Find the Perfect Dog Follower for Your Skyrim Adventures

Discover how to recruit loyal canine companions as followers on your Skyrim adventures.

As you journey through Skyrim, companionship often comes in human form, but did you know you can also recruit faithful dogs as followers? This guide will unveil how to acquire a dog companion in Skyrim.

Within Skyrim, four dogs can join you as followers: Meeko, Vigilance, Stray Dog, and Barbas. While the latter involves an exploit, we’ll focus on the first three companions. Note that acquiring these dogs requires playing the Dawnguard DLC and owning a house.

How to Recruit Dog Meeko as a Follower

Meeko awaits around Meeko’s Shack in Hjaalmarch. Upon entering, you might find his deceased owner in the shack. If Meeko isn’t present, wait an hour for his arrival.

To recruit Meeko, interact with him. He’ll become your follower, growing in level alongside you, reaching a maximum of 250HP. After 3 hours or if instructed to return home, Meeko heads back to Meeko’s Shack.

How to Recruit Vigilance as a Follower

Vigilance resides at Markarth Stables under Banning’s ownership. Purchase Vigilance for 500 Gold from Banning. Bred as a battle dog for the Jarl, Vigilance boasts higher health and stamina than Meeko (500HP and 265 stamina).

Acquiring Vigilance makes him your follower. If left waiting too long or sent home, he returns to Banning, requiring another purchase.

How to Recruit Stray Dog as a Follower

Encounter Stray Dog randomly while exploring Skyrim—engaged in battle or wandering.

Engage with Stray Dog to recruit it as a follower. It remains with you until it perishes or you ask it to leave.

How to Recruit Barbas as a Follower

Barbas, a talking dog, is found outside Falkreath. Upon your visit, guards or Lod will ask for help to reunite Barbas with his master, leading to a brief quest.

Accompany Barbas to Haemar’s Shame and choose to retrieve the Rueful Axe from his master, Daedric prince Clavicus Vile. To retain Barbas as a follower, avoid progressing the quest further. As an essential NPC for a quest, Barbas becomes invincible, enhancing his combat effectiveness compared to the other dogs.

With these steps, you can add loyal canine companions to your Skyrim adventures, enhancing your journeys across the realm.