War Mastiff (CR 2)

Medium Animal
Alignment: Always neutral
Initiative: +1 (Dex); Senses: low-light vision, scent, Listen +5, and Spot +5


AC: 15 (+1 Dex, +4 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Hit Dice: 3d8+9 (22 hp)
Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +1
Speed: 40 ft.
Space: 5 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +2; Grapple +5
Attack: Bite +5 melee
Full Attack: Bite +5 melee
Damage: Bite 1d6+4
Special Attacks/Actions: Trip
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Special Qualities:
Feats: Alertness; Endurance; Track
Skills: Jump +11, Listen +5, Spot +5, Survival +2*, and Swim +4
Advancement: -
Climate/Terrain: Temperate plains
Organization: Domesticated
Treasure/Possessions: None

Source: Heroes of Battle

Trip (Ex): A war mastiff that hits with a bite attack can attempt to trip the opponent (+3 check modifier) as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking attacks of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot react to trip the war mastiff.

Skills: War mastiffs have a +4 racial bonus on Jump checks.

*War mastiffs have a +4 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent.

Carrying Capacity: A light load for a war mastiff is up to 130 pounds; a medium load, 131-260 pounds; and a heavy load, 261-390 pounds. A war mastiff can drag 1,950 pounds.

War mastiffs serve small humanoids as a cavalry beast comparable to the heavy warhorse. Specifically bred and trained as war mounts, these massive dogs are hearty and vicious in battle. Although they are unable to gallop like a horse, they do not spook in battle, have great endurance, and can track enemies for miles.

An average war mastiff stands about 3 feet tall at the shoulder, measures 5 feet long from nose to tail, and weighs 200 pounds.

War mastiffs are very protective of their riders. They will bite and attempt to trip enemies when attacked or when their master is threatened.