Dog

You gain your Mabari war dog in one of two ways: 1) a small side quest in the Human Noble origin story; or 2) talk to the Kennel Master in Ostagar and complete the "Mabari Hound" side quest.

If you choose to ignore these side quests, you won't have the dog in your party for the rest of the game. When the Mabari war dog first joins the party, you can name him whatever you like (for purposes of the guide we'll call him "Dog").

There may be better warriors to take in your party, but he is a tough combatant, and you don't have to worry about approval rating with him: Dog is always 100 percent loyal.

Dog at a Glance

Starting Attributes

• Strength: 21
• Wilpower: 13
• Cunning: 10
• Dexterity: 20
• Magic: 10
• Constitution: 18

Class : Warrior

Recommended Build: DPSer

Dog may be limited with gear and abilities, so other warriors, such as Alistair, will make better tanks, but he can deal decent damage with those canine teeth.

Starting Talents

• Dog: Growl, Dread Howl, Fortitude, Charge

Location

Castle Cousland or Ostagar

Unlock Condition

Side quests in the Human Noble origin story or Ostagar unlock your Mabari friend.

Combat Advice

Even though his Dog talents are few, they can pack a punch in combat. Don't underestimate them, especially because they have no attribute or level restrictions.

Dread Howl delays nearby enemies with an AoE stun; Combat Training boosts critical chance, attack, and armor; and Overwhelm puts targets on the ground and deals a series of hits.

Shred is vicious, dealing an automatic critical strike on a successful hit and bleed damage over time. When you reach Nemesis, Dog gains bonuses to health and health regeneration; he can now absorb a ton of damage.

Dog should follow your party tank's lead and deal DPS to the mobs. Attack from the side or rear for maximum effectiveness, and, as you may expect from a dog, he makes the perfect bodyguard to protect weaker party members.

Alas, because other warriors have so many more talents and so many more equipment slots, Dog can be outstripped in the long run by veteran warriors. Early in your career, though, he's very useful as a second warrior.

Equipment

Dog's only equipment is kaddis (battle tattoos) and a dog collar. There are many different types to be found in stores and loot across the game, each offering different increases to his abilities and defenses.

Dialogue Choices

The only plot-specific dialogue Dog has outside of the Human Noble origin is in the Fade. Other companions can have conversations with Dog if you talk to him in camp, but he doesn't have any self-initiated dialogues in camp.

Gifts

Simply put: Dog loves bones. You can give other companions a small approval bump with one of the game's bones - and yes, Dog doesn't need to be any more loyal than he is - but can you really do that to the poor beast?

Highlights

• Dog gets a health boost if you ask him to clean up your gore.
• Dog will bring you random objects if you ask him if he sees something interesting; some of them can be used as gifts to other companions. Once he brings you a child. Once he brings you cake. Have fun with it.
• Because he has been "imprinted" on you, Dog will always love you 100 percent, no matter what. Thus, gifts are unnecessary, but he'll be grateful nonetheless.
• If you pet Dog, sometimes he'll roll around in the dirt. It's adorable.
• Dog gets different reactions from different companions. Be sure to start conversations with Dog in camp from time to time for some surprises.