Can I Have a Pet Dog in Skyrim? The Ultimate Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can have a pet dog in Skyrim! While the game doesn’t feature a traditional pet system like some modern RPGs, you can acquire canine companions who will follow you, fight alongside you, and generally make your adventures in Tamriel a little less lonely. This article will guide you through the different ways to acquire a dog, their capabilities, and everything else you need to know about having a furry friend in Skyrim.
Acquiring a Canine Companion in Skyrim
There are a few distinct ways to find a dog companion in Skyrim, each with its own unique requirements and potential benefits. The method you choose will influence the dog’s breed, skills, and the role it plays in your journey.
Meeko: The Loyal Stray
Perhaps the easiest and most readily available canine companion is Meeko. You’ll find him near his shack, appropriately named Meeko’s Shack, located southeast of Morthal. Tragically, you’ll discover his owner has passed away from a disease. Meeko will lead you to his deceased owner, a poignant scene that establishes his loyalty. After this, Meeko will readily become your follower.
- Pros: Easily accessible, requires no quest completion before acquiring, starts at a relatively low level.
- Cons: He has relatively low health, making him somewhat fragile in challenging encounters, can be difficult to keep alive in high-level areas.
Vigilance: The Guard Dog for Hire
If you’re looking for a more immediately combat-ready companion, consider hiring Vigilance. He’s a war dog available for purchase from Markarth Stables, located just outside Markarth’s city gates. You can purchase him from Banning, the stable master, for 500 gold.
- Pros: Starts at a higher level than Meeko, more durable in combat, readily available for a fee.
- Cons: Requires an initial gold investment, no unique backstory or quest associated with him.
Barbas: The Daedric Dog
Barbas is a unique case. He’s not exactly a “pet” in the traditional sense, but he is a canine companion you acquire during the Daedric quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend,” initiated in Falkreath. Barbas is a Daedric hound belonging to the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile.
- Pros: Essential for completing a Daedric quest, provides helpful dialogue and assistance during the quest.
- Cons: He cannot become a permanent follower after the quest is completed. To get the Rueful Axe, you will have to kill Barbas to return him to Clavicus Vile to get the axe. For the Masque of Clavicus Vile, you must keep Barbas and allow him to return to Clavicus Vile. This is not a normal follower and only accompanies you during the specific quest.
Husky: The Dawnguard Dog
With the Dawnguard DLC installed, you have the option to acquire Husky followers by joining the Dawnguard faction. These dogs are found at Fort Dawnguard and can be recruited after completing certain quests for the Dawnguard.
- Pros: Strong combat capabilities, benefits from Dawnguard faction bonuses, aesthetically pleasing.
- Cons: Requires Dawnguard DLC, requires joining the Dawnguard faction and completing related quests to unlock them.
Bran and Sceolang: Fort Dawnguard’s Special Hounds
These two huskies are acquired through Gunmar in Fort Dawnguard. They are essential and cannot be killed, making them reliable companions. They also have a significant advantage: they can detect nearby enemies, providing a crucial tactical advantage.
- Pros: Cannot be killed, enemy detection, tied to the Dawnguard faction.
- Cons: Requires the Dawnguard DLC, tied to the Dawnguard faction quests.
What Can a Dog Do in Skyrim?
Your canine companion in Skyrim provides several benefits beyond just companionship. While they aren’t as versatile as human followers, they can still be valuable assets.
- Combat Assistance: Dogs will attack enemies, providing valuable support in combat. While not as strong as some human followers, they can distract enemies and inflict damage.
- Carrying Items: Although Dogs in Skyrim cannot carry items, they are great at distracting enemies.
- Companionship: Perhaps the simplest yet most important benefit is the companionship. Having a dog by your side can make the vast world of Skyrim feel a little less lonely.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Alive
Dogs in Skyrim aren’t invincible. Here are some tips to help keep your furry friend alive:
- Equip them with Armor (via Mods): While the base game doesn’t offer dog armor, mods can add this feature, significantly increasing their survivability.
- Heal them with Restoration Magic: If you have Restoration spells, use them to heal your dog during combat.
- Avoid Dangerous Areas: Be mindful of the areas you’re exploring. Avoid extremely high-level areas or encounters that could overwhelm your dog.
- Use them Strategically: Don’t send your dog charging into a group of powerful enemies alone. Use them to flank or distract, allowing you to focus on dealing damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding dogs in Skyrim to help you get the most out of your canine companionship.
1. Can I have more than one dog follower at a time in Skyrim without mods?
No, in the base game, you can only have one dog follower at a time. If you attempt to recruit another dog while you already have one, the new dog will simply return to its starting location or stable. To have more than one, you’ll need to rely on mods.
2. Can my dog die permanently in Skyrim?
Yes, dogs in Skyrim can die permanently. Unlike some essential NPCs, they are vulnerable to enemy attacks and environmental hazards. Bran and Sceolang from the Dawnguard DLC are exceptions. They cannot be killed.
3. Can I train my dog in Skyrim?
No, there is no training mechanic for dogs in Skyrim. Their skills and abilities are predetermined and cannot be improved through training.
4. Can I give commands to my dog in Skyrim?
The limited commands that you can give to human followers also apply to dogs, such as ordering them to wait in a specific location.
5. Do dogs have any unique dialogue or interactions in Skyrim?
Dogs have minimal dialogue and interaction options. They mostly bark and whine but don’t offer any narrative or quest-related conversations.
6. Will my dog level up with me in Skyrim?
Dogs do level up to an extent, but their level scaling is typically limited. They might become slightly stronger as you level up, but they won’t keep pace with your character’s progression.
7. Can I marry my dog in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry your dog in Skyrim. Marriage is restricted to humanoid NPCs.
8. Are there any dog breeds besides Huskies and regular dogs in Skyrim?
Besides Huskies from the Dawnguard DLC and the standard dogs like Meeko and Vigilance, the game does not feature additional dog breeds without the use of mods.
9. How do I get rid of a dog follower in Skyrim?
To dismiss a dog follower, simply speak to them and choose the dialogue option to have them leave your service. They will then return to their original location.
10. Can I use my dog to hunt animals in Skyrim?
Yes, dogs can be used to hunt animals. They will attack nearby wildlife, which can be helpful for gathering resources like pelts and meat.
11. Are there any quests specifically related to dogs in Skyrim (besides Barbas’ quest)?
There aren’t many quests specifically centered around dogs, aside from “A Daedra’s Best Friend.” However, some radiant quests might involve finding lost dogs or dealing with wild animal threats.
12. Do dogs trigger traps in Skyrim?
Yes, dogs can trigger traps in Skyrim. This can be both a benefit and a drawback. While they can inadvertently set off traps, they can also unintentionally set off traps before you do, saving your life.
13. Can I use console commands to create a dog follower in Skyrim?
Yes, you can use console commands to spawn dogs in Skyrim. However, simply spawning a dog doesn’t automatically make it a follower. You’ll need to use additional commands to make it friendly and follow you. This option is only available on PC.
14. Do dogs react to vampires or werewolves in Skyrim?
Dogs generally react negatively to werewolves, often barking and acting aggressively. Their reaction to vampires is less pronounced unless the vampire is hostile.
15. Do mods exist that improve the dog follower experience in Skyrim?
Yes, many mods enhance the dog follower experience, adding features like dog armor, improved AI, additional breeds, and more comprehensive command options. Searching for “dog follower” on the Nexus Mods website will yield numerous results.
Having a dog in Skyrim can be a rewarding experience, adding an extra layer of immersion and companionship to your adventures. Whether you choose the loyal Meeko, the hired guard dog Vigilance, or a Husky from the Dawnguard, your canine companion will undoubtedly make your journey through Skyrim a little more memorable.