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

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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.

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 
• Too Trusting (Ex): -2 on saving throws against charm/compulsion: Canin are naturally friendly and like to give people the benefit of the doubt. This makes them more susceptible to charm and compulsion effects 
• 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. 
• Breeds (Ex): This feature is completely optional. Ignore or use it as you desire. Canin are an extremely diverse race. In addition to the basic race, there are also several different breeds. 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. Basenjis gain a +6 Racial Bonus to Climb and Escape Artist checks and Alertness, Athletic and Iron Will as Bonus Feats

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. They gain Alertness, Endurance, and Iron Will as bonus feats. Their Favored Class changes to Ranger,

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. They gain a +4 Racial Bonus to Diplomacy, and Dodge, Negotiator, Puppy Dog Eyes, and Skill Focus (Diplomacy) as Bonus Feats. Bichons are nearly always Good. Neutral Bichons are rare and Evil Bichons are nearly unheard of, although on extremely rare occasions one may turn evil if they have suffered a decade or more of constant abuse. While not required, Good Bichons are very likely to take Sacred Vow and Vow of Nonviolence (with a few even going so far as to take Vow of Peace). Their Favored Classes changes to Bard, Cleric, Favored Soul, Jester (Dragon Compendium page 36), or Paladin (player’s choice)

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. They gain a +4 Racial Bonus on Perform checks. Their Favored Class changes to Jester (Dragon Compendium page 36),

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. Cavaliers gain an additional +4 Charisma, a +2 Racial Bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Hide checks, and Negotiator and Puppy Dog Eyes as a Bonus Feat,

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. Cocker Spaniels gain a +4 Racial Bonus to Diplomacy checks, Skill Focus (Diplomacy) as a Bonus Feat, and Favored Enemy (Birds) even if not a Ranger. If they are a Ranger, they gain it as a Bonus Favored Enemy. They add Ranger as a Bonus Favored Class

Coton de Tulear: Coton de Tulears are playful, affectionate, intelligent, and sociable. They are generally quiet, not saying much in social settings unless spoken to, but can get very vocal when having fun. They are very friendly, love meeting new people, and are very curious in new situations. Everyone is a friend to them. They get very attached to their humanoid companions and will follow them everywhere they go. Even if the Coton is taking a nap, they will wake up to follow their friends if they try to leave the room. They love to run and swim. They love to travel and have a history as sailors. Coton de Tulears gain a +2 Innate Bonus to Spot and Listen checks, a +2 Racial Bonus on Diplomacy, Sense Motive and Swim checks, Profession (Sailor) as a Class Skill, and Alertness, Negotiator, and Run as Bonus Feats

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, granting them a +2 Bonus to Will saves against Fear Effects. 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. Dachshunds gain Favored Enemy (Badgers), even if not a Ranger. If they are a Ranger, then they gain it as a bonus Favored Enemy. They are also excellent diggers, gaining a Burrow Speed of 20 and they may “burrow” into the sheets of a large bed.,

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. Lhasa Apsos gain a +4 Innate Bonus on Listen, Sense Motive, and Spot checks; a +2 Racial Bonus on Climb and Intimidate checks; Alertness, Athletic, Cold Endurance, and Iron Will as Bonus Feats; Acclimated (see Goliath description in Races of Stone page 56) as Racial Feature; lose the Too Trusting feature, gaining a +2 Bonus on Saving Throws against Charm/Compulsion; and a +1 Level Adjustment. Their Favored Class changes to Fighter and Monk.

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. Miniature Schnauzers gain a +2 Racial Bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Perform, and Sense Motive checks and Negotiator and Skill Focus (Perform) as Bonus Feats. They gain Bard as a Bonus Favored Class

Norwegian Lundehund: Norwegian Lundehunds are cheerful, inquisitive, mischievous, agile, and acrobatic. Living in northern areas, they are expert puffin hunters and easily scale the cliffs and squirm through narrow crevices to get to their prey. They have six toes on each foot, with two pronounced dewclaws, and are double or even triple jointed, allowing for such difficult climbs. They gain a +4 Racial Bonus to Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Jump, Knowledge (Nature), and Use Rope checks; a +2 Innate Bonus to Survival checks; Acrobatic, Agile, Athletic, Endurance, Cold Endurance, Self-Sufficient, and Skill Focus (Climb) as Bonus Feats; Slight Build, Acclimated and Mountain Movement (see Goliath description in Races of Stone page 56) as Racial Features, and Favored Enemy (Puffins) even if they are not a Ranger. If they are a Ranger, they gain it as a Bonus Favored Enemy. They add Ranger and Druid as Bonus Favored Classes. Norwegian Lundhunds gain a +1 Level Adjustment

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. They gain a +6 Racial Bonus on Climb and Jump checks; a +2 Racial Bonus on Handle Animal checks; Acrobatic, Athletic, Agile Athlete, and Leap of the Heavens as Bonus Feats; Mountain Movement (see Goliath description in Races of Stone page 56) as a Racial Feature; and a +1 Level Adjustment. They add Warblade as a Bonus Favored Class

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. Pembroke Welsh Corgis gain a +4 Racial Bonus on Perform (Dance) checks; a +2 Racial Bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Handle Animal, and Sense Motive checks; and Endurance and Puppy Dog Eyes as Bonus Feats,

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. They gain a +4 Racial Bonus on all Knowledge checks and Jack of All Trades and Able Learner (eliminating the Racial Requirement) as Bonus Feats. They add Wizard or Archivist (player’s choice) as a Bonus Favored Class

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. Scotties gain a +4 Racial Bonus on Bluff, Intimidate, and Sense Motive checks; Alertness, Endurance, Diehard, and Iron Will as Bonus Feats; Lose the too Too Trusting Feature and gain a +2 on Saving Throws against Charm/Compulsion; gain the Racial Feature Startling Shout, in which they shout at and threaten an opponent, who, startled by the powerful voice coming from such a small creature, must make a Will Save (DC 10+1/2 your character level+Cha Modifier) or be Shaken for a number of rounds equal to their HD+Cha Modifier; gain a Burrow Speed of 10; gain Favored Enemy (Badgers) and Favored Enemy (Vermin) even if not a Ranger. If they are a Ranger, they gain them as Bonus Favored Enemies: and gain a +1 Level Adjustment. They add Barbarian and Ranger as Bonus Favored Classes

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. Shetland Sheepdogs gain Profession (Shepherd) as a Class Skill; a +4 Racial Bonus on Profession (Shepherd) and Handle Animal checks; a +2 Racial Bonus on Diplomacy, Knowledge (Nature), Perform (Herding), and Sense Motive checks and Alertness, Animal Affinity, and Skill Focus: Profession (Shepherd) as Bonus Feats. Their Favored Class changes to Druid or Ranger.

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”. Shiba Inus gain a +4 Racial Bonus to Balance, Climb, and Jump checks; a +2 Racial Bonus to Escape Artist, Intimidate, Knowledge (Nature), and Move Silently checks; Acrobatic, Agile, Alertness, Athletic, and Skill Focus (Climb) as Bonus Feats; +10 Base Speed; Acclimated and Mountain Movement (see Goliath description in Races of Stone page 56) as Racial Features; and the Shiba Scream as a Spell-like Ability usable 3/day: The Shiba Scream acts as a Sonic Blast spell (Spell Compendium page 195), with the Shiba Inu having an effective caster level equal to his class level. At level 8, the Shiba can choose to treat his Shiba Scream as a Shout spell instead of Sonic Blast and at level 16 they can choose to treat it as a Greater Shout instead. The decision as to which one is made at the beginning of each day and cannot for 24 hours. Shiba Inus gain a +2 Level Adjustment. They add Ninja as a Bonus Favored Class

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. Westies gain a +2 Racial Bonus to Knowledge (Nature) and Search checks; Investigator as a Bonus Feat; a Burrow Speed of 10; and Favored Enemy (Vermin) even if not a Ranger. If they are a Ranger, they gain it as a Bonus Favored Enemy.

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, granting them a +1 Level Adjustment

• 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.

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