They actually do have that dog in them.
There is a trend going around the internet right now where you compare characters, teammates, or really anything to dog breeds. The Toronto Raptors were accused last season of “not having that dog in them,” but personally I disagree. To prove that point, here are the Toronto Raptors as dog breeds:
Scottie Barnes: Bernese Mountain Dog
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It’s just coincidence that Scottie happens to own a Bernese Mountain Dog, his little CiCi, because it seems like a perfect match.
These breeds are described as “big, powerful, and built for hard work” while also being “blessed with a sweet nature.” That seems pretty on point for Barnes. He’s tall, muscular, and works hard everywhere on the court. Yet, when he’s smiley or goofy, you can’t help but feel like he’s a sweetheart as a person.
RJ Barrett: Doberman Pinscher
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As someone who has a Doberman niece and nephew, this match feels pretty perfect in my heart. Dobermans are BIG, muscular, and intimidating if you don’t have experience with them.
They are described as “sleek but substantial in build, fast, loyal, and fearless” which matches the demeanour of RJ Barrett. Looks super serious, strong and fast on his drives, efficient. Not afraid to go up against bigger guys.
Yet, if you know how to handle a well-trained Doberman, they are super sweet and loyal. Just like a guy who comes back to play for his hometown basketball team.
Immanuel Quickley: Golden Retriever
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Have you heard the phrase “give Golden Retriever energy?” — that’s Immanuel Quickley. Golden Retrievers are described as “outgoing, trustworthy, eager to please, easy to train, and devoted.”
Quickley came to Toronto, stepped into a new role, and executed immediately. Always with a smile on his face and a skip in his step. He seems warm and inviting, loves his team, and wants to grow as a player in Toronto, FOR Toronto. It’s giving Golden Retriever.
Gradey Dick: Golden Doodle
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Golden Doodles are the mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. People love to get Golden Doodle puppies because 1) they are cute as heck and 2) they are fairly easy to train into the kind of dog you want in a home. See where I’m going here?
The Raptors brought in little puppy Gradey Dick for his anticipated skill set, and have worked hard to develop him into their own player.
Golden Doodles are known for being outgoing and friendly, having good personality, and being highly intelligent. They are similar to Retrievers but come in different sizes and take some of the Poodle traits like being able to quickly learn tricks, pure athleticism and long strong legs.
Ochai Agbaji: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
Welsh Corgis are strong, athletic, and lively. They are sturdy little guys, and also very alert, which seems to match Ochai Agbaji’s on court defensive energy. They are also affectionate, companionable, and a very aesthetically pleasing dog. Need I say more?
Bruce Brown: Australian Shepherd
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I originally made this match because Aussies are farm dogs, and we all know Bruce Brown is a country boy. Then I found this picture of a little champion Aussie, who just like Bruce Brown, is a champion! Perfect match!
Australian Shepherds are ranch dogs — lean, tough, and fast, and bred to shepherd cattle around the farm. They have long, pretty hair, and a ton of energy (like most working dog breeds). They are meant to keep the other animals in check… which is kinda what Brown was brought to Toronto for.
Kelly Olynyk: Afghan Hound
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The hair. Need I say more?
On top of both having good heads of hair, Kelly Olynyk shares other qualities with the Afghan Hound: good at thinking on their feet, strong-willed, self-confident. I think the snapback at the wedding picture we’ve all seen describes the confidence well.
Jakob Poeltl: Great Dane
Both big bois who tower over most of their peers. Jakob Poeltl and the Great Dane are both friendly and patient. Great Danes are said to be affectionate with family, which maybe describes how fast Poeltl was comfortable when he was traded back to Toronto — he was back with family!
Watchful and protective — two qualities you need to be a rim protector! They are also highly adaptable, which any player on a building team needs to be.
Garrett Temple: Australian Cattle Dog
Garrett Temple is an Australian Cattle Dog, but more specifically, he is Bandit Heeler. If you’re a parent of a young kid, or an anxious 28-year-old girl like myself, you’ve watched Bluey before. If you haven’t it follows a family of cartoon Australian Cattle Dogs, who are also referred to as Heelers.
The Heeler family consists of Bluey and Bingo (sisters), and their parents Bandit and Chilli. Chilli is a working mom, while Bandit spends a lot of his time wrangling his energetic, imaginative, and often goofy kids. He encourages their antics, plays along in their games, but also makes sure they learn lessons along the way.
Is that not Garrett Temple’s role on this Toronto Raptors team? Mic drop.