Farmstead

Dating back to the late 1800s, the Farmstead faction is the oldest in Canidale. Like most of the world, farming has been something that has carved the lands brought to new lands by colonizers. Many of the dogs brought to the new lands were foreign and unseen breeds, but they are now some of the most popular dogs for working. Hounds and collies are those with the most footing in Farmstead, with the history behind their breeds, like the Coonhounds and Rough Collies.

The first known Farmstead faction leader was a Rough Collie named Shep. Despite the name, Shep was female, but she didn’t allow this to let anyone doubt her worth. After a bad storm ruined most of the harvest, setting ablaze two barns from lightning strikes, Shep was one of the only dogs who rushed to try and save the remaining harvest.

Shep is also known for surviving a strike by lightning. With corn in her maw, Shep ran back towards her owners when she was struck by lightning, halting her in her tracks and sending her to the earthy floor. The other dogs thought it had to have killed her, with moments passing, shock rushing through them before the rough-furred dog rose to her paws. She shook out her pelt and picked up the heads of corn as though nothing had happened. Many stories of Shep are passed on. One of her, with the aid of bigger dogs like Wolfhounds and Kangals, fought off the wolves that went for the grazing cattle. Soon, most farmers and ranchers had guns in hand to aid them, but until those days came, dogs were their best protection. Her young were the first dogs in Canidale to be born among the sheep, and to be raised within the flock, gaining the rank of Shepherd after their mother, to protect the flock.

To this day, Shepherd is still one of the most respected jobs in Farmstead.

All dogs may have any job that suits them. Remember that these dogs are there for the reason that the farmer specifically has them; therefore, all dogs should have a place ready for them without needing to find it on their own. 

While Farmstead dogs are still technically pets as they live among humans, these dogs more often live their lives completely outdoors and have a strong bond with the land and animals that they are tasked with caring for. Their relationship with humans is more based on working together than it is about being a part of the home and family. 

All of these jobs are equally important and integral to a running farm

Shepherd

Shepherds are dogs tasked with keeping sheep and goats safe while they graze. They help move the flock to other pastures, keep them together, and ensure their safety by keeping any predators out by any means necessary.

• How does your dog get along with the flock? Showcase your character's relationship with the animals they care for – will it showcase moments of empathy and understanding? Or is the nature of their relationship something different?

• A challenging situation arises! Your shepherd dog must protect their flock from a sudden and unexpected danger. How do they handle it?

• Out there in the grasslands, your character spots a lone sheep. It’s not from their flock, but they recognize it as one of the neighbors’. Will your character attempt to herd them back safely? Or are they too busy looking after their own sheep to worry over somebody else’s?

Herder

Herders are similar to Shepherds but are tasked with the care and safety of cattle, horses, oxen, and other large livestock. They can be found guiding herds across fields, keeping them in line, breaking up conflicts within the herds, or helping move livestock from one pasture to another.

• Herders must interact with all sorts of animals around the farm. What are their most interesting interactions with the different animals they care for? 

• Has your character ever had to reconcile a conflict between different species of livestock under their care? How do they do it?

• A colt has escaped the pen. Herding horses is quite different from herding cattle. What challenges arise from trying to steer the unruly young horse back home?

Plot Guardian

These dogs are specialized to protect the farmer’s lands as well as the smaller livestock like chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks, quails, and rabbits, etc. They also take care of the young animals that have been separated from their mothers. 

• Protect the farm from lurking dangers. What would your character do if a wild predator ever tried to sneak into your farm in search of something to eat?

• Part of a plot guardian’s job is to take care of young animals that have been separated from their mothers. How does your character fare with having to nurture them? Are they any good at being tender?

• Your character's family invites a guest in who smells suspicious, yet they are putting on a friendly act. How does your character decide between trusting their instincts versus their family's reassurance that they are harmless?

Ratter

These dogs are usually smaller terrier types and are tasked with keeping the farmlands free of any rodents and vermin that may threaten the crops. It is not a job for those with a soft heart towards these critters.

• A particularly experienced vermin throws your dog into a relentless pursuit! Your character’s skills are put to the test – will they manage to snatch the victory? Or does the rodent live to see another day?

• Persistent rodents are destroying the farm's crops and making a mess. Your dog can’t seem to catch them in the act, though! Will they stake out at night to catch those vermin?

• Some of the barn cats keep competing with your character for killing the rats. It is putting them out of business! How infuriating. How can they compromise despite the clear language barrier between them?

Hunter

These dogs work closely alongside their humans to aid them in hunting various wild prey. They can either flush prey out of hiding or go to retrieve fallen birds. The Hunters have some of the closest relationships with their humans out of all of the farmstead jobs. 

• What were some of the challenges and rewards of your hunter dog’s latest hunt? Was it successful? Or did they return home empty-handed?

• Showcase some of the training and challenges your character has had to go through to accompany their human out into the field. 

• Your character’s human companion shoots a duck out of the sky. Your character runs ahead to retrieve their human’s rightful prize, but as they arrive at the scene, it turns out a coyote has arrived at the same time. What does your character do? Will they stand their ground, or will they let the wild one take it?

Ranger

Rangers are dogs tasked with protecting and preserving areas like parks, forests, and wildlife. They can be seen patrolling the forest or park, chasing away threats to visitors in 'safe' areas, touring people around the woods, park, and farmlands, helping animals and people that got lost, or even providing first aid to animals that got injured.

• • Your dog notices a fawn separated from its mother, crying and weakened. Will they keep it safe while searching for assistance?

• How would your character handle a poacher breaking into the woods? It is a dangerous mission. Perhaps get the authorities involved, such as alerting the local law enforcement.

• Cleaning up the trash around the campsites and parks is no easy task. Does your dog take pride in making the environment a spotless place? How would they deal with the frustration that comes with returning to a cleaned area and seeing it has been trashed again?

Biosecurity

Biosecurity dogs on farms are trained to specifically be able to sniff out pests, invasive species, and disease on farms to assist farmers in agricultural settings. These dogs are the nose and early alert system of the farms. Should a problematic disease arise in crops or animals, or pests take hold, these dogs are the first to know and let others know. 

• The smell of a rather nasty disease lingers in the crops, but it seems your dog's owner has not realized it. How does your dog alert them?

• A terrible infection has spread to your farm's livestock. However, there are a lot of animals living on the farm. Would your dog be able to sniff out all of the infected animals within the flock?

• Your dog discovers a hoard of rats that have been spreading disease to the chickens. This is not the job your dog signed up for. It is time to delegate the assistance of a Ratter!

Carter

Carters have been specially assisting their owners. Instead of horses or cows, these dogs have been trained to pull heavy to medium-sized carts with goods to the cities, saving on gas money. This could be done simply for the fun of it, showing off the historical ways dogs have been trained to do this, or to have a little fun at carting competitions.

• A steep hill lies ahead as your dog is pulling a loaded cart full of heavy produce. Does your dog persist through the difficulties, or is it too much?

• What does your dog do when confronted by a thief trying to steal the animal products from their cart? Can they defend themselves without destroying the cargo?

• Does your character like to make deliveries via carting? If so, who do they deliver to, and what sort of products do they deliver? How would others rate them on delivery services?

Retired

Retired dogs are either elderly or those who cannot work anymore. Perhaps they got hurt during work, or life didn’t go as desired. They are taken aside to enjoy their older years or rest until they are capable of entering work life once more. Some might not return and enjoy the extended vacation, similar to Companions in the Pets faction.

• Is your character enjoying their calmer days, or do they feel like they’re missing out? Perhaps someone else comes in to take their place. How do they feel?

• Are they a senior? Consider becoming a mentor to a younger, less experienced dog who strives to become great!

• Has retirement come due to an injury? Maybe they could advise other Farmstead dogs on how to be careful at their jobs.

These are the laws that are known among the Farmstead dogs, they are important to be remembered throughout one's day and with someone's actions. If someone breaks a law, depending on the severity, there will be consequences that will be taken under the heavy gaze of the Canine Council. 

1. A crime that results in blood, murder, assault, or such dark crimes is to be immediately put to trial by the Canine Council. *Please submit a ticket if you want to have a plot involving something in this law.

2. A dog's responsibility is to their farm first and foremost. It is forbidden for a dog to abandon its farm duties.

3. Harming livestock is against the law. Intentional or unintentional, this offense will be handled by a trial of the farm Advisers and Faction Leader. 

4. Harming humans is against the law. Intentional or unintentional, this offense will be handled by a trial of the entire Canine Council. 

5. Your human is your alpha, and you must follow their rules to the best of your ability. 

6. Stealing is forbidden. If you need something, ask. 

7. Farm dogs should help dogs from other farms or factions if they can do so. 

8. If you are in a bad situation with your human regarding abuse, the council is there to help you with such issues. Do not be afraid to speak up and get help.

Disclaimer: These laws are meant as in-game laws, but as the creators of your character you can make them purposely break these laws which if desired/if caught will result in trial and punishment by the Council.

Farmstead

Respect among themselves is not only preferred but also required. The farmstead is desired to work equivalent to a beehive. No role is lesser than the other. These dogs are mainly working dogs. Hence, they rarely live as pets. Expected to be loyal and independent, able to make their own decisions. In contrast, they shouldn't shy away from help if needed.  Wishful thinking for the faction.

 Clearly, no one is identical. Some may be less eager to combine strength. Others may rely on others.  

• Rumors of a white deer that grants wishes or luck if spotted.

• Any farm dog who slacks off in their work is shameful. 

Pets

Dogs that live with their fellow humans are companions. Often perceived with equal respect. However, unlike the farmstead, pets can just be that. Working dogs are welcomed with pleasure. However, those who are just there to accompany people tend to be cut off with slack. Not disrespected, but seen as the lazy version or simply a coddled-up dog. Separation or a directly bad attitude is regarded as bad behavior by any farm dog. 

Despite their differences, they are seen as alike and welcomed with pleasure (or with negativity, depending on the character).

• Rumors of bad orientation around the land 

• Coddled-up lap dogs.

• Rumors of them being helpful only for appearances. 

Strays

Loners of the town. Carefully observed, they tend to be treated with skepticism. They care for themselves and have no one's rules to follow. Hence, they are viewed as the true outsiders. It becomes hard to predict their intentions. Being wary of them is common knowledge amongst the Farmsteaders (often guardians, as that's their given task). There is little difference between a stray entering your land and a fox. Yet, both have the same admirable traits. Loners have to tend themselves. They are truly independent, and that's a desirable trait. On the other hand, this causes the rules of keeping an eye on your belongings. What may stop them from taking what's yours for their own gain?

Although those who take action without reason or act out irrationally will get scolded. If harm is done, it will be taken to the council or faction leader. The situation may vary depending on the scene. 

• Rumors of flea infestation.

• Rumors of theft, particularly after the farm's chickens.

Junkyard

Not much unlike Strays, Junkyarders have little control. They do as they please. Where they differ from strays is that they come in a pack. How upsetting is that? It is not well known whether they are hard-working or slacking off in the mess. They say that humans might be bad, and yet they choose to linger around their garbage? Many farmstead dogs are not fond of the ones that come from junkyards. Known for creating trouble and lacking discipline. Would it truly count as unfair to simply state the fact? Or are they wrong? Often, the farmstead will simply prefer to be safe rather than sorry.

• Rumors of theft, particularly after the farm's chickens.

• Junkyard dogs are ill-smelling and might carry diseases.