The Lirdolf Species

[pl. Lirdolves • nn. Dolf]

What are they?

Lirdolves are a strange, chimeric species of creature about the size of a Great Dane dog; albeit much sturdier in build. They have two sets of ears, a thick mane that extends under the body and a large, plush tail. Their back paws are most like a domestic dog in appearance, however their front paws are dexterous with long fingers tipped with claws. They are able to handle objects and they can also use their front paws to pull them up and climb.

Dolves also have large ornate feathers that sprout from their shoulder blades and croup. These feathers are not flight capable and are believed to be the only remnant of a long-passed evolution into a land creature. They are not, however, fully ornamental. Dolves are able to move their shoulder plumes, and they use these as an aid to communication.
(For example, limp feathers along the back signal relaxation while flared feathers can mean aggression or interest)

Movement

Dolves walk primarily on all fours, leaning their foreweight on their curled hands with all pressure resting on their knuckles. They are capable of supporting themselves upright on two legs too, however they generally only do so when they need to use their front paws and in fights.

Dolves use their forepaws for eating and grasping items, and for touching others to sustain bonds, however their communication includes movements that involve the use of their shoulder plumes, ears and facial expressions.

Social Tendencies

Dolves are a very social species, however despite this they generally prefer one on one interactions or small social groups. Most Dolves get very nervous around larger groups and will slink off to hide if confronted with too many new faces. However they do love having familiar, comfortable relationships with other Dolves and humans, and will form little packs that count as family for them.

Genders are pretty equal within this breed and don't determine the Dolf's mannerisms or tendencies. Infact, just about all Dolves share habits, no matter what their gender, including dancing for mates and signs of aggression when they feel threatened.

Breeding

Dolves are able to breed twice a year. Once during the Summer Solstice, and once during the Winter Solstice.
Breedings can only be carried out between a fully grown male and a female breeding pair.

Dolves in love will dance and sing for and with their partners. These dances are made up of timed steps and plume flares, and are always a joy to watch - though they can get a bit noisy when singing together.

Dolves are attracted to mates through the dances and songs. Each Dolf has a unique song and dance, one that reflects and displays their personality. Dolves see the dances as the best and fastest way to get to know someone else, and some will only trust those who dance or sing for them.

Dolf litters consist of 1-2 pups each time.

Colours and Markings

There aren't actually any specific colours or markings in the species - almost anything and everything is possible, though they don't have any "human" symbols (so no words or buildings or whatever else).
Each Dolf is unique in appearance, though parents will pass on something of themselves to their baby.

Shaving

Some owners choose to style their Dolf's manes and tails, so you are free to do so if you choose. Some popular styles include:

The Long Cut; Natural, unshaved with maybe slight trimming for neatness.
The Eel Cut; Dolf is shaved so that they have a mane along their topline, extending down to the tail being half shaved.
The Lion Cut; Mane is left untouched, however tail is shaved down so only a tuft remains at the end.
The Dragon Cut; Almost completely shaved down so most fluffiness is lost. Dolf is left looking sleek and slim.

Now... How to get one??

Well, the good news is this is a free to create breed! Though we do have some restrictions.

Every person can get up to 3 Dolves.
One designed by yourself
One designed by somebody else
One from a breeding

If you don't want to design your own, you CAN convert your personal design slot into a second slot for a Dolf designed by somebody else.

And if you so choose, you can convert either your self design or other design slot into a breeding slot.