Weredog

**Weredogs**, also known as **cynanthropes**, are a lesser-known type of therianthrope. They are often confused with werewolves by the common folk. As their name suggests, weredogs take on the form of dogs or dog-like creatures, ranging from small and scrappy to massive and imposing, depending on the type of weredog by which they were infected.

In cynanthropes of the second generation onwards, this is manifested by transforming into the same type as their ancestor. The only exception is when both parents are weredogs of different types. In this case, the traits of both parents mix, creating a new type of cynanthrope.

## Abilities

Weredogs, like other theriantropes possess enhanced senses, speed, agility, and strength in their half - animal or full animal form, They also have the ability to communicate telepathically with other canines and possess a natural affinity for them.

Like other with similar conditions, their transformation is usually triggered by the full moon, but if they are second-generation weredogs or beyond, they can also change at will.

## Vulnerabilities

Weredogs are vulnerable to silver, just like werewolves and other theriantropes. But unlike, werepigs for example, they are vulnerable to standard anti-lycanthrope measures, such as wolfsbane. In addition, their animal instincts and heightened senses can sometimes cause them to be overwhelmed by stimuli, leading to sensory overload or distraction. They may also struggle with controlling their animal impulses and may act aggressively towards perceived threats or targets.

## Behavior

Weredogs, unlike werewolves who are more solitary, are known for their loyalty and pack mentality. They tend to form close bonds with other weredogs and can be fiercely protective of their pack members, often showing great courage and selflessness in defense of their kin.

However, weredogs may also have a tendency towards dominance struggles within their pack, which can sometimes lead to conflicts. This is especially true when two or more weredogs of the same sex and similar age are part of the same pack. Such struggles can be intense and even violent, as each member vies for dominance and the right to lead the pack.

Because of this, most cases of second-generation onwards of weredogs who have encountered witchers are usually expelled members of their packs.

## Transmission of the Disease

The exact method of transmission of the weredog condition is similar to other forms of therianthropy. In most cases, a person becomes infected after being bitten or scratched by a weredog in its half-animal or full-animal form. The saliva and blood of a weredog can carry the disease and can cause the victim to develop the condition over time. The condition can also be passed down from parent to child. What is not known with certainty is how the condition is transmitted as a "curse". It is speculated that it is not a "curse" as such, but rather if a dog dies in a Place of Power and its owner comes to mourn it and learn about it nearby, the magic in the environment can cause them to acquire the condition of a weredog, adopting the canine aspect of their deceased dog when transformed into a full animal. However, this is only a legend, and nothing has been proven.

## Famous Weredogs

* Arthur
* Balto
* Becerillo
* Kratu
* Koper Grimm
* Malchik
* Lennu
* Rags
* Zorba

## Trivia

* The names of famous weredogs are a direct reference to famous historical dogs.