Homebrew Dog Species Details

Before this modern era, all dogs were working animals. They needed to earn their keep.

The smallest of dog, the teacup dogs are a recent development. If they existed in times past, they’d probably play the role of Pekingese or Shih Tzu, and be trained to be fierce protectors of their masters.

Slightly larger dogs such as the Rat Terrier, various Terriers, dachshund, miniature schnauzers were specifically bred to enter tunnels and eliminate rats.

Then there’s turnspit dogs, any number of types of dogs that are bred to turn a spit in a kitchen.

Dogs were also bred for the specific purpose of fighting in wars, guarding residences, and the like.

Then there’s shepherding dogs like the collie, German shepherd, and the like.

Finally, there’s things like pointers which are designed to track and retrieve waterfowl

Dog Traits

The following are traits of the dog

Vision

Black and White vision: dogs can’t see the same color spectrum as humanoids.

Quadruped

No fine manipulation: because they’re quadrupeds, they use their mouths to manipulate objects.

Keen Senses

Dogs have excellent olfactory senses, as well as having hearing outside the range of humanoid races. This grants you advantage on perception.

Darkvision

Dogs can see in the dark as though it is low light. They have darkvision out to 20 feet.

Easily Trained

This is to represent the fact that dogs are omnipresent and are (generally) easily trained.

Ability Score Improvments

+2 Int, -2 Wis +2 Charisma. Dogs are intelligent but highly distractible, but they have a certain undeniable charm about them.

Indistinguishable

Unless the dog is currently behaving in a manner that would indicate that it’s something other than a standard dog, most people and monsters will assume that’s exactly what it is. Proficiency in deception and intimidation