Can You Adopt the Dawnguard Dogs in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, but with limitations. You can adopt one of the Dawnguard dogs, specifically Bran, to be a follower. However, the game mechanics prevent you from adopting both Dawnguard huskies, Bran and Sceolang, simultaneously. Once you recruit one, the game won’t allow you to recruit the other. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of how this works, and all things dogs in Skyrim.
Adopting Bran or Sceolang: The Fine Print
While both Bran and Sceolang reside in the Fort Dawnguard cave section, their availability as followers isn’t based on preference but on the order in which you interact with them. The first husky you bring to speak with the faction leader, Isran, will be the one you can recruit. Think of it like a cosmic ‘first come, first served’ policy for canine companionship.
How to Recruit a Dawnguard Husky
- Join the Dawnguard: Begin the Dawnguard questline by heading to Fort Dawnguard, located southeast of Riften. You’ll need the Dawnguard DLC installed to trigger this questline. Rumors about the Dawnguard will start circulating once you reach level 10, leading you to their fort.
- Locate Bran and Sceolang: Inside the fort, navigate to the cave section. You’ll find the huskies in a wooden pen in the northeastern corner, near the entrance to Dead Drop Falls.
- Speak with the Dog: Interact with one of the dogs. They’ll begin following you.
- Speak to Isran: Lead the dog back to Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard. He will remark on the dog’s usefulness, and you’ll have the option to recruit the first husky you brought to him.
- Enjoy Your New Companion: The recruited husky will now act as a follower, aiding you in combat and carrying items. Remember, you can only recruit one of the two Dawnguard dogs this way.
Why Only One Dawnguard Dog?
The game’s scripting and follower mechanics are set up to allow only one of these specific huskies to be actively following you. It’s not a bug, but a designed limitation. This limitation likely stems from preventing potential conflicts with other followers or quests, as having multiple unique dogs might cause unforeseen issues.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Dogs in Skyrim
Here’s a detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions about dogs and canine companions in the world of Skyrim:
1. Can I have multiple dog followers in Skyrim?
No, not by default. The game only allows one designated dog follower at a time, like Bran or Sceolang. You can have other followers, but only one official canine companion through standard gameplay mechanics. Mods are available that may override this limitation.
2. What happens if my Dawnguard dog dies?
Bran and Sceolang don’t respawn. They are unique, named NPCs. If they die, they’re gone for good (unless you reload an earlier save or use console commands on PC to resurrect them). This underscores the importance of keeping them safe during your adventures. If you change their status to “essential” status, meaning they’re downright immortal, it will protect them from dying in a fight.
3. Can my children adopt my dog in Skyrim?
Yes! This is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the Hearthfire DLC. If you have a Hearthfire home with children, bringing a recruited dog (like Meeko, or a stray dog) home can trigger a dialogue where your children ask to adopt the dog as a pet. You can adopt Meeko in Skyrim.
4. Where can I find other dogs to adopt in Skyrim?
- Meeko’s Shack: West of Morthal and south of Solitude, you’ll find Meeko’s Shack. Meeko, a loyal dog, is found near his deceased owner.
- Random Encounters: Occasionally, you’ll encounter stray dogs wandering the roads of Skyrim.
- Hearthfire Pets: Adopted children may bring home pets that you can allow them to keep.
5. Can I have a Death Hound as a pet if I join the Dawnguard?
No. Death Hounds are exclusive to the Volkihar Vampire Clan. If you side with the vampires during the Dawnguard questline, you can have a Death Hound as a companion.
6. Are Dawnguard dogs immortal?
By default, Bran and Sceolang are “protected,” meaning only you or your other companions can kill them. However, they are not immortal. There are mods available that change them to “essential” status, making them unkillable.
7. Can I be a werewolf and join the Dawnguard?
Yes, the Dawnguard are primarily concerned with vampires. Being a werewolf doesn’t affect your ability to join or progress within their ranks.
8. Does siding with the vampires affect my ability to get a dog?
It depends on the type of dog. Siding with the Volkihar Vampire Clan gives you access to Death Hounds. However, it makes you an enemy of the Dawnguard, preventing you from recruiting Bran or Sceolang.
9. Where is Fort Dawnguard located?
Fort Dawnguard is situated southeast of Riften, nestled deep within the mountains. Access is via a small cave entrance.
10. Can I change my mind after choosing a Dawnguard dog?
Not without reloading a save or using console commands (on PC). Once you recruit either Bran or Sceolang, the option to recruit the other disappears.
11. Can dogs carry items in Skyrim?
Yes, dogs acting as followers can carry items, relieving some burden from your main character.
12. Are there any quests involving dogs in Skyrim?
Yes, the quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend” involves Barbas, a talking dog associated with the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile.
13. What is the strongest pet in Skyrim?
The Steadfast Dwarven Sphere, available in the Dragonborn DLC, is generally considered the strongest pet due to its high health and combat abilities.
14. Can I have other pets besides dogs?
With the Hearthfire DLC, your adopted children can bring home various creatures like foxes, rabbits, and mudcrabs, which can become household pets. However, the game only allows a maximum of two such pets.
15. How do mods affect dog adoption in Skyrim?
Mods can significantly alter the dog adoption mechanics. Some mods allow you to have multiple dog followers, while others introduce new dog breeds or change their stats and abilities. The Games Learning Society promotes exploring how games can be modified and used in creative learning environments, although we are not focused on the technicals of modding. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on how game can be used as educational tools.
Hopefully, this guide has answered all your questions about adopting Dawnguard dogs and the canine companions of Skyrim! May your adventures be filled with loyal furry friends by your side!