Gazehounds
The Gazehound is a large species of wolf native to Romaya. They live in heavily forested areas and for the most part, are relatively docile unless threatened. When colonization of the continent began, it wasn't long until settlers realized the working potential the wolves brought. With so much of the land being unknown to them, there was no telling what might spring up on them and so, they tamed a small group of Gazehounds to serve as attack dogs.
Gazehounds have amazing perception, though all of their senses are heightened to some degree compared to a common gray wolf. Their strong senses make them perfect for defending livestock and caravans. In recent times, they've become a highly sought after companion for Romayan big game hunters. Due to the sheer size of a gazehound, they can be used as a pack animal, though it's not advised. They don't enjoy being restrained in harnesses or things like that and proceeding to do so despite their discomfort will leave someone with a very ornery hound.
Due to their massive population and popularity as working canines, Gazehound pups are a common export from Romaya.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Gazehounds are about the size of a common horse and slightly more muscular than their early wolf ancestors. They're a digitigrade mammal that can easily outrun its prey due to its massive strides. Their eyes are surprisingly bright in color, ranging from green to gold and occasionally deep blue. Their fur matches their native forests so common colors are warm grays, rich browns, creams, and deep reds. The rarest Gazehound one can find is solid black with piercing, copper eyes.
Genetics and Reproduction
Gazehounds tend to breed more in warmer months due to ample food resources. Romayan winters are tough, so most pups that are unfortunate enough to be born during that season won't survive. The gestation period is two to three months. Gazehounds are too large for a traditional den, so they tend to seek out shelter inside of caverns.
Growth Rate & Stages
They reach adulthood after eight months. From infancy to six months, they physically grow rather slowly. Pups are much smaller than their parents, making them easy prey for poachers and other wildlife. From six to eight months, pups will hit a growth spurt and by nine months, they'll look indistinguishable from the adults in their packs. Pups join the pack on hunts by seven months and they learn their natural skills quickly.
Ecology and Habitats
Forests are the native environment of gazehounds. While they fair fine in smaller towns and villages, they're not cut out for a life within cities or on ships. They can navigate forested lands easily and are unhindered by undergrowth. They shelter themselves from the elements by living within caverns, but for the most part, gazehounds roam freely without any established territory.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They're carnivorous and need a lot of calories in order to maintain their active lives. Gazehounds prefer fresh meat from recent kills, but when food sources are scarce, they've been known to feed on carrion. Tamed gazehounds are fed a diet of meat from hoofed mammals such as elk and bison. Poultry is used during the training process and as such, has become a favorite treat for the hounds.
Biological Cycle
Gazehounds can live upwards of thirty years, though most of them expire before twenty-five due to starvation or situations that are out of their control, such as facing off with poachers or fur trappers. They age very gracefully, able to continue living active lives well into their senior years. They start to slow down within the last few years of their life. Their fur will be thin and patchy, and most will develop arthritis. During the colder months, a gazehound's fur will thicken for added protection and turn stark white to blend in with the snow.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Gazehounds tend to be more intelligent than most animals. They're able to understand commands without issues and it's very easy to teach them tricks or skills needed for working dogs.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their senses are heightened to a higher standard than their common wolf ancestors. Perception is a skill they excel at and it's said that nothing gets by a gazehound without them noticing. They're extremely vigilant, always aware of their surroundings and any possible threats.
Scientific Name
Canis Lupus
Conservation Status
Least concern. They have a sizable population that's been maintained for decades.
Geographic Distribution
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