Ghyllbannock Geur

The Ghyllbannock Geur is a small draft breed of Dwarvish Geur from the Ghyllbannock Range. They are prized for their calm, even temperament and great resilience under tough working conditions. They are too small to be ridden except by young or exceptionally short Dwarves, but they are very strong for their size and are used primarily to pull mine carts or as pack animals within small, tight mineshafts where larger breeds would struggle to maneuver effectively.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fairly small for a Geur, with short legs, a moderately long, thick barrel, and a refined head with small teeth and large eyes.

Growth Rate & Stages

The growth rate of the Ghyllbannock Geur is slightly below average for the species, taking about four years to reach full strength and maturity, though they are capable of light work and usually start training at around 2 1/2-3 years old.

Ecology and Habitats

Better adapted to spending extended periods in small, dark mines than most breeds. Its large eyes are sensitive to bright light and they can become irritable if they spend too much time in the sun. If travel above ground is necessary, it is better to travel either on a heavily overcast day, or preferably at night.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Needs less food than most other Geur breeds and easily becomes fat if allowed free access to food. Does best on a largely meat-based diet, will readily eat oat or corn mash, but this is likely to put weight on them and their health will suffer without sufficient protein. Most individuals will happily eat fish if no other meat is available.

Additional Information

Domestication

While being small for a domestic Geur, the Ghyllbannock is still much larger than its wild ancestors. They are much calmer and easier to train and have lost most of their natural hunting instincts.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Less able to see color than most other breeds of Geur, but the Ghyllbannock's large eyes excel at seeing clearly in dark mines. Their long whiskers are used to feel the sides of tunnels and other obstacles. Their sense of smell is about average for the species, as is their hearing (which is still very good, just not better than other breeds.)

Scientific Name

Domestic Geur

Origin/Ancestry

Ghyllbannock Range

Conservation Status

Breed of domestic Geur originating in the Ghyllbannock Range. No feral population, occasionally escaped animals are encountered. Domestic population is relatively small but stable.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Most often black or dark grey with little to no brown and limited white or light grey below.