MidJourney
The Lands Between in Elden Ring isn’t exactly a walk in the park—unless that park includes flaming chariots and crab monsters the size of SUVs. But if any dogs could handle this chaos, it’s these fearless, battle-ready breeds. They’ve got the strength, instincts, and sheer chaotic energy to charge into a boss arena without blinking. While your pup might panic at the blender, these dogs would gladly sniff out hidden dungeons, dodge magic missiles, and strike fear into the hearts of demigods—all before breakfast.
Belgian Malinois
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If you’ve ever seen a Belgian Malinois in action, you know they don’t mess around. These dogs are used in military and police units because they’re fast, fearless, and incredibly intelligent. They’d be home in Elden Ring, leaping from rooftops and taking out spectral assassins in mid-air. Malinois don’t just survive—they dominate. Give them a spectral sword and a purpose, and you’ve got yourself a canine boss summon with a six-pack of vengeance.
Tibetan Mastiff
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The Tibetan Mastiff looks like it was born in a boss arena. These colossal, bear-like dogs guarded monasteries in the Himalayas, which basically makes them high-altitude Elden Lords. Their thick coats would keep them warm in the Mountaintops of the Giants, and their territorial instincts would make them natural defenders of sacred sites. They’d probably have their own lore entry with a deep bark that could shake the Erdtree itself: “Ancient Guardian of the Forgotten Kennels.” Proceed with caution.
German Shepherd
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German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, versatility, and ability to excel in almost any environment—including deadly fantasy realms. Whether it’s sniffing out traps in Leyndell or escorting a Tarnished through Castle Sol, this breed would be the ultimate multi-role ally. They’re smart, physically powerful, and utterly unshaken by chaos. Give them a spectral wolf armor set, and they’d patrol the Lands Between like another Tuesday. Bonus: their intimidation factor might convince even Margit to back off.
Akita
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The Akita doesn’t fear the unknown—it stares it down until it backs off. With a powerful, independent nature and a reputation for fierce loyalty, this breed would be a stoic companion on any perilous journey. Akitas aren’t easily startled, and in a land where the sky rains swords and trees are sentient, that’s a valuable trait. They’d thrive wandering misty forests, casually decimating stray demi-humans without breaking stride. Don’t expect them to follow commands blindly, though—they’re too noble for that nonsense.
Rottweiler
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Massive, muscular, and ready to brawl, the Rottweiler would absolutely hold its own in any PvE (Pup vs. Eldritch horror) situation. These dogs are fearless and protective, the kind you’d want guarding your back while you two-hand a Greatsword. They’d launch into battle like a furry freight train in a fight, tearing through enemies like undead chew toys. Their loyalty means they’d stick with you through every NG+ cycle. Malenia? More like Malen-who?
Alaskan Malamute
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Built for endurance and snowstorms, the Alaskan Malamute would thrive in the frostbitten wastelands of the Consecrated Snowfield. They’re incredibly strong, with the stamina to trek across vast open worlds without needing a single flask. Malamutes are also highly independent and naturally suited to hostile terrain—perfect for dealing with wolves, giants, or an angry Deathbird. They’re basically the mount and the muscle. Give them a pack of spectral wolves to lead, and you have an unstoppable fluffy raid party.
Cane Corso
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With a look that says, “I eat dragons for breakfast,” the Cane Corso is pure intimidation in motion. This ancient Roman guardian breed would walk into a poison swamp and not even blink. Cane Corsos are all muscle, grit, and stone-faced determination, the type of dog that makes Tree Spirits think twice. Their protective instincts and territorial nature would make them fantastic keepers of hidden catacombs or lone-wolf adventurers. And let’s be honest—nobody’s sneaking up on a Tarnished with one of these beside them.
Doberman Pinscher
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Sleek, stealthy, and terrifyingly fast, the Doberman would fit right in as a high-dexterity Elden Ring companion. With their alertness and agility, they’d be dodging sorceries and striking precisely in the middle of chaos. You could imagine them guarding the royal capital or serving as a loyal shadow to a noble Tarnished. They’re smart enough to outmaneuver invaders and stylish enough to do it in a crimson collar. If there were a bleed-build dog, this would be it.
Irish Wolfhound
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The Irish Wolfhound is literally built for hunting monsters, and in Elden Ring, that’s basically the whole job description. Towering in height but gentle in spirit, they’d be the surprise tank you didn’t see coming. With enough reach to snap a Basilisk in half and enough endurance to keep pace across Caelid’s nightmare terrain, they’d be legendary in battle. Give them a glowing greatsword and watch the wilds tremble. Bonus points for looking like a faded hero from an ancient NPC tale.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
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Originally bred to hunt lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback scoffs at your puny demi-gods. These dogs are bold, muscular, and totally unbothered by things like “mortal danger.” With a high prey drive and fearless attitude, they’d thrive in the crimson rot of Caelid or the beast-infested corners of Limgrave. You could easily picture them as a loyal steed alternative—fast, responsive, and ready to rip apart a Rune Bear on command. In a world of danger, Ridgebacks charge first and bark questions later.
Shikoku
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This agile Japanese breed has all the traits of a wilderness survivor—speed, intelligence, and an untamed edge. Shikokus are like the rogue class of the dog world: elusive, cunning, and always down for a forest ambush. Their natural hunting instincts and strong bond with their human would make them ideal for navigating shadowy dungeons or tracking NPCs with questionable motives. Picture one darting through a fog gate, and you’ll realize they don’t fear bosses—they just consider them fast-moving snacks.
Boerboel
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If Elden Ring had an NPC named “Big Bork,” it would be a Boerboel. Originally bred to defend homesteads in South Africa, these dogs are tanky, powerful, and unflinching under pressure. They’d guard a castle entrance like it was their birthright, standing still while everything else fled in terror. With a Boerboel beside you, you wouldn’t even need to summon help for boss fights—they are the help. Put one in armor, and it’s basically a walking siege engine.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
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This wild-looking breed is a literal blend of wolf and dog, radiating Elden Ring energy. With a distance runner’s stamina and a predator’s instincts, they’d be unstoppable in an open-world setting. They’re fearless, trainable, and designed to thrive in hostile conditions, from icy plateaus to haunted ruins. Their intense stare alone could intimidate a Crucible Knight. Imagine riding through the Weeping Peninsula with this feral friend—pure Tarnished goals.
The Woof That Fought the Elden Beast
MidJourney
The legendary dog breeds that wouldn’t just survive Elden Ring—they’d conquer it, unlock secret endings, and probably dethrone a few demigods along the way. These pups aren’t fetch-the-stick types—they’re guard-the-grace, loot-the-crypt, and sniff-out-hidden-bosses warriors. With courage in their hearts and chaos in their paws, they’d turn every dungeon into a dog park of destiny. While your pup may cower at thunder, these breeds would bark at Morgott until he surrendered. Let’s be honest—an all-dog DLC might be the best idea FromSoftware never knew it needed.
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