Bethesda released some behind-the-scenes footage of River, this week, the real-life dog who was motion-captured to make Dogmeat, from the Fallout series, more believable.

While Dogmeat is certainly a handy and useful companion to have in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4, there are also other canine contenders who would make pretty good sidekicks if you ever find yourself in the middle of an the end-of-the-world survival situation.

Here are our picks for the best dog companions to have to survive the apocalypse.

Hewie (Haunting Ground)

Fiona, the protagonist of the horror game Haunting Ground is, let's face it, quite a weakling on her own. But with the friendship of Hewie, the dog found caged in the room with her when she wakes up at the start of the game, and they may make it out alive together.

If Hewie can help Fiona out of the bind she's in against monsters who want to play with her corpse like a doll and ghosts who want to steal her womb, then he will certainly keep anyone safe when the world goes crazy.

Shadow (Dead to Rights: Retribution)

Shadow is a tough purebred Malamute who will not hesitate to attack anyone who puts GCPD Officer Jack Slate in danger. A dog with a badge. Definitely a must-have when fending for yourself against attackers and scavengers when the end of civilization as we know it happens.

Interceptor (Final Fantasy VI)

Shadow was the main hero in Final Fantasy VI, but his dog, Interceptor, stole the show – and many of the battles. When in a bind, Interceptor can perform counterattacks or take parries for Shadow, taking on no damage for himself. Shadow also tells various townspeople that Interceptor eats strangers. Although his appetite can be a bit expensive, he's definite a keeper to scare off other survivors who might try to con you in a post-apocalyptic society.

Pomeranian (Tokyo Jungle)

They're small, cute and fluffy, but Pomeranian dogs in Tokyo Jungle are certified survivors. When the humans have all disappeared and animals have taken over the abandoned city streets of Japan, an unnamed Pomeranian uses all of its skills to live to see his progeny survive the next 100 years.

At the end of human civilization, sometimes big and tough dogs are not the way to go. Maybe a little Pom-Pom dog is all you need to make it through another day in the apocalypse.

Zombie Dogs (Resident Evil)

If you can get over the fact that they may turn on you and eat your brains at any moment, a few infected Zombie Dogs like the ones who terrorize you in various Resident Evil games may not actually be a bad idea. How better to survive a Zombie apocalypse after all, than using zombies to fend off other zombies?

Special Mention: Riley (Call of Duty)

Based on real-life NAVY SEAL Dogs trained to maul the faces off the enemy, Riley was a force to be reckoned with in Call of Duty, which is why he is also included in our previous list of the top video game dogs of all time.

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