Hartian Hound (hARsh-eean)
The Hartian hound, also known as the Imperial hound, is an athletic dog breed made famous by the Kingdom of Harte. Ancestors of the hound have existed in the Grasslands for thousands of years, but it was perfected by the Empire only within the past century.
Powerful, resilient, energetic, and fiercely loyal, the Hartian hound is an iconic symbol of the Empire. It appears on their crest, and high-ranking officials are never seen without at least one dog at their side. The howls of the hounds can be heard for miles across the plains. Legend says that cities were so chilled by the sound that they surrendered before the Empire's armies stepped foot within the walls.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Hartian hound is a large dog with a lithe and muscular build. It has large upright ears that give its side profile a wolf-like silhouette. It has a long snout and forward-set eyes.
As a double-coated dog, the Hartian hound has a fluffy undercoat that protects it from the frigid Sanori winters. Its top coat is wirey, thick, and of medium length. It has a ridgeline of longer fur along its spine.
Hartian hounds are naturally born with long, thin tails, but these tails are often docked when they are puppies. The tail is docked to protect the dog from frostbite and attack, as well as to make the dog look more intimidating.
Genetics and Reproduction
Hartian hounds are legally bred exclusively by the Kingdom of Harte. Black market breeders exist, but the quality of their dogs is often suspect.
The population is very carefully monitored and controlled. No puppy is ever unaccounted for, and breeding adults are chosen with extreme scrutiny. When the puppies are weaned, they are handed to professional trainers that drill Hartian priorities into the dogs. Dogs that are not suitable for work in the field are kept as guard dogs for high-ranking military personnel. Dogs that are disabled, deformed, or otherwise unsuitable for work, are euthanized, usually before they are weaned.
Behaviour
Hartian hounds are intelligent, observant, loyal, high-energy, and wary of strangers. They form a strong bond with their master and suffer from extreme anxiety if they are ever separated. Since the dogs are rarely left alone, this is not a frequent issue.
They strictly obey the commands of their master without hesitation. They do not have the patience for underconfidence, and will reject a master that is not firm and assertive. The respect of a Hartian hound must be earned through action.
Hartian hounds work well with other hounds. Hound masters often train youngs dogs alongside more experienced ones so that the puppies can learn from their peers. Introducing new dogs must be done with caution, as they can swiftly turn hostile if they perceive the newcomer as a threat. Careful socialization is trained into war hounds so that they don't turn on their comrades during battle.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
"Long ago, the Hound's fur was pure white. But then the Empire sullied them, twisted them, turned them into ravenous beasts. Now their coats are splattered with the blood of their deeds."
Hartian hounds sprint alongside the horsemen of the Hartian Empire as it charges into new territories. Their terrifying howls make them excellent shock troops, and their powerful bites are capable of crushing bone. Nothing escapes a Hartian hound. Nothing escapes the Hartian empire.
The empire uses the dogs for many purposes. They are escorts to military commanders, battlemates to calvary and infantry, guards, messengers, and trackers. They are also a companion to the soldiers privileged enough to own one. No one would be caught dead cuddling their hound in public, but back at home, even killer war dogs will show their belly for a fragrant piece of jerky.
"Long ago, the Hound's fur was pure white. But then the Empire sullied them, twisted them, turned them into ravenous beasts. Now their coats are splattered with the blood of their deeds." That entire quote is the sheer dominant apex of this article for just....imagery and story telling. The implications of it, literal or metaphorical are just.....amazing. That little bit of dialogue, that little line, gives this piece so much more life. A well chosen quote for a well written article.
Gahh such high praise! Thank you so much!! <3 <3