Homebrew Dog People Species Details

Dog People, or Canis Folk, are a race of anthropomorphic canines found across many terrains—from bustling cities to snowy tundras. Each individual resembles a particular dog breed, with their appearance, behavior, and even fighting style shaped by their ancestral lineage.

Highly social creatures, Dog People are best known for their fierce loyalty. They form powerful emotional attachments and are happiest when serving alongside a trusted friend, guardian, or leader. This bond grants tangible benefits in combat and everyday life, making them invaluable companions and devastating when protecting someone they care about.

Their innate keen senses, combined with the specialized traits of their breed, give each Canis Folk unique talents. While a Mastiff may wrestle an enemy to the ground, a Shiba Inu might dance through a mountain trail, unlost and alert.

Their society values pack hierarchy, loyalty, service, and communal strength—but unlike wolves, Canis Folk treat bonds as chosen, not inherited. A trusted companion, regardless of blood, is treated like kin.

Dog People Traits

Highly social creatures, Dog People are best known for their fierce loyalty. They form powerful emotional attachments and are happiest when serving alongside a trusted friend, guardian, or leader.

Age

Dog People mature rapidly, reaching adulthood by 5 years old and rarely living past 30. There are some cases in which dog people have lived longer but have evolved almost into another species to take on the traits of their designated person. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Ability Score Improvement

You gain + 2 to your Wisdom Score.

Keen Hearing and Smell

You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and Wisdom saving throws related to sound or smell.

Languages

Dog people can speak common, write in common sign language and speak to wolves. Additionally, they can learn the language of their designated person while bonded to them only.

Loyal Hound

You can designate one creature as your Bonded Companion (chosen during a short or long rest). While your Bonded Companion is within 10 feet of you, they gain:

• +1d4 to all rolls (attack rolls, ability checks, saving throws)

• Advantage on attack rolls.

If your Bonded Companion is not within 10ft, they suffer:

• -1d4 to all rolls

• Disadvantage on attack rolls

You may change your Bonded Companion during a long rest.

Dog Breeds

Choose your breed at character creation. Each breed affects your abilities and size.