.
- Gidget (Jenny Slate): The fluffy Pomeranian with a crush on Max, known for her bravery and determination.
- Duke (Eric Stonestreet): The large and lovable Newfoundland mix, Max’s loyal companion.
- Daisy (Tiffany Haddish): Another new character, Daisy is a Shih Tzu who joins the adventure, adding more comedic and heartwarming moments to the story.
Conclusion
Rooster from The Secret Life of Pets 2 is a Welsh Sheepdog, a breed perfectly chosen to embody the character’s role as a strong, guiding mentor in the farm setting. Harrison Ford’s voice acting combined with the inherent traits of the Welsh Sheepdog breed creates a memorable and impactful character that resonates with audiences. Understanding Rooster’s breed not only answers a common fan question but also enriches the viewing experience by highlighting the thoughtful character design and breed selection in The Secret Life of Pets 2. If you enjoyed Rooster’s character, consider learning more about Welsh Sheepdogs – they are truly remarkable and intelligent dogs!
