Canin, Miniature (3.5e Race)

Author: Halloweenman33 (talk) Date Created: 2/21/17 Status: Undergoing Renovations. Please Pardon Our Dust Editing: Clarity edits only please

Rate this article Your rating for this article: Favor Like Neutral Dislike Oppose Submit | Cancel Discuss this article

Canin, Miniature

Canin look like an anthropromorphic version of a dog. The exact appearance will vary depending on what breed they are.

Personality

Canin are generally friendly. They are extremely loyal to their friends, often to a fault. Miniature Canin are not as abrasive as their smaller cousins. While they can be scrappers, they are not as eager to fight and are significantly more cordial to others. When creating a Canin character, you can stick with the basic race or choose a breed and apply it like a mini template, changing a few abilities and other aspects. I left the names of the breeds the same as they really are (mostly for simplicity), so name changes may be required. Just use whatever name would be the best fit for your setting

Basenji (qualifies for Canin Sighthound Template if desired): Basenjis are an ancient breed, predating the existence of the vast majority of other Canin breeds by several thousand years. They are highly intelligent, but incredibly stubborn and standoffish. They love to climb and are quite good and are also excellent escape artists. They take great pride in their appearance and are very cat-like in their grooming habits. They are almost obsessed with their own personal hygiene, cleaning themselves at least a couple of times a day. They are amazingly courageous and will defend their friends, family and homes with everything they’ve got if challenged.

Beagle (qualifies for Canin Scent Hound Template if desired): Beagles are friendly, personable, and intelligent, but are known for being stubbornly determined and single-minded. They can be standoffish with strangers at first, but warm up very quickly and make friends easily. They are also considered by many to be cute.

Bichon Frisé: Bichon Frises are intelligent, cunning, and friendly little Canin. They are incredibly cheerful and love being the center of attention. They love to learn. Bichons are emotional and sensitive. They love the company of humanoids and get so attached to their companions that they dislike being separated from them for long periods of time. Most are fine with this since Bichons are incredibly charming and most humanoids find them exceptionally cute. While they love adventuring, especially with their friends who they follow everywhere, Bichons dislike violence and try to avoid getting directly involved in fights if possible.

Boston Terrier: Boston Terriers are friendly, intelligent, and sociable. They have a sense of humor comparable to that of gnomes and enjoy a good joke or prank, resulting in them being considered the clowns of the Canin world. They describe themselves as “a lover, not a fighter” and for the most part this holds true. They can be slightly territorial though and males do sometimes tend to posture when they feel that their territory is being invaded. They are also stubborn and can be a bit hyperactive, which can sometimes get them in trouble with their companions or the law, although they can generally get out of trouble with a sweet-natured look of their huge, round eyes. Boston Terriers are sturdy and muscular, especially compared to other Miniature Breeds. Their flat faces do make it difficult for them to properly cool the air the breathe in and can cause breathing problems that lead to other health issues.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an exceptionally friendly Canin Breed and many consider them to be incredibly cute. They consider everyone they meet to be their friend, nobody is a stranger. They are quite sensitive and any mean treatment will cause them to sulk or go hide. Cavaliers love humanoids and will stick close by the sides of any and all humanoid companions, following them wherever they go. Because many people find them so charming, they find it easy to get whatever they want, especially food.

Cocker Spaniel: Cocker Spaniels are amenable, gentle, and cheerful. They can be a bit nervous, but are often quite talkative and chatty. They do have a small problem where they have a tendency to urinate when they get excited, which can be a bit off putting to some. They are hunters at heart and love to chase after birds.

Dachshund (qualifies for the Canin Scent Hound Template if desired): Dachshunds are extremely loyal to their friends, but are wary of strangers and take time to warm up to others. They are stubborn and fearless, not afraid to take on larger foes. They are highly intelligent, but their short, stubby legs and long body slow their reflexes. This body structure does make them more maneuverable when digging through tunnels.

Lhasa Apso: Lhasa Apsos are alert and intelligent creatures. They are very loyal to their close friends and family, but are very wary of strangers. This wariness comes naturally to them, as they often make a living as guards/sentinels, specifically for monasteries located in mountainous regions. This also makes them quite tolerant of cold weather. Their natural protectiveness also extends to their friends and family. They take this job very seriously and are fierce defenders. They are independent and stubborn. It is very difficult to get them to do something that they don’t want to do and they will dig their heels into the ground and “put on the brakes” refusing to move if their companions try to coerce them into going somewhere that they don’t want to go. They do have a fun-loving, playful, and mischievous streak though and are quite happy creatures.

Miniature Schnauzer: Miniature Schnauzers are alert, spirited, playful, friendly, and intelligent. They are often aloof with strangers until their friends greet and welcome the guest, at which point they are very friendly to the new arrival. Miniature Schnauzers are hunters and have a high prey drive, seeking out small animals to hunt. They are extroverted creatures who love being the center of attention and greatly enjoy spending time with their humanoid friends. They don’t seem to have an idea of just how small they are and have a tendency to trash talk to larger creatures without any thought of the consequences, which can get them in trouble.

Parson Russell Terrier: Parson Russell Terriers are feisty, energetic, cheerful, fearless, and intelligent. They are single minded, tenacious, and courageous when it comes to work and exuberant, playful, and affectionate at home. They love humanoids, get along nicely with Canin, and greatly enjoy the company of horses. They are excellent climbers and astonishing jumpers, able to make a standing vertical jump roughly five times their own height. They are hunters by nature and nave a strong prey drive, even stronger than that of other terriers, causing them to hunt small animals even if they are someone’s pet.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are happy, loving, and intelligent creatures, but do have a stubborn streak. They are extraordinarily friendly, highly energetic, and love being the center of attention. They can be suspicious of strangers and are very vocal if they feel that someone or something is threatening their home and family. They are very protective of those they care about. Pembrokes love to eat and the quickest way to befriend one is to give them food. They are herders by nature and love to chase just about anything that moves. They are fun loving creatures and love to dance. Pembrokes are quite charming and many people find them very cute.

Poodle (Miniature): Poodles are highly intelligent, loyal, and mischievous. Despite their regal appearance, Poodles have a goofy streak and love to play, being up for a game of any kind. They are loyal and affectionate with friends and family, but they take a while to warm up to new people. Poodles as a whole are the second smartest of all the Canin (second only to the Border Collie). They are amazingly clever, learn fast, and have great memories. Despite this, Toy Poodles still sometimes carry the same chip on their shoulder as other Toy Breeds.

Scottish Terrier: Scottish Terriers are intelligent, territorial, alert, quick moving, and feisty. They are also independent, self-assured, playful, courageous, and possess such endless determination that they have earned the nickname of the “Diehard”. They are somewhat aloof creatures and are known for being stubborn. Scotties are not known for being jokers, but they possess such a dignified seriousness that many people find it hilarious. They are very loyal to their friends and family, but tend to be reserved around strangers. They are not particularly chatty and mostly tend to speak up when necessary. When they do speak up, they have a powerful voice that can easily scare the wits out of an unsuspecting opponent. Scotties are fearless and can be aggressive toward other Canin. They generally won’t start fights, but if another Canin provokes him, he will fight to the very end. They enjoy hunting and especially enjoy digging into underground dens to fight badgers and small vermin.

Shetland Sheepdog: The Shetland Sheepdog is vocal, athletic, excitable, energetic, and loves to work hard. They are highly intelligent, considered to be the 6th smartest of all the breeds. Shelties are very affectionate with their friends and family, but tend to be reserved or even shy around strangers. They are very protective and quick to sound the alarm if the sense that something is amiss in their territory. They are often shepherds by trade and have a strong herding instinct. If there are no livestock around, they have sometimes been seen trying to herd squirrels, rabbits, and even humanoids.

Shiba Inu: Shiba Inus are independent, alert, agile, intelligent, strong willed and vocal. They are known for their fiery, bold personalities. They originate from a mountainous region and do very well in such terrain. Shiba Inus are very quick and move nimbly and effortlessly and are natural escape artists. They are stubborn, have a superiority complex, and tend to be aggressive toward other Canin. They do not like to share and are very possessive and tend to guard, sometimes aggressively, their territory and belongings with a jealous eye. They are loyal and devoted to their friends and family, but are generally suspicious of strangers. They are great hunters and have a strong prey drive. If provoked or upset, they are known for producing a loud, high pitch scream, commonly referred to as the “Shiba Scream”.

West Highland White Terrier: West Highland White Terriers are independent, assured, self-confident, and highly social. They are very friendly and jolly creatures, loyal to their friends and family, but highly energetic and always on the move. They are inquisitive and love to investigate anything that sparks their interest. They are also quite stubborn and getting one to do something it doesn’t want to is difficult. They love to dig and have a high prey drive, often going after small rodents in their burrows. They are generally friendly to other Canin and rarely ever start fights, but won’t walk away from one if someone else starts it.

Whippet: Whippets are friendly, quiet, and gentle creatures. They are one of the fastest of the Canin, even rivaling the Greyhound in speed. They are the fastest at accelerating and can accidentally leave their companions in the dust easily. Whippets tend to have two speeds: Full Run and Zero. When indoors, they are known couch potatoes, often sleeping. They are touch sensitive, having a tendency to jump or overreact when touched unexpectedly. They get along very well with humanoids and other Canin, but have a strong prey drive and often chase small animals, often pursuing them for several miles. Whippets automatically apply the Canin Sighthound Template at character creation

Physical Description

Canin can best be described as dogmen. They have the body of a human, but the head of a dog and are covered in fur from head to toe. Describing an average canin is difficult due to the wide variety of them. Canin come in many “breeds” (as many as dogs do in fact) and each breed can vary greatly in size. They can be as smaller than a gnome or larger than a troll and everywhere in between. Canin place great value in honesty, integrity, and loyalty. Like dogs, Canin are fiercely loyal to their friends. Some are loyal to a fault. However, if one betrays or severely violates a Canin’s moral code, it is possible to lose their loyalty, but only if the act was severe enough to destroy the friendship (something that Canin do not take well at all). Evil Canin are extremely rare. The few that exist (that aren’t undead or, in one extremely rare and tragically ironic case, a werewolf) are that way because of tragic circumstances in their past, usually multiple instances of abuse or betrayal by those they trusted. Most Canin are hard working and quite happy to do physically demanding jobs, although some of the larger breeds are known to be a bit lazy. Canin seem to have a readiness to fight inversely related to size. The smaller the Canin, the more feisty and ready for a fight they seem to be (although most will end up hiding behind a larger friend when the one they challenge seems to accept). Smaller breeds of Canin also seem to have more dominant personalities. It is not uncommon to see a group of troll sized Canin taking orders from a gnome sized one. Their senses of hearing and smell are extraordinary, making them excellent trackers and leading more than a few to pursue the career of a woodsman or a bounty hunter. There are too many breeds of Canin to stat each one individually, but they can be easily divided into five categories: Toy, Miniature, Standard, Large, and Giant. While they are all the same species, some of the racial features may differ between the different categories. Most will be the same, but attributes will differ. The Miniature Canin are the next size up from the Toys. While they can be scrappers, they are not as eager to start a fight as their smaller cousins. Breeds among the Miniature Canin include the Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, and any other breeds in that size range. When creating a Miniature Canin character, you can either choose a breed for your character to be at character creation or stick with the basic race as is and call yourself a mutt. Some breeds may have additional abilities that are added onto the basic race.

Relations

Canin get along with most of the other races. They are especially friendly with humans. Canin are a bit leery of half-orcs, but are more open minded than other races and are willing to give individuals a chance, often warming up to them. They dislike the drow, orcs, and other monstrous evil races for their cruel ways, but are sometimes willing to give individuals a chance to prove themselves.

Alignment

Usually Neutral Good

Lands

Similar to humans, canin are all over the place.

Religion

Canin are generally not particularly religious, but they tend to prefer to worship nature deities

Language

Any

Names

Their names are as varied as those of humans and normal dogs

Racial Traits

• +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, -2 Strength, -2 Wisdom: Miniature Canin are quick, although not as quick as the toys. They are, however smarter and while they are slightly stronger than the toys, they share the same lack of wisdom.
• Humanoid (Anthro) 
• Small: As a Small creature, a canin, miniature gains a +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –4 size penalty on special attack (bull rushes, grapples, overruns, and trips) checks, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks, but it uses smaller weapons than humans use, and its lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character.
• Canin, Miniature base land speed is 20 feet.  
• +2 Racial Bonus on Spot checks 
• +4 Racial Bonus on Listen checks 
• +4 Racial Bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent 
• Scent 
• Natural Attack (Ex): Bite dealing 1d4+1.5x Strength Modifier Damage 
• Chocolate Vulnerability (Ex): Chocolate Vulnerability: Chocolate is bad for Canin. If ingested, it is treated as a Poison, specifically Black Adder Venom with a DC of 20 
• Quadrupedal Tracking (Ex): While Canin are bipeds, when Tracking by Scent, they can, as a move action that provokes an attack of opportunity, crouch down and use their hands to walk on all fours so that they can keep their noses as close to the ground (and the scent they are following) as possible. While on all fours, their Base Speed increases by 10 and they gain a +2 Circumstance Bonus on Survival checks as long as they are tracking by scent. However, they cannot hold any weapons while in this position and are considered one size category smaller for the purposes of vertical reach. They also cannot go into this position while wearing Medium or Heavy Armor, although Light Armor is generally flexible enough to allow it. Canin can remain in this position for a number of minutes equal to their HD+Con Modifier. After which, they must return to a standing position, which they can do as a move action, for 20-Con Modifier Minutes. 
• Intellectual Sensory (Ex): Canin use their Intelligence Modifier on Spot, Listen, and Survival checks instead their Wisdom Modifier. 
• Smart Wits (Ex): Canin use their Intelligence Modifier instead of their Wisdom Modifier on Will Saves 
• STUPID DOG! (Ex): Smart as they are, Canin are known for their lack of common sense. They have a tendency to do something without thinking things through, including things that most people would not do out of simple common sense. Examples include picking a fight with a creature significantly bigger and stronger than yourself (adventurers don’t count since that’s part of their job), tasting a strange looking food-like object in the middle of a dungeon, testing a trap discovered by the Rogue to see what it does, etc. Whenever a Canin has the urge to do something that is considered by most to be a bad idea by common sense, they must make a Will Save (DC 15 +1 per round that they remain in the area with the temptation still around) to resist. If the save fails, they must do whatever it is that they want to do. Only being physically restrained by their companions will prevent the action, allowing for another save to resist the urge. When STUPID DOG! comes into play, Smart Wits does not apply and they roll the Save using their Wisdom Modifier as normal 
• Breed Groups: Please Note That This Is Entirely Optional. Use or Ignore As You See Fit. Canin are extremely diverse and can be divided into different groups, specializing in different tasks or features within the community. Some of the groups even have subgroups, dividing the tasks among different factions. The Breed Groups are the Exterminators, Herders, Hounds, Jack of All Trades, Sporting, Social, and Workers, with Intellectuals as a sub-group that can be applied to any of them.

Exterminators:

The Exterminators play a vital role in society: they get rid of vermin. Most Exterminators are Canin of the Terrier variety. As such, they are feisty, highly energetic creatures. Most of them are fairly small, being comprised mainly of Miniature and one or two Toy Breeds, but there is one Standard Breed as well. Terriers have little patience for other creatures, except humanoids, including other Canin. They are scrappy and ready for action and have no problem picking fights with creatures bigger than themselves. Exterminators not only hunt for vermin, but they will dig into and enter the tunnels, confronting them inside their own burrows. Exterminators gain a +4 Racial Bonus on Knowledge (Nature) and Search checks; a +2 Innate Bonus on Spot, Listen, and Survival checks; Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Iron Will and Tireless (ignoring the Racial prerequisites) as Bonus Feats: a Burrow Speed of 15; and Favored Enemy (Vermin) even if not a Ranger. If they do take Ranger, they gain it as a Bonus Favored Enemy. Exterminators gain Ranger as a Bonus Favored Class

Breeds that are considered Exterminators include Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Miniature Pinscher, and the vast majority of the Terrier group, except for the Yorkshire Terrier and a few other Toys.

Herders:

Herders have a reputation as control freaks. Herders do exactly what their name suggests: Herding. They make a living as shepherds, cattle herders, or general livestock herders. They all possess the remarkable ability to control the movements of other animals, keeping them contained and moving them where they want them to go. The instinct to herd is so strong in these Canin that even those who do not make a living as herders will try to herd just about anything they can. This includes other peoples pets and their own friends. Herders are highly intelligent and have excellent stamina. They gain a +2 Charisma; a +6 Racial Bonus on Handle Animal and Profession (Shepherd), Profession (Cattle Driver), or Profession (Livestock Wrangler) checks; a +4 Racial Bonus on Intimidate checks; Alertness, Animal Affinity, Endurance, Great Fortitude, and Skill Focus (Handle Animal) as Bonus Feats. They add Ranger and Druid as Bonus Favored Classes

Breeds that are considered Herders include the Australian Cattle Dog (AKA Blue Heeler), Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Old English Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Rough Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog, just to name a few.

Hounds:

Hounds are natural hunters specializing in small game. There are two different types of hounds: Scent Hounds and Sighthounds. Scent Hounds have an exceptionally strong sense of smell, even among the Canin, and track their prey by following its scent trail. They could be on this trail for days. Sighthounds have an exceptionally acute sense of sight and are the fastest of the Canin. They have phenomenal stamina and relentlessly chase and run down their quarry. Not all hounds fit into either of these groups. Some use sight and scent equally and thus are not considered either. Hounds gain a +4 Innate Bonus on Spot, Listen, and Survival checks; a +4 Racial Bonus on Knowledge (Nature) and Search checks; Alertness, Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Investigator, Self-Sufficient, and Track as Bonus Feats; Baying: A bay is a loud deep throated noise that is like a cross between a bark and a howl. Hounds, mostly Scent Hounds and uncategorized hounds (Sighthounds don’t use it), will continuously bay while hunting and on a trail. It is a communication method for the hounds’ companions to keep track of where the Canin is, since hounds tend to follow a trail single-mindedly and leave everyone else behind. When a hound bays, his companions (and any other creatures in the area) can make a Listen check at a +15 Circumstance Bonus. If the check succeeds, they know exactly how far ahead the hound is and where he is going, making it easier for them to catch up. Hounds also gain a Favored Enemy of their choice, as long as it is some kind of animal, magical beast, or dragon that they are hunting (example: Rhodesian Ridgebacks get Favored Enemy: Lion), even if they are not a Ranger. If they do take Ranger, they get it as a Bonus Favored Enemy. Hounds add Ranger as a Bonus Favored Class.

 -Scent Hounds: See [Canin Scent Hound Template

• Automatic Languages: Common
• Bonus Languages: Any (except for secret languages, such as Druidic)
• Favored Class: Rogue
• Level Adjustment: +0
• Effective Character Level: 1

Vital Statistics

Table: Canin, Miniature Random Starting Ages

Adulthood	Simple	Moderate	Complex
30 years	+3d6	+5d6	+7d6

Table: Canin, Miniature Aging Effects

Middle Age1	Old2	Venerable3	Maximum Age
115 years	178 years	240 years	+2d% years
At middle age, −1 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha. At old age, −2 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha. At venerable age, −3 to Str, Dex, and Con; +1 to Int, Wis, and Cha.

Table: Canin, Miniature Random Height and Weight

Gender	Base Height	Height Modifier	Base Weight	Weight Modifier
Male	2' 11"	+2d4	40 lb.	× (1d4) lb.
Female	2' 9"	+2d4	35 lb.	× (1d4) lb.

---

Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Races