Can You Keep a Stray Dog in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Companionship
Yes, absolutely! You can keep a stray dog in Skyrim, but the process varies depending on whether you have the Hearthfire DLC installed. Without it, your adopted dog will eventually return to its original location after being dismissed. However, with Hearthfire, you can adopt a stray dog as a pet for your children, adding a heartwarming touch to your Dragonborn’s home life. This article delves into the specifics of how to acquire, keep, and care for your loyal canine companion in the vast world of Skyrim.
Acquiring a Canine Companion in Skyrim
Finding Stray Dogs
Stray dogs can be encountered in various locations throughout Skyrim. One common spot is near Helgen immediately after escaping the tutorial sequence. These dogs are typically friendly and will become loyal followers if you choose to interact with them. Unlike some named dogs like Meeko (who has his own shack), these strays don’t have a specific ‘home’ until you designate one.
The Adoption Process
The simple process of adopting a stray dog involves interacting with it after dealing with any nearby hostile enemies. Once the area is safe, you can instruct the dog to follow you. However, the ability to fully integrate the dog into your household depends on whether you have the Hearthfire DLC and at least one adopted child.
Keeping Your Dog at Home
Without Hearthfire
If you don’t have Hearthfire, the mechanics are simpler, yet less permanent. You can have the dog follow you as a follower, but if you dismiss it, it will return to where you initially found it. A workaround involves telling the dog to wait at your house. Though a message will eventually appear stating that the dog has returned home, it will often remain in your house indefinitely. This isn’t an official “pet” status but it is a way to keep the dog around!
With Hearthfire
Hearthfire adds depth to the adoption process. To truly keep a stray dog as a pet, you must have already adopted at least one child. Bring the dog to your Hearthfire home (one you’ve built yourself) and have it follow you inside. After some time (usually a few in-game days), your children will interact with the dog and ask if they can keep it. Agreeing to their request makes the dog a permanent pet in your household.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Canine Companions
Advantages of Having a Dog
- Combat Assistance: Dogs can be valuable in combat, distracting enemies and dealing some damage.
- Companionship: Wandering through the harsh landscape of Skyrim is less lonely with a loyal dog at your side.
- Family Life: With Hearthfire, a dog adds to the atmosphere of your home and makes your adopted children happier.
Disadvantages of Having a Dog
- Stealth Issues: Dogs tend to bark, which can alert enemies to your presence, potentially ruining your stealth attempts.
- Vulnerability: Dogs can die in combat, which can be emotionally distressing. Ensure they are well-equipped (if possible) and consider their safety during dangerous encounters.
Other Notable Dogs in Skyrim
Meeko
Meeko is a special dog you can find near Meeko’s Shack, located southwest of Windhelm. He is found near the body of his owner. Meeko can be recruited as a follower and, with Hearthfire, can also become a pet for your children.
Dawnguard Dogs: Bran and Sceolang
If you join the Dawnguard faction, you’ll encounter Bran and Sceolang. These armored huskies can be used as war dogs and followers. With Hearthfire, one of them (usually Bran) can be adopted as a pet. Note that only the first Dawnguard dog you bring home can become a pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Keeping Dogs in Skyrim
1. Can I have more than one dog as a follower?
No, you can only have one dog or animal companion as a follower at a time, in addition to your regular human/elf/lizard/cat person follower.
2. Can I adopt a dog if I don’t have any children?
Without the Hearthfire DLC, you can have the dog follow you, but can’t fully adopt it. It’ll return to where you found it. With Hearthfire, you need to adopt at least one child before you can turn a dog into a pet.
3. Will my dog die permanently?
Yes, dogs can die permanently in Skyrim. It’s important to protect them in combat.
4. Can I equip my dog with armor?
Yes, some dogs, like the Dawnguard huskies, come with armor. You cannot normally equip armor on other dogs unless using mods.
5. What happens if I dismiss my dog?
Without Hearthfire, the dog will return to its original location. With Hearthfire, if the dog is a pet, it will stay at your house.
6. Can both of my children have a pet?
Yes, but each child can only have one pet, and you can only have a maximum of two pets in your household.
7. How do I get a Dawnguard dog as a pet?
Join the Dawnguard, recruit Bran or Sceolang as a follower, bring them to your Hearthfire home, and wait for your children to ask if they can keep it.
8. Is Meeko a good dog to keep as a pet?
Yes, Meeko is a popular choice. He’s easy to find and can be a loyal companion both in and out of combat.
9. Can I get a pet wolf in Skyrim?
While you can’t tame wild wolves, the Anniversary Edition adds the Bone Wolf as a unique pet option through the Creation Club content.
10. What breeds of dogs are in Skyrim?
The base game dogs in Skyrim are based on the Irish Wolfhound breed.
11. Do pets provide any gameplay advantages?
Unlike animal followers, pets primarily enhance your children’s happiness and add ambiance to your home. They don’t offer significant combat advantages.
12. Where can I find Meeko?
Meeko is found near Meeko’s Shack, southwest of Windhelm, grieving next to his deceased owner.
13. Can I have a pet skeever, fox, rabbit, goat, or spider?
Yes! The “Pets of Skyrim” Creation adds these unique pets, each with special abilities.
14. If I tell a dog to wait at my house, will it eventually leave?
Without Hearthfire, yes, it will eventually return to its original location, although it might stay for an extended period. With Hearthfire, once it becomes a pet, it will stay at your house permanently.
15. Can I marry a dog in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry a dog in Skyrim. Marriage is limited to humanoid NPCs. However, the loyalty of a canine companion can arguably rival that of any spouse!
Conclusion
Keeping a stray dog in Skyrim is not only possible but also a rewarding experience, especially with the Hearthfire DLC. Whether you’re seeking a loyal combatant, a charming addition to your family, or simply a furry friend to share your adventures, Skyrim offers numerous opportunities for canine companionship. From the rugged landscapes to the cozy hearths of your custom-built homes, a dog can truly make your Dragonborn’s journey feel a little less lonely.
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