Puppers Canis familiaris

APPEARANCE

Puppers have a large size range, running from that of Earth chihuahuas to Earth Great Danes.  They come in a number of different appearances, some of which seem to be influenced by seasons or even by strange magics, as well as natural varieties inherited from their Earth ancestors.  To see the currently available different types of Pupper, please visit the Encyclopedia.

HABITAT

Puppers are not native to Aerius.  They are descended from dogs who humans brought to Aerius as their pets, and the dogs bred as pets for Dextroluma during that time.  The dogs on Aerius changed over generations, becoming distinct, and Dextroluma chose the term ‘puppers’ as the name to distinguish them from their ancestors and Earthly cousins.  Most puppers live alongside their owners as pets or service animals, though there are a few feral packs scattered across the planet.  Wildlife rescuers do their best to trap and rehabilitate these puppers in order to mitigate negative effects on the environment.

BEHAVIORS

Puppers generally take quite after Earth dogs.  Their vocalizations are quite similar, as are their mannerisms.  One area where they differ is that most Puppers have been bred to be more nocturnal than their ancestors and to be able to see at night.  (In general, there are usually diurnal and nocturnal lines within each variety of Pupper, with the exception of ones bred in Solaris and Lunaris, for obvious reasons).

DIET

Puppers typically eat a diet comprised mostly of meat and kibbles that are fortified with necessary nutrients that they find difficult to get on Aerius.  They also typically eat Aerius mushrooms, which are believed to have helped them to so rapidly diverge from their ancestors.

ROLES

Puppers have no natural role in the environment in Aerius.  They are generally pets to the species who live on Aerius.  Due to their (generally) high intelligence and the way they attune to the desires of their owners, they are often trained as service animals or to do tricks and pet sports.

REPRODUCTION

As Puppers descend from Earth dogs, their reproduction is the same.

LIFESPAN

Due to the effects of magic, Puppers owned by another species will live for as long as their owner does. A feral Pupper has a similar average lifespan to an Earth dog.

CORRUPTION

As Puppers are not native to Aerius, they are unable to contract necrosis.  This has made them an especially popular pet in the Blighted Wilds, as pet owners do not have to feel like they are endangering a pet by having them there with them.