Carbunclo | WBtV

Carbunclo

A very rare breed of Indian dog. They were first recorded in the mining regions of Chile in the sixteenth century. The breed has many different characteristics, but they all have ruby red eyes. What makes them special is their ability to smell precious metals and gems. In the past, they were used by miners to locate more veins in the mountains and mines. Today, modern technology far surpasses their range and penetration, and the dogs are no longer used in this capacity. However, many miner families in South America still own these dogs for traditional reasons. The dogs are now kept as pets by both supernaturals and humans around the world. The myths surrounding them tell of the idea that these dogs bring good luck to owners who treat them well. Whether this is true or just an invention of a good humane society is unknown.

Breeders

There are only a handful of breeders in the world who breed this breed. They are fairly high maintenance and do not breed easily. When bred with other breeds, they often lose their psychic abilities and their distinctive ruby red eyes. These eyes, which bioluminesce in the dark, are what make these dogs so valuable.

Maintenance

Like all dogs, they need a meat-based diet, regular attention and walks. They enjoy playing with their owners and other dogs. What makes them different from other dogs is that they will chase people wearing jewelry made of precious metals and gems. They love the scent of these things. It is advisable to have a few high quality pieces of jewelry for them to play with.

Jewelry Thiefs

A group of jewellery thieves have become famous for using these dogs to steal high-value jewellery pieces.   It is likely that this has happened a lot more and these kinds of dogs are usually forbidden from entering jewellery stores.
Type
Breed
Species
Dog (Supernatural Ancestry)
Eye Color
Ruby Red, Bioluminescent
Geographic Distribution
Global (Domesticated Only)
Alternative Names
Gemstone Dog, Gold-sniffer


Cover image: Book of Magic by TJ Trewin

Comments

Author's Notes

Loosely inspired by the Carbunclo. A legendary creature sometimes depicted as a dog, cat or baviva in Chilean myths.


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Dec 26, 2020 13:51 by Ononomad

There is so much scope for family pet as puppy getting into all sorts of strife here. Very cool :-)

Dec 26, 2020 15:38

Thanks! I have some thievery related plans for them :)

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Dec 26, 2020 15:10 by Angantyr

You got me there! The ability to smell gemstomes is super intriguing. Are they given special crystals/gems they can rub into, like cats with special African wood sticks?   Do they like the addition of golden leaves into their food or similar?

Playing around with words and worlds
Dec 26, 2020 15:40

They definitely want to play with your jewellery. So giving them something they can't break easily is not a bad idea. Although they do take stuff into their mouths they wouldn't be able to digest gold properly

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Dec 27, 2020 11:27 by TC

Oooh they sound adorable, I would be very down to have one :'0! I love the added detail of them being used by jewel thieves.   Quick feedback, you use the word ability a lot in the second paragraph ^^, great article!

Creator of Arda Almayed
Dec 27, 2020 15:46

Thanks! Reworked the paragraph a little. I have plans to integrate with another prompt article ;)

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Dec 27, 2020 18:58 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Awww, I want one! They sound really cute and useful. I love the potential for stories here with the thievery and such too.

Emy x   Etrea | Vazdimet
Dec 27, 2020 20:21

Thank you, Emy! I am very excited about the possibilities as well!

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Dec 31, 2020 22:05 by Michael Chandra

So adorable! <3


Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young
Mar 30, 2022 12:22 by Bob O'Brien

Hrmm... giving me ideas for new critters in my own world! I could see something similar being bred by the Dwarves to aid in their mining operations! Not a dog, but something... we'll see!

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Mar 30, 2022 14:23

Definitely something I could see dwarves doing! :)

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