Lyras
31-03-2009, 06:56
Lyran Battlehound Attack Dogs – Protectorate of Lyras
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Other names: Lyran Wolfhound, Battlehound, Lyran Warhound, Greater Wolfhound, Manhound
Weight: 80kg (175lbs) female, 86kg (190lbs) male
Height (at shoulder):
Female: 101cm (40 inches) - 110cm (43.3 inches)
Male: 109cm (43 inches) – 120cm (47.2 inches)
Coat: Rough and hard, especially wiry and long over eyes and on underjaw
Colour: Grey/white, harlequin, blue, brindle, black, fawn, or blends thereof
Abstract
The Lyran Battlehound, Lyran Wolfhound, Battlehound, Lyran Warhound, Greater Wolfhound or Manhound, is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) known for its giant size, immense strength and high intelligence. The breed is sometimes considered to be the "only modern-era purpose-bred warhound”. Lyran Battlehounds are generally regarded as the tallest (currently recognised) dog breed in the world, surpassing its nearest competitor, the Irish Wolfhound, by a convincing average of 10 inches.
The current holder of the world record for tallest individual dog is a 51-inch (130 cm) tall male Lyran Battlehound by the name of 'Tiny', a stud-dog at the 15th Order's Military Dog Facility, Osmouth, Lyras.
History and development
The Lyran Battlehound was the climax of over a century of very careful, calculated and broad-based selective breeding for traits found in a number of pre-existing breeds. Unlike most modern breeds, the Lyran Battlehound's development has been well documented, and can be related with some degree of certainty.
The breed originated in Lyras, primarily a selectively bred cross between the Old-Irish Wolfhound (50%) and English Mastiff (35%), but also featuring some German Shepherd (15%) and Great Dane (10%) extraction.
From the medieval chores of battle, guarding, and hunting boar, stag and the long extinct Irish elk (which stood six feet high at the shoulder), the Old-Irish Wolfhound gradually turned to the specialized hunting of wolves by the 15th and 16th century. It was during this time that they became more consistent in type and more like the Irish Wolfhound of today. Examples of the original form became few and far between, and with their increasing rarity came an increasing cost. The last known export of an Old-Irish Wolfhound was, according to a letter fragment, to an un-named Duke of Kush in 1610.
By the mid-1600s, Oliver Cromwell decreed the exporting of Wolfhounds to be illegal because wolves were still a major problem on the British Isles and the great hounds were not plentiful. The last wolf was killed in Ireland before 1800 and, within 50 years, the great hounds—having lost their purpose—were reduced to low numbers. The Great Irish Famine of the 1840s also took its toll on the large dogs. Because of the 150-year ban on exportation, there was nowhere else to go for new breeding stock.
Almost no one in the early 1800s had ever seen a live Wolfhound and, with their exaggerated tales in literature, there was much argument among period authorities over what a true Wolfhound had looked like, and it was generally assumed that they were extinct. This was almost the case in the British Isles, and likely in Europe at large. But not in Kush.
When Erud and Kush unified to form the Principality of Erukush, shortly before the formation of the Storn League, there remained a number of Old-Irish Wolfhounds, some of which found their way to the attention of the League Military. 70 years later, when Warmarshal Lyras refused to allow the military to disintegrate as the League was beginning to, the military began its great exodus west. One of the units that took part in the exodus was the Southbastion Cavalry, a former Erukushi unit which, as all units involved in the exodus, had maintained its oaths of loyalty to the League, and would not see itself turned against the very citizens it was sworn to protect as the League collapsed upon itself. The Southbastion Cavalry, descended as it was from the Heavy Cavalry arm of the military retinue of a Duke of Kush, had in its order of battle a number of military working dogs, a good proportion of them being Old-Irish Wolfhounds.
After the tumultuous aftermath of the exodus settled down, the League military-in-exile took on the name of the one who lead it away from civil war, sparing the League and its military the horror that the latter may have inflicted upon the former. The newly created state of Lyras began to find its feet. One of the priorities established very early on was the absolute necessity for standardisation, and preferably standardisation at the most combat-effective level possible. This philosophy continues today, but when it was first put into action it covered everything from food to clothing, housing, ammunition and, when the idea came to mind, even dogs. The search began in Lyras for the most effective breed of canine for military taskings. Finding no one breed that matched all the criteria required, the newly christened Protectorate Research and Development Commission began an extensive selective breeding program, taking as its basis the Old-Irish Wolfhounds in the ORBAT of the (now numbered) 2356th (Southbastion Cavalry) Armoured Division.
Along with breeding for ever-increasing size and intelligence (sometimes at the cost of temperament), it was determined that additional strength and robustness were likely to be of use, and a number of particularly good specimens of English Mastiff were added to the breeding program. The results were surprisingly pronounced, with the tall, lean and wiry Wolfhounds filling out and bulking up, breeding true within three generations. The addition of German Shepherd and Great Dane stock added a notable degree of depth to the breed's intellect and training response capability (as well as pushing the coat back towards its Wolfhound origins from the very much shorter coat it was getting from the Mastiff) and improving the line's sometimes taciturn nature. Careful screening of bloodlines for any form of hereditary illness ensured the propogation of healthy stock, and systematic avoidance of (otherwise par-for-the-course) in-breeding ensured a general improvement in breed condition.
The Lyran Battlehound, in a form recognisable as such, was revealed at the Annual Bredubar Military Exhibition, to widespread approval and varying degrees of awe, after one hundred and eight years of breeding work. Not one of the original personnel of the breed-development team lived long enough to see the fruits of their endeavours. The individual dog shown at that Bredubar Exhibition was named Von Manstein in his honour.
The Lyran Battlehound, today, is the tallest and heaviest of the hounds, combining speed and power to an as-yet unsurpassed degree.
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Colouration
Colouration was not one of the original concerns of the breeders, however over time it became apparent that certain distinct colour patterns were more effective in different environments than others, and, after the breed became established, colour-selective breeding was introduced, so as to differentiate the colour types, and allow for selection of a particular stock to match particular environmental and combatant conditions. Canine colouration concerns are, however, generally very secondary compared to the rest of the unit's dispositional circumstances.
Colours that the Battlehound is available in are as follows, and is relevant particularly as individual dogs (of any breed) are normally referred to by colouration, gender and type, usually (but not always) in that order (eg Blue Male Battlehound).
Blue: The colour is a pure steel blue, a throwback to the Great Dane ancestry. Specimens with this colour are generally the purview of marine units, although naval security often also utilises this scheme.
Black: The colour is black and stems, as with the blue, from the Great Dane primarily, but also, to a lesser extent, from the German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. The black would be glossy, but the wiry hair of the breed disrupts a truly smooth surface of any appreciable size. Black specimens are a little rare, but are often chosen by embassy security, Guards detachments and certain older formations.
Harlequin: The base colour is pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body, neck and head. Units selecting this colour scheme include units operating in urban environments, and a number of arctic-theatre units.
Fawn: The colour is yellow-gold, often with a black mask. The colour-scheme is very similar to that of a lion, and, given the near-identical size, the easy similarity can be very intimidating. Units operating in warm-temperate areas, savannahs and deserts prefer this colouration, generally, and this scheme is fairly prevalent in the breed, being common to three of the four dogs that are the Battlehound's predecessors.
Brindle: Brindle is a pattern of fawn and black, often in a chevron and/or tiger-stripe pattern. Indeed, they are often referred to as tiger-stripe patterned. Brindle is the primary colouration of the modern Irish Wolfhound, and is also very common in the Great Dane and German Shepherd. Brindle can make exceedingly effective camouflage in most environments, and there are very few where it will not be effective to at least some degree. As a consequence, the majority of the Battlehounds within Lyras are of this colouration, especially units traditionally employed in temperate, cool temperate, littoral, rainforest/jungle, wetlands and woodland environments.
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Grey/white: Considered to be more or less the same in breeding circles, the differentiation between a white and a grey is usually very minor. This colour is not common, and owes to recessive traits from the Great Dane, for the most part. Mountain warfare or deep-arctic units utilise white specimens, more than any other formation.
Temperament
Bred as it has been as a guard and attack dog, Battlehounds often have the temperament to match. Further, their high intelligence can make training challenging, all the more so when their great size is taken into account. It is not uncommon for a Battlehound to decide that it has had enough training, and that it would now rather do something else, or go and get something to eat. This may or may not include the handler, if the handler is not well trained and experienced. Battlehounds are not for the faint of heart. Battlehounds are not generally well-disposed towards other animals, although most dogs are tolerated. Battlehounds have been known to eat smaller breeds of dog, however, so caution is advised. Unless a child is well-known to the dog, or the dog is well-trained and issued clear instructions, they should NOT be left unsupervised around young children. Battlehounds are extremely protective, and make exceptional guard dogs. It is advised that trainers develop a command to designate a human as a friend, or otherwise out of bounds, otherwise they may not be welcomed back into the patrolled territory, regardless as to whether they are known to the animal or not. Due, again, to their intelligence, Battlehounds are capable of some surprisingly complex reasoning, and for this reason it is strongly encouraged to make their enclosures as interesting as feasible, as a bored, intelligent, and very large dog can make for a surprising amount of destruction in a very short time.
Well trained, well conditioned Battlehounds that have been brought up well will be responsive to instructions, diligent, fiercely loyal, patient, devoted and sometimes possessed of a surprising sense of humour.
Perhaps more than any other breed, good training is fundamental to avoid potentially lethal behavioural issues with Lyran Battlehounds.
Exercise
Unlike most large dogs, Battlehounds have a relatively fast metabolism, which lowers the required daily exercise, while simultaneously increasing the breed's food intake requirements. It is rare for a Battlehound to run to fat, and most are quite lean compared to their mastiff ancestors. It is worth noting, also, that while the physiological requirements for exercise may be lower, the greater levels of energy available may make the breed far more amenable to regular exercise, which is encouraged to promote a healthy, contented and well-balanced dog.
Health
Due to the very careful breeding program, and utilitarian nature of the selectivity, Battlehounds are far healthier, generally, than most other large canine breeds. The high metabolic rate results in more energy and greater food consumption per pound of dog than in most breeds, and it is not unusual for a Battlehound to require 4kg of meat per day. In most countries, human-grade meat is recommended, as pet-grade meat tends to contain dangerous levels of sulphur-based preservatives. Battlehounds, as a rule of thumb, have managed to avoid most afflictions common to large breeds, although hip dysplasia is relatively common, due to the German Shepherd and Great Dane ancestry. Typically dogs are x-rayed to verify the health of hips, in order to serve as a guideline as to whether the animals should be bred and are likely to have healthy pups.
Life expectancy for the Battlehounds is 11-14 years, although the longest-lived Battlehound on record was 17.
Armour
Each dog represents a considerable investment in time and resources, and as such there is a wide range of deployable equipment available for use by Battlehound detachments, much of which is also available for export.
Most commonly utilised is a standardised Battlehound-sized example of a canine ballistic vest. Based upon the Lyran 'Arachne' soft body armour, the vest is manufactured using semi-synthetic anciniform spider silk as the primary material. Once spun, the silk is woven into protective clothing in the same manner as clothing anywhere. The fibres mesh well, and fibrous internal friction is low while elasticity and tensile strength both remain very high, allowing for exceptionally good multi-shot resistance, particularly so when compared to other soft armours. The fibres, unusually, become proportionally stronger as they get thinner, and research and implementation (under the 'Dauntless' program) quickly established what spiders established millions of years ago, that weaving 100 thin fibres into a silken strand is almost 60% stronger than an equivalent width single strand, while utilising (approximately) 80% of the material mass. Also, critically, spider silk has a biphasic modulus – when initially subjected to force it is very stiff, like Kevlar, but just before the yield point it becomes very elastic, like Nylon. It also undergoes hysteresis, so if released from tension it comes back into shape. Upon the completion of the armour, various coatings are applied in the conventional sense, such as anti-UV protective coatings and Xylane waterproofing.
Spider silk is also, when compared to alternative ballistic-grade fibres, extremely comfortable, being smooth, lightweight and breathable. When the properties are simultaneously taken into account, some of the potential of the substance becomes readily apparent.
A fabric covering layer composed of multi-spectral disruptive pattern camouflage material is provided for a vest, and the colour will, of course, vary, depending on the anticipated terrain. These fabric covers utilise the same multi-spectral camouflage adaptations pioneered for use on the LDPCUs, and provides for dramatically reduced visibility when seen through 3rd or 4th generation night vision or thermal imaging equipment.
'Arachne' armour protection is rated IIIA, which protects against 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) at a reference velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets, with nominal masses of 15.6 g (240 gr) at a reference velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the full spectrum of lower powered threats.
Sensors and datalinking
Quickly apparent in training was the strong possibility that dogs might not be able to hear verbal commands in battle, or it may not be feasible or safe for a handler to give away his position by yelling out. Or, even more likely, in the course of its duties the dog may well exit the handler's line of sight. The Protectorate Research and Development Commission has, in recent years, taken a number of steps to rectify this situation, by design and production of a number of canine-specific articles of sensory and datalinking, designed to optimise combatant performance.
First amongst them was a handler headset, similar in concept to BALCOTH, dubbed 'Alpha Wolf'. Indeed, within Fedalan states, a software adjustment is all that is required to bring any BALCOTH up to speed for canine-handling purposes. 'Alpha Wolf', while not disabling any other extant BALCOTH functions (if applicable) datalinks to pinhead sensors which can be attached to a number of places on a headharness. Feeding the images collected through an IPU and image and pattern recognition software, before displaying it on adjustable, inset windows on an alternate screen provides for the dogs to function as an excellent reconaissance platform, utilising Cromwell II-type datalinks to generate targetting telemetry for the wider battleforce. Of course, given that the datalink is two way, there exists further potential for the system.
Variants of 'Alpha Wolf' which are usable on personal computers are also available for non-military paramilitary or law-enforcement situations, or simply for use by an enterprising and watchful family. The only difference is the format, with full functionality retained. Handler-side microphone and speakers are not included.
At a young age, microtransmitters are embedded in the cartilage of the dogs' middle ears. These microtransmitters are used to receive signals sent from 'Alpha Wolf' headsets. This allows a remotely located handler to continue to issue verbal instructions, and to do so without having to raise his voice, in response to images fed back to him (and other units) via the Cromwell II. Active noise cancellation, provided automatically, also tremendously lowers the animal's fear responses, if present, and amplifies the capabilities of the animal's hearing below a certain decibel level, enhancing acuity measurably. This provides Lyran Battlehounds with a flexibility unknown to most canine detachments, especially tactical warhound units.
The drawback is obvious, however. Training time for dog and handler, and resource input, is considerable, and each represents a notably more significant investment of resources than is generally the case with other breeds.
Export
Lyran Battlehounds represent an echelon of working dogs which has been absent from the battlespace for over four hundred years. They provide guard, security, patrol and reconaissance, at a fraction of the cost of equivalent human personnel. A single civilian night-patrol security guard may cost NS$50,000 per year, depending on the package he's on. That same cost could aquire four Battlehounds on site. Battlehounds will not go on strike, do not take annual leave, do not draw a salary, will not take rest breaks. They are alert, fast moving, intimidating and intelligent, and will never go looking for better employment conditions and dental plan. Once trained, each will give all it can give, all the time, in defence of what it percieves to be your interests.
Similarly, for diplomatic security or crowd-control/riot policing work, few animals can compare in effectiveness to a Battlehound. Australian experiences in Timor Leste have demonstrated the dramatic potential of military working dogs in dispersal of intransigent crowds, with a pair of German Shepherds clearing a fractious crow$d in minutes when levelled rifles, tear gas and Light Armoured Vehicles could not.
Of course, if you are simply seeking to acquire a unique family pet that will effectively deter all intruders up to (and possibly including) a SWAT team, the Battlehound may suit your needs. A well-conditioned Battlehound will be a relaxed, friendly and devoted companion, surprisingly good with children (once introduced, see Temperament, above) and very responsive. Worried about your child walking home from the bus stop? Send Rover the Battlehound to go and pick him up. Your children need never fear bullies again.
Training is very strongly recommended, although it is up to the purchaser whether they wish to acquire Lyran-trained animals, or train them themselves. Orders can be placed for special training, in any desired language, for as many dogs as desired. With each trained dog comes a booklet detailing the list of available commands. A draft copy of this booklet is mailed to the purchaser prior to completion of the dog's training, and requests for insertion of any specific commands into the training regime will be actioned, where reasonable.
If, however, you simply want to keep an area completely no-go, then less training is required, for obvious reasons. A pack of barely-tamed man-sized warhounds will deter all but the most determined (or most heavily armed and armoured) intruders.
The Lyran Governmental Trade Department takes all care to ensure the animals are as effective as possible, but wishes to emphasise the fact that the control and health of the animal are, post acceptance of delivery, the responsibility of the purchaser. Please specify number, gender and colouration when making an order, as well as whether training is desired, and the preferred age of the animals.
Puppies: NS$7,000
1 year old (trained): NS$7,000
Adult (untrained): Male: NS$5,000, Female: NS$8,000
Adult (trained): NS$10,000
Breeding certification (DPR for dogs): NS$10bn.
'Arachne' canine body armour: NS$700
Auditory implants: NS$500 per dog.
'Alpha Wolf' headset and software package: NS$25,000 (can handle up to eight dogs)
'Alpha Wolf' software package only: NS$15,000 (compatible with BALCOTH or analogues)
'Alpha Wolf' for PC, software package: NS$5,000
All queries and purchases can be lodged through the Lyran Arms (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541320) subsidiary of the Lyran Governmental Trade Department.
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Other names: Lyran Wolfhound, Battlehound, Lyran Warhound, Greater Wolfhound, Manhound
Weight: 80kg (175lbs) female, 86kg (190lbs) male
Height (at shoulder):
Female: 101cm (40 inches) - 110cm (43.3 inches)
Male: 109cm (43 inches) – 120cm (47.2 inches)
Coat: Rough and hard, especially wiry and long over eyes and on underjaw
Colour: Grey/white, harlequin, blue, brindle, black, fawn, or blends thereof
Abstract
The Lyran Battlehound, Lyran Wolfhound, Battlehound, Lyran Warhound, Greater Wolfhound or Manhound, is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) known for its giant size, immense strength and high intelligence. The breed is sometimes considered to be the "only modern-era purpose-bred warhound”. Lyran Battlehounds are generally regarded as the tallest (currently recognised) dog breed in the world, surpassing its nearest competitor, the Irish Wolfhound, by a convincing average of 10 inches.
The current holder of the world record for tallest individual dog is a 51-inch (130 cm) tall male Lyran Battlehound by the name of 'Tiny', a stud-dog at the 15th Order's Military Dog Facility, Osmouth, Lyras.
History and development
The Lyran Battlehound was the climax of over a century of very careful, calculated and broad-based selective breeding for traits found in a number of pre-existing breeds. Unlike most modern breeds, the Lyran Battlehound's development has been well documented, and can be related with some degree of certainty.
The breed originated in Lyras, primarily a selectively bred cross between the Old-Irish Wolfhound (50%) and English Mastiff (35%), but also featuring some German Shepherd (15%) and Great Dane (10%) extraction.
From the medieval chores of battle, guarding, and hunting boar, stag and the long extinct Irish elk (which stood six feet high at the shoulder), the Old-Irish Wolfhound gradually turned to the specialized hunting of wolves by the 15th and 16th century. It was during this time that they became more consistent in type and more like the Irish Wolfhound of today. Examples of the original form became few and far between, and with their increasing rarity came an increasing cost. The last known export of an Old-Irish Wolfhound was, according to a letter fragment, to an un-named Duke of Kush in 1610.
By the mid-1600s, Oliver Cromwell decreed the exporting of Wolfhounds to be illegal because wolves were still a major problem on the British Isles and the great hounds were not plentiful. The last wolf was killed in Ireland before 1800 and, within 50 years, the great hounds—having lost their purpose—were reduced to low numbers. The Great Irish Famine of the 1840s also took its toll on the large dogs. Because of the 150-year ban on exportation, there was nowhere else to go for new breeding stock.
Almost no one in the early 1800s had ever seen a live Wolfhound and, with their exaggerated tales in literature, there was much argument among period authorities over what a true Wolfhound had looked like, and it was generally assumed that they were extinct. This was almost the case in the British Isles, and likely in Europe at large. But not in Kush.
When Erud and Kush unified to form the Principality of Erukush, shortly before the formation of the Storn League, there remained a number of Old-Irish Wolfhounds, some of which found their way to the attention of the League Military. 70 years later, when Warmarshal Lyras refused to allow the military to disintegrate as the League was beginning to, the military began its great exodus west. One of the units that took part in the exodus was the Southbastion Cavalry, a former Erukushi unit which, as all units involved in the exodus, had maintained its oaths of loyalty to the League, and would not see itself turned against the very citizens it was sworn to protect as the League collapsed upon itself. The Southbastion Cavalry, descended as it was from the Heavy Cavalry arm of the military retinue of a Duke of Kush, had in its order of battle a number of military working dogs, a good proportion of them being Old-Irish Wolfhounds.
After the tumultuous aftermath of the exodus settled down, the League military-in-exile took on the name of the one who lead it away from civil war, sparing the League and its military the horror that the latter may have inflicted upon the former. The newly created state of Lyras began to find its feet. One of the priorities established very early on was the absolute necessity for standardisation, and preferably standardisation at the most combat-effective level possible. This philosophy continues today, but when it was first put into action it covered everything from food to clothing, housing, ammunition and, when the idea came to mind, even dogs. The search began in Lyras for the most effective breed of canine for military taskings. Finding no one breed that matched all the criteria required, the newly christened Protectorate Research and Development Commission began an extensive selective breeding program, taking as its basis the Old-Irish Wolfhounds in the ORBAT of the (now numbered) 2356th (Southbastion Cavalry) Armoured Division.
Along with breeding for ever-increasing size and intelligence (sometimes at the cost of temperament), it was determined that additional strength and robustness were likely to be of use, and a number of particularly good specimens of English Mastiff were added to the breeding program. The results were surprisingly pronounced, with the tall, lean and wiry Wolfhounds filling out and bulking up, breeding true within three generations. The addition of German Shepherd and Great Dane stock added a notable degree of depth to the breed's intellect and training response capability (as well as pushing the coat back towards its Wolfhound origins from the very much shorter coat it was getting from the Mastiff) and improving the line's sometimes taciturn nature. Careful screening of bloodlines for any form of hereditary illness ensured the propogation of healthy stock, and systematic avoidance of (otherwise par-for-the-course) in-breeding ensured a general improvement in breed condition.
The Lyran Battlehound, in a form recognisable as such, was revealed at the Annual Bredubar Military Exhibition, to widespread approval and varying degrees of awe, after one hundred and eight years of breeding work. Not one of the original personnel of the breed-development team lived long enough to see the fruits of their endeavours. The individual dog shown at that Bredubar Exhibition was named Von Manstein in his honour.
The Lyran Battlehound, today, is the tallest and heaviest of the hounds, combining speed and power to an as-yet unsurpassed degree.
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Colouration
Colouration was not one of the original concerns of the breeders, however over time it became apparent that certain distinct colour patterns were more effective in different environments than others, and, after the breed became established, colour-selective breeding was introduced, so as to differentiate the colour types, and allow for selection of a particular stock to match particular environmental and combatant conditions. Canine colouration concerns are, however, generally very secondary compared to the rest of the unit's dispositional circumstances.
Colours that the Battlehound is available in are as follows, and is relevant particularly as individual dogs (of any breed) are normally referred to by colouration, gender and type, usually (but not always) in that order (eg Blue Male Battlehound).
Blue: The colour is a pure steel blue, a throwback to the Great Dane ancestry. Specimens with this colour are generally the purview of marine units, although naval security often also utilises this scheme.
Black: The colour is black and stems, as with the blue, from the Great Dane primarily, but also, to a lesser extent, from the German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. The black would be glossy, but the wiry hair of the breed disrupts a truly smooth surface of any appreciable size. Black specimens are a little rare, but are often chosen by embassy security, Guards detachments and certain older formations.
Harlequin: The base colour is pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body, neck and head. Units selecting this colour scheme include units operating in urban environments, and a number of arctic-theatre units.
Fawn: The colour is yellow-gold, often with a black mask. The colour-scheme is very similar to that of a lion, and, given the near-identical size, the easy similarity can be very intimidating. Units operating in warm-temperate areas, savannahs and deserts prefer this colouration, generally, and this scheme is fairly prevalent in the breed, being common to three of the four dogs that are the Battlehound's predecessors.
Brindle: Brindle is a pattern of fawn and black, often in a chevron and/or tiger-stripe pattern. Indeed, they are often referred to as tiger-stripe patterned. Brindle is the primary colouration of the modern Irish Wolfhound, and is also very common in the Great Dane and German Shepherd. Brindle can make exceedingly effective camouflage in most environments, and there are very few where it will not be effective to at least some degree. As a consequence, the majority of the Battlehounds within Lyras are of this colouration, especially units traditionally employed in temperate, cool temperate, littoral, rainforest/jungle, wetlands and woodland environments.
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Grey/white: Considered to be more or less the same in breeding circles, the differentiation between a white and a grey is usually very minor. This colour is not common, and owes to recessive traits from the Great Dane, for the most part. Mountain warfare or deep-arctic units utilise white specimens, more than any other formation.
Temperament
Bred as it has been as a guard and attack dog, Battlehounds often have the temperament to match. Further, their high intelligence can make training challenging, all the more so when their great size is taken into account. It is not uncommon for a Battlehound to decide that it has had enough training, and that it would now rather do something else, or go and get something to eat. This may or may not include the handler, if the handler is not well trained and experienced. Battlehounds are not for the faint of heart. Battlehounds are not generally well-disposed towards other animals, although most dogs are tolerated. Battlehounds have been known to eat smaller breeds of dog, however, so caution is advised. Unless a child is well-known to the dog, or the dog is well-trained and issued clear instructions, they should NOT be left unsupervised around young children. Battlehounds are extremely protective, and make exceptional guard dogs. It is advised that trainers develop a command to designate a human as a friend, or otherwise out of bounds, otherwise they may not be welcomed back into the patrolled territory, regardless as to whether they are known to the animal or not. Due, again, to their intelligence, Battlehounds are capable of some surprisingly complex reasoning, and for this reason it is strongly encouraged to make their enclosures as interesting as feasible, as a bored, intelligent, and very large dog can make for a surprising amount of destruction in a very short time.
Well trained, well conditioned Battlehounds that have been brought up well will be responsive to instructions, diligent, fiercely loyal, patient, devoted and sometimes possessed of a surprising sense of humour.
Perhaps more than any other breed, good training is fundamental to avoid potentially lethal behavioural issues with Lyran Battlehounds.
Exercise
Unlike most large dogs, Battlehounds have a relatively fast metabolism, which lowers the required daily exercise, while simultaneously increasing the breed's food intake requirements. It is rare for a Battlehound to run to fat, and most are quite lean compared to their mastiff ancestors. It is worth noting, also, that while the physiological requirements for exercise may be lower, the greater levels of energy available may make the breed far more amenable to regular exercise, which is encouraged to promote a healthy, contented and well-balanced dog.
Health
Due to the very careful breeding program, and utilitarian nature of the selectivity, Battlehounds are far healthier, generally, than most other large canine breeds. The high metabolic rate results in more energy and greater food consumption per pound of dog than in most breeds, and it is not unusual for a Battlehound to require 4kg of meat per day. In most countries, human-grade meat is recommended, as pet-grade meat tends to contain dangerous levels of sulphur-based preservatives. Battlehounds, as a rule of thumb, have managed to avoid most afflictions common to large breeds, although hip dysplasia is relatively common, due to the German Shepherd and Great Dane ancestry. Typically dogs are x-rayed to verify the health of hips, in order to serve as a guideline as to whether the animals should be bred and are likely to have healthy pups.
Life expectancy for the Battlehounds is 11-14 years, although the longest-lived Battlehound on record was 17.
Armour
Each dog represents a considerable investment in time and resources, and as such there is a wide range of deployable equipment available for use by Battlehound detachments, much of which is also available for export.
Most commonly utilised is a standardised Battlehound-sized example of a canine ballistic vest. Based upon the Lyran 'Arachne' soft body armour, the vest is manufactured using semi-synthetic anciniform spider silk as the primary material. Once spun, the silk is woven into protective clothing in the same manner as clothing anywhere. The fibres mesh well, and fibrous internal friction is low while elasticity and tensile strength both remain very high, allowing for exceptionally good multi-shot resistance, particularly so when compared to other soft armours. The fibres, unusually, become proportionally stronger as they get thinner, and research and implementation (under the 'Dauntless' program) quickly established what spiders established millions of years ago, that weaving 100 thin fibres into a silken strand is almost 60% stronger than an equivalent width single strand, while utilising (approximately) 80% of the material mass. Also, critically, spider silk has a biphasic modulus – when initially subjected to force it is very stiff, like Kevlar, but just before the yield point it becomes very elastic, like Nylon. It also undergoes hysteresis, so if released from tension it comes back into shape. Upon the completion of the armour, various coatings are applied in the conventional sense, such as anti-UV protective coatings and Xylane waterproofing.
Spider silk is also, when compared to alternative ballistic-grade fibres, extremely comfortable, being smooth, lightweight and breathable. When the properties are simultaneously taken into account, some of the potential of the substance becomes readily apparent.
A fabric covering layer composed of multi-spectral disruptive pattern camouflage material is provided for a vest, and the colour will, of course, vary, depending on the anticipated terrain. These fabric covers utilise the same multi-spectral camouflage adaptations pioneered for use on the LDPCUs, and provides for dramatically reduced visibility when seen through 3rd or 4th generation night vision or thermal imaging equipment.
'Arachne' armour protection is rated IIIA, which protects against 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) at a reference velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets, with nominal masses of 15.6 g (240 gr) at a reference velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the full spectrum of lower powered threats.
Sensors and datalinking
Quickly apparent in training was the strong possibility that dogs might not be able to hear verbal commands in battle, or it may not be feasible or safe for a handler to give away his position by yelling out. Or, even more likely, in the course of its duties the dog may well exit the handler's line of sight. The Protectorate Research and Development Commission has, in recent years, taken a number of steps to rectify this situation, by design and production of a number of canine-specific articles of sensory and datalinking, designed to optimise combatant performance.
First amongst them was a handler headset, similar in concept to BALCOTH, dubbed 'Alpha Wolf'. Indeed, within Fedalan states, a software adjustment is all that is required to bring any BALCOTH up to speed for canine-handling purposes. 'Alpha Wolf', while not disabling any other extant BALCOTH functions (if applicable) datalinks to pinhead sensors which can be attached to a number of places on a headharness. Feeding the images collected through an IPU and image and pattern recognition software, before displaying it on adjustable, inset windows on an alternate screen provides for the dogs to function as an excellent reconaissance platform, utilising Cromwell II-type datalinks to generate targetting telemetry for the wider battleforce. Of course, given that the datalink is two way, there exists further potential for the system.
Variants of 'Alpha Wolf' which are usable on personal computers are also available for non-military paramilitary or law-enforcement situations, or simply for use by an enterprising and watchful family. The only difference is the format, with full functionality retained. Handler-side microphone and speakers are not included.
At a young age, microtransmitters are embedded in the cartilage of the dogs' middle ears. These microtransmitters are used to receive signals sent from 'Alpha Wolf' headsets. This allows a remotely located handler to continue to issue verbal instructions, and to do so without having to raise his voice, in response to images fed back to him (and other units) via the Cromwell II. Active noise cancellation, provided automatically, also tremendously lowers the animal's fear responses, if present, and amplifies the capabilities of the animal's hearing below a certain decibel level, enhancing acuity measurably. This provides Lyran Battlehounds with a flexibility unknown to most canine detachments, especially tactical warhound units.
The drawback is obvious, however. Training time for dog and handler, and resource input, is considerable, and each represents a notably more significant investment of resources than is generally the case with other breeds.
Export
Lyran Battlehounds represent an echelon of working dogs which has been absent from the battlespace for over four hundred years. They provide guard, security, patrol and reconaissance, at a fraction of the cost of equivalent human personnel. A single civilian night-patrol security guard may cost NS$50,000 per year, depending on the package he's on. That same cost could aquire four Battlehounds on site. Battlehounds will not go on strike, do not take annual leave, do not draw a salary, will not take rest breaks. They are alert, fast moving, intimidating and intelligent, and will never go looking for better employment conditions and dental plan. Once trained, each will give all it can give, all the time, in defence of what it percieves to be your interests.
Similarly, for diplomatic security or crowd-control/riot policing work, few animals can compare in effectiveness to a Battlehound. Australian experiences in Timor Leste have demonstrated the dramatic potential of military working dogs in dispersal of intransigent crowds, with a pair of German Shepherds clearing a fractious crow$d in minutes when levelled rifles, tear gas and Light Armoured Vehicles could not.
Of course, if you are simply seeking to acquire a unique family pet that will effectively deter all intruders up to (and possibly including) a SWAT team, the Battlehound may suit your needs. A well-conditioned Battlehound will be a relaxed, friendly and devoted companion, surprisingly good with children (once introduced, see Temperament, above) and very responsive. Worried about your child walking home from the bus stop? Send Rover the Battlehound to go and pick him up. Your children need never fear bullies again.
Training is very strongly recommended, although it is up to the purchaser whether they wish to acquire Lyran-trained animals, or train them themselves. Orders can be placed for special training, in any desired language, for as many dogs as desired. With each trained dog comes a booklet detailing the list of available commands. A draft copy of this booklet is mailed to the purchaser prior to completion of the dog's training, and requests for insertion of any specific commands into the training regime will be actioned, where reasonable.
If, however, you simply want to keep an area completely no-go, then less training is required, for obvious reasons. A pack of barely-tamed man-sized warhounds will deter all but the most determined (or most heavily armed and armoured) intruders.
The Lyran Governmental Trade Department takes all care to ensure the animals are as effective as possible, but wishes to emphasise the fact that the control and health of the animal are, post acceptance of delivery, the responsibility of the purchaser. Please specify number, gender and colouration when making an order, as well as whether training is desired, and the preferred age of the animals.
Puppies: NS$7,000
1 year old (trained): NS$7,000
Adult (untrained): Male: NS$5,000, Female: NS$8,000
Adult (trained): NS$10,000
Breeding certification (DPR for dogs): NS$10bn.
'Arachne' canine body armour: NS$700
Auditory implants: NS$500 per dog.
'Alpha Wolf' headset and software package: NS$25,000 (can handle up to eight dogs)
'Alpha Wolf' software package only: NS$15,000 (compatible with BALCOTH or analogues)
'Alpha Wolf' for PC, software package: NS$5,000
All queries and purchases can be lodged through the Lyran Arms (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541320) subsidiary of the Lyran Governmental Trade Department.