Diamond Dog

MIGHT: 2/5

RARITY: 3/5

By Quick Fix

The Diamond Dog is a particularly unique breed of canine that is capable of speech, can walk on its hind-legs and is one of the few species of Equestria which voluntarily clothes itself.  

Living underground, Diamond Dogs truly live up their name - constantly on the search for precious jewels and other shiny objects. Much like the Dragon, Diamond Dogs are incredibly greedy and selfish creatures, although they lack the raw cunning of their lizard rivals the two species enjoy a bitter rivalry. It is unknown what exactly the dogs do with the jewels they find as they are certainly not a source of nourishment - but most of this canines have been seen wearing the jewels as accessories, either around the neck or as crude necklaces and medallions.

Diamond Dogs possess a pack mentality, with each group usually numbering between twenty to thirty - led by (but not always) a single alpha pack leader. The Alpha is chosen in a large group battle royale, the rules may differ between packs but the result is always the same, two Diamond Dogs will be left in a circle and then the winner between the two is the Alpha and the loser is usually put in charge of mining or some other monotonous task. They are not adverse to using physical violence to get their point across, and some Dogs wear impressive (If basic) sets of armor to protect them from attackers and effectively defend the treasure hordes they acquire. but are more than capable to go into action and cause major injury. They often rely on a group mentality, requiring an Alpha and a subsequent Beta to take control of the dogs in the situation that actions or decisions need to be made.

Diamond Dogs are known to be bullies and somewhat crude in their mannerisms, but there have been a few packs that have been reported as helpful to the pony community at large, some canines have actually lent their impressive construction abilities to building dams, defense towers and homes for ponies - but only in exchange for jewels. No Diamond Dog has successfully been convinced to do something without profit.

It is a common misconception that the ability of Diamond Dog's senses to find minerals as they dig is considered to be connected to magic. It is not. The canines have been found to have no obvious magical abilities, and rely on outside sources or large scale mining operations to locate their bounty.

There is some evidence to suggest that Diamond Dogs are a distant relation to Timberwolves. So far there has been key connections in how both animals function and their pack mentality. Although Timberwolves are considered far more unique in terms of bodily functions and behavior - Not to mention they are made of wood.  

You will not find these Dogs above ground very frequently, as they prefer the comforting darkness of their familiar cave territory to wide open spaces where they can easily be ambushed. However, many pony miners (usually the unicorn breed) have experienced at least one run in with Diamond Dogs during their careers - the results are usually unpleasant for both factions as they fight viciously over the precious stones. The most effective defense against a Diamond dog is not any kind of physical attack, but a show of superior intelligence or cunning can usually trick them quite effectively. Of course, a less intelligent pony is recommended to flee rather than take part in a verbal duel.

The armored Diamond Dog guard with a crude self-made spear.

Three dogs fighting over a gem.

NEXT TIME: Earth Pony