They say that every dog has its day, but this mangy mongrel of a horror-thriller is one of the exceptions.

The Breed is a risible tale of plucky youngsters under siege on a remote island from a pack of feral, near-rabid hounds with a taste for human flesh.

First-time director Nick Mastandrea fails to house train the performances or the woeful screenplay, resulting in a film which has plenty of bark (a booming orchestral score) but no bite.

Indeed, it's a fangless blunder from lacklustre start to predictable end, as the good-looking college kids face a mauling from man's best friend.