So You Want a Fido with Fangs? A Totally Undead-icated Guide to Getting a Vampire Dog in Skyrim
Let's face it, Skyrim can be a lonely place. You're traipsing around snowy mountains, battling grumpy giants, and accidentally absorbing the souls of innocent butterflies. Sometimes a warrior just needs a cuddle (or, you know, something that won't judge your questionable moral compass).
Here's where the majestic, terrifying, and slightly inconvenient vampire dog comes in. These ferocious hounds, also known as Death Hounds, are the ultimate companions for the discerning vampire (or vampire-curious) Dragonborn.
But wait... How do I get my paws on one of these dusty doggos?
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| How To Get A Vampire Dog In Skyrim |
Step 1: Embrace the Dark Side (with Complimentary Snacks!)
Look, there's no getting around it. Vampire dogs are decidedly not on Team Dawnguard. If you want a furry friend with a taste for the undead buffet, you gotta sign up with the Volkihar vampires. Don't worry, they probably have a dental plan (though it might mostly involve fangs).
Pro-Tip: During the Dawnguard questline, you'll get a chance to choose between the sparkly vampires and the crossbow-wielding vampire hunters. Pick Team Sparkle! We wouldn't want your future pup to have an existential crisis about their diet.
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Step 2: Prove You're Worthy (by Not Being a Total Snack Yourself)
Once you're rocking the pale look and the aversion to garlic bread, you gotta complete the quest "The Bloodstone Chalice" for Lord Harkon. Think of it as an initiation rite – vampire boot camp, if you will. You don't want to show up to Castle Volkihar looking like a complete noob.
Step 3: Welcome to the Kennel (Emphasis on the "Nel")
Now we're getting to the good stuff! Castle Volkihar is crawling with all sorts of interesting creatures, but the ones you want to sniff out are the glorious Death Hounds, Garmr and Sledge (I mean, CuSith).
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These ferocious pups can be found patrolling the castle halls, looking for all the world like they haven't seen sunlight in, well, forever. That's because they haven't!
Step 4: Befriending Your Fido (With Slightly More Threat Than Treat)
Unlike normal dogs who are swayed by belly rubs and squeaky toys, Death Hounds are a different breed. To win their favor, you gotta talk tough. Approach your chosen pup and say "Ready for some bloodshed, beast?" followed by the ever-so-charming "Let's sate our hunger together."
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Congratulations! You've just recruited a vampire dog! Now, about that whole "sate our hunger together" thing...
Just kidding (mostly). Your new best friend won't actually steal your lunch (unless it's made of unsuspecting villagers). They'll just follow you around, looking awesome and occasionally setting things on fire (it's a vampire dog thing, don't worry about it).
So there you have it! A (slightly tongue-in-cheek) guide to acquiring your very own vampire dog in Skyrim. Remember, with great vampiric power comes great responsibility... to clean up after your pet's fiery outbursts. Happy adventuring!