Canid

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An Astra Militarum Canid with a Servo-Skull[1]

Canids are a type of war-beast used by the Imperium in the 41st Millennium.[1] Their genetics date back to domesticated ancestors from ancient Terra.[8]

Overview

Many ancient Terran species still survive on planets settled during the Age of Technology. Canids are a domesticated species from the past that continue to serve as excellent guardians and loyal companions.[8] Some Rogue Traders are known to make use of Canids, due to appreciating the species' combination of loyalty and aggression.[2]

According to ancient historical manuals, the species were superb for morale and had a wide variety of combat uses. This is still true[1] and the Imperium has countless strains of Canids that are bred or vat-grown to fulfill hunting, attack or intimidation roles.[2] Extensive testing has also shown that they thrive on discipline and constant exertion, such as walking, which they enjoy, and retrieving thrown objects, which they rarely tire of doing. Canids also do not respond well to threats of violence, insults to their honour or accusations of heresy. Experiments have shown that they are best dealt with through firm encouragement instead.[1]

Canids are known to mark their territory with their urine.[9] Scavenger canids are known to approach apex predators with wariness and caution.[10]

Canids and the Militarum

Canids' ranking within the Astra Militarum[1]

Canids also serve in the Astra Militarum; they began doing so after the species passed extensive testing and regulatory processes which lasted for five hundred years.[1] Their use also extends to the Militarum Auxilla.[4]

Guardsmen are told that, unlike Abhumans, Canids are worthy of their respect. This is due to the species not crudely satirising the Human form with their appearance, expressing pure, unthinking loyalty when following commands and that Canids are fully aware of their inferiority to Mankind. However, in order to prevent Privates from feeling unduly superior to the species, all Canids within the Astra Militarum hold the rank of officer. It is therefore prohibited to strike Canids, presume to give them commands, refuse to follow them into combat or disobey an order given by one. However, should a Guardsman hear a Canid give a verbal order, then they are to self-report for psychological evaluation, after they have completed the order.[1]

As mentioned, Canids thrive on discipline and constant exertion, so Guardsmen must ensure the species are involved in their Regiments' drills. Canids also respond to firm encouragement, so the Militarum's usual strictures on providing unwarranted praise to comrades has been lifted for them. Testing has shown the following phrases have been highly effective for Guardsmen to use with the species:[1]

"Adequate performance, soldier."[1]
"Who is an effective combat beast? Is it you? The question is rhetorical. It is you."[1]
"Prostrate yourself before the Emperor, and I shall rub your abdomen in reward for your humility."[1]

Known Canid Types

Named Canids

Images

Trivia

TriviaScrollTrans.png

The following information is not to be regarded as officially sanctioned and/ or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

In the real world, the term Canid refers to a member of the Canidae family. The only extant subfamily of the Canids are the Canidae (members being called Canines). These terms are derived from canis, the Latin world for dog.

Dogs and Canids

While real world lore is reaffirmed regarding Canids and Caniforms, some argue there isn't explicit enough evidence from in-universe materiel to confirm that the 40k universe's Caniforms, Canids, Canines, and Dogs aren't categorized the same as their respective real-world counterparts. As such, the articles are separate for the time being until a suitable source arises.

Cyber-Mastiffs are sometimes referred to as Dogs and Caniforms are possibly a type of canid relative or a type of canid-like creatures.[11b] Some caniforms are specially bred so that their entrails might be used in the rituals of various bespoke Adeptus Arbites oracle machines in attempts to scry crimes before they occur.[11a]

The terms "Dog Tags"[12] and "Canid Tags" are both used interchangeably for Astra Militarum Service Identity Tags.[13]

See also

Sources

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