Tiorathan Broad Terrier

Alternate Names

Isle-Terrier, Bullhound

Summary

The Tiorathan Broad Terrier, also referred to by the names Isle-Terrier and Bullhound is a breed of dog bred to fight at the side of Tiorathan soldiers invading the mainland. When pondering the dogs of Tiorath the Broad Terrier is likely the first to come to mind, and their appearance is often considered an indicator of Tiorathan military presence.

Description

Isle-Terriers are a muscular and broad shouldered breed with moderately long legs and a wide head with an extended snout. They are moderately long for a dog of their height (53-61cm), and are considered more sleek than their ancestors the stockhound. Their fur is quite short, revealing the animal's full shape. The dog's brow is bony and mildly bulbous, making their face quite distinct. Their eyes are distinctly forward facing. The hound's stern eyes, short ears that typically rest flat on the top of their head and vigilant resting pose make them appear far more intimidating than the average dog.
However despite their roles as fighting dogs and mean appearance they are quite friendly, and have found their way into the homes of the rich and powerful as pets. They are loyal by nature if properly trained and will protect their master and family at all costs, making them ideal guard dogs for households. Despite their friendly nature they are no pushovers, and if angered or threatened they are vicious and cunning foes.

Uses and Relevance

Tiorathan broad terriers are ideal hunting companions due to their quiet and thoughtful demeanor. As such they are used for this purpose across the west, as are their localized descendants, and the dogs can even be found as far from Tiorath as Tierdun. The original purpose of the dog was not, however, for hunting (although they are bred from hunting stock). The hound was bred for war, and served many roles on the first age fronts. They were ideal as guard dogs, scouting companions and war-hounds serving alongside infantry in large-scale battles.

History

The broad Terrier's ancestor, the Stockhound, was first bred in the pre-ages, during the phase of Tiorathan history recorded as the war of the old kingdoms. They were on occasion used for battle, however they were typically hunting companions and guard dogs. However not long prior to the birth of Thennon many of these dogs had been bred by numerous keepers for extra strength and speed, creating numerous varieties of 'mongrel' stockhounds that would be sampled and selectively bred on Nor'Renic not long after the Tiorathan unification to create a war-hound to serve across the varied fronts of Tor'Saarn. Although this gave rise to an entire family of such dogs the most notable example was the Broad Terrier, that would go on to serve on almost every Tiorathan front.

Size

53-61cm tall

Animal Family

Mammal (Canine)

Diet

Carnivore

Preferred Biomes

Varied, prefers to stay away from the cold but can tolerate it

Regions of Habitation

Native: Bred in Captivity on the Tiorathan isle of Nor'Renic
Introduced: Wild populations may sprout up on occasion wherever they are domesticated
Domesticated: Tiorath, Hyeros, Seofare, Oron'Hye, Nor'Jangred, Tierdun