Space Dog (Pikmin)


 * Not to be confused with Urfo's species, nicknamed "Space Pup".

The Space Dog is a species of domesticated Bulborb-like creature that can be found on numerous planets throughout the galaxy. They are a well-known pet to numerous races across the galaxy, including Hocotatian s, Koppaite s, and Giyans.

Biology
Space Dogs in a general sense are small-to-medium sized animals, just barely taller than an average Giyan when fully grown (for most breeds). Numerous types of Space dog breeds had been known throughout the galaxy, some only found on specific planets while others are known throughout numerous planetary bodies in some form or another. Generally, though, the anatomy mainly consists of a rotund torso with two stubby legs like that of Bulborbs or Breadbug s. The tail of a Space Dog is generally short, ending in more prominent fur. These tails though are generally considered a weak point for the species, being highly sensitive to the environment around it.

Coloration of the fur varies between breeds, but many of them are usually spotted with softened fur, though other forms of fur are well known throughout the species. Many known breeds also have drooped ears, forward-facing eyes, and a stout muzzle at the front with a rotund face and prominent jaw muscles, able to move objects several times their own weight with ease.

Behavior
Although not sapient as other known space-faring civilizations, Space dogs had been shown a higher level of intelligence compared to other non-sapient life forms: able to follow complex commands and instructions, including being able to properly command a group of Pikmin in a manner similar to rescue corps members. The breed is even smart enough to mimic sounds they hear: notably the whistle sound to command Pikmin much like that of Hocotatian/Koppaite whistles.

Rescue Pup
Rescue Pups, as their name implies, are a breed of Space Dogs used specifically for rescue operations. Similar to Earth's Saint Bernard which they bare an uncanny resemblance to.

Leafling Pup
Named after the native humanoid/Pikmin hybrids, Leafling Pups is a breed of Space Dog native to PNF-404. Physically, they resemble a standard form of Space Dog, but one key difference is the presence of a leaf on the end of their tails instead of the fluffed fur of usual Space Dog breeds. This adaptation is the result of exposure to the oxygen levels of PNF-404 and has a similar effect on the breed's body to that of the leaves of Pikmin. Studies have even found the DNA of a Leafling pup has traces of Pikmin-like plant matter within them.

Other known Dog Breeds that are exposed for an extended period of time on PNF-404 also become effected by the oxygen levels, their tails turning into leaves over time. However, in contrast to true Leafling Pups, these Space Dogs are able to be cured of this ailment through medical means of unaffected space dog DNA mixed with native berry juice and nectar. This has no effect on Leafling Pups however, given their native nature to the planet in question.

Hocotatian Space Dog
Hocotatian Space Dogs are a lesser-known breed of Space Dog named after the planet of Hocotate. These Space Dog breeds are a bit more notable for their eyes, which end in small stalks rather than on the front of the face. It was this breed of Space Dog (specifically one named Bulbie) that inspired the name behind the Grub-Dog species known as Bulborbs.

Sirehound
Sirehounds are considered a very ancient species of Space Dog. Studies of the Sirehounds brought to conclusion for most scientists and biologists that most modern Space Dog breeds could trace their evolutionary tree back to this one, making it possibly the ancestor to numerous other known breeds from other planets (similarly to Earth wolves being bred into modern dog breeds).

Sirehounds are much larger than other Space Dogs, rivaling the size of an Emperor Bulblax. These breeds are much more feral, with shaggy fur covering much of their bodies with the exception of their underbellies. Unlike other known breeds, the tail isn't as sensitive to the environment, but encounters with it still shown a high amount of irritation when physical contact is made with it. This is a possible explanation to the breed's main habit of keeping its tail up as it moves around.