Pseudodog

Lone canines aren't that dangerous, but packs of them are a real pain in the ass. They only attack if they're hungry... the bad thing is, they're almost always hungry. If you're up against a whole pack, try to pick them off from a high spot, else they'll just run you over. Especially if there are mature pseudodogs among 'em. They ain't much tougher than blind ones, but much more cunning and dangerous...
― Gonta's description

Pseudodogs are a relatively common type of mutant that inhabits almost every corner of the Zone. They are descendants of wild wolves that lived in the forests of the Zone at the time of the disaster. They appear in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat.

Overview[]

Despite the name, the pseudodogs evolved directly from wolves. The animals inhabiting the forests at the time of the catastrophe gave rise to one of the Zone's most dangerous mutant species. Pseudodogs are about as different from mutant dogs as wild wolves differ from poodles. The creatures mark and guard their territory carefully, attacking anyone stupid enough to venture onto their land on sight. Lightning-fast reflexes, uncanny dexterity and razor-sharp teeth make the pseudodog a formidable enemy for large mutants and well-armed stalkers.
― Shadow of Chernobyl PDA description

Pseudodog pups — Two Pseudodog puppies with their parent "Lassie" to the right.

The Pseudodog can be found roaming alone, as well as in packs, together with Blind dogs. While alone, it hunts mutants smaller than its size (e.g. rodents). They flee from larger beings at first sight, but in a pack, they are much more aggressive, attacking anyone who encroaches on their territory. They often fight boars and fleshes, usually winning against them. Stronger mutants like snorks, burers, and bloodsuckers pose a bigger threat and can only be defeated by a large pack of Pseudodogs. The biggest danger is the Pseudogiant, which can kill an entire pack by itself. Pseudodogs are neutral to Chimeras, Controllers, and Poltergeists (only attacking them in Shadow of Chernobyl).

Stalkers are known to tame Pseudodogs. Doctor has a male dog, while Noah has a female dog named Lassie, which later brought two pups that helped a group of stalkers who took refuge in Noah's Ark from a wave of mutants, when they attacked during a particularly strong Emission.

In all games of the series, a subspecies of the pseudodog, the Psy dog, also appears.

Physical Appearance[]

As their name suggests, they look more like dogs than wolves; they have very blunt and short muzzles, relatively short fur (but far more than a blind dog), and are unusually small for a wolf-related canine as they are only slightly bigger than blind dogs. All Pseudodogs have exposed skin on their ribs, which is not covered by fur, and their cheeks don't completely cover the teeth (or they are constantly snarling). Also, Pseudodogs have rather small ears which never stick straight up like most wolves. Another distinguishing feature are their eyes, which implies that they can indeed see (unlike blind dogs). A Pseudodog's eyes are a glowing, whitish yellow color remarkably similar to that of a Bloodsucker. Curiously, they stop glowing when badly injured or killed.

Gameplay[]

In all games of the series, Pseudodogs are highly mobile mutants that can be found wandering throughout the Zone. They are frequently seen traveling with blind dogs, but may be encountered alone or in a pack of other pseudodogs. Unlike blind dogs, pseudodogs will more frequently circle around their prey and then jump, attack head-on and repeatedly bite the player, which will usually result in a quick death unless the player kills the mutants or manages to run away.

As with blind dogs, the best way to deal with pseudodogs is to find high ground so that the player can stay out of the mutant's reach. If high ground is not available nearby, then it's highly recommended for the player to remain mobile so as not to get surrounded by the pack. Shotguns are the easiest way to dispose of the mutants at point blank range, otherwise an assault rifle is the best way to eliminate them at medium range. Pseudodogs aren't very resilient, but may be hard to hit due to their mobility.

Appearances[]

Shadow of Chernobyl[]

In Shadow of Chernobyl, pseudodogs can spawn in most areas of the Zone. In the Cordon, they are initially a rare find: one can be encountered in the tunnel in the far east area. After retrieving the Documents from Lab X18, part 4, they periodically appear in the level, north of the Vehicle station and near the Death truck, as well as in the Garbage, in the Vehicle graveyard (after Bes' group leaves) and in the nearby ruins (after killing the gang of bandits).

Pseudodogs can also be found in the Agroprom, near the southern checkpoint at Rostok (Kitsenko regularly provides a side mission that requires their elimination), in the Wild Territory near the railroad tracks, and in the Red Forest. They may also be seen near the western checkpoint at Rostok, on the road to the Army Warehouses.

Clear Sky[]

In Clear Sky, pseudodogs aren't frequently encountered. Most of them can be found in the Red Forest and the Army Warehouses, although they are known to spawn occasionally in the Agroprom.

Call of Pripyat[]

In Call of Pripyat, pseudodogs can be encountered in the open in Zaton, Yanov, and Pripyat alike. Noah possesses a unique tamed pseudodog known as Lassie. It shows up as an enemy on the in-game map, but will not attack the player unless provoked.

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

Doctor's dog looks less like the in-game Pseudodog and more like a bulldog.