Dogmeat (Fallout 4)



Dogmeat is a German Shepherd dog living in the Commonwealth in 2287. He will be named dog until the player character speaks to Mama Murphy about his true name during When Freedom Calls, or until Nick Valentine reveals his name during Getting a Clue.

Background
A typical Commonwealth mutt, Dogmeat is capable of tracking a man's scent for miles. While he doesn't have a real owner, he is a faithful and loyal companion to those he accompanies.

During the time that the Sole Survivor was cryogenically frozen in Vault 111, Dogmeat assisted Nick Valentine on a number of cases, and also accompanied Preston Garvey and his group of settlers on their way to Concord. When the group was ambushed by raiders, Preston sent Dogmeat to search for help in nearby Sanctuary Hills, patiently waiting at the Red Rocket truck stop for someone to come along and lend a hand.

When the Survivor arrives, they can choose to adopt Dogmeat, who will accompany them on their travels throughout the Commonwealth. Dogmeat's remarkable senses and tracking abilities come into good use when the Survivor searches for Kellogg.

Other interactions
When first encountered at Red Rocket truck stop, an objective entitled "Greet the dog" will appear in the "Miscellaneous" section of the "Quests" tab in the player character's pip-boy. The objective is completed when the player character first initiates a 'conversation' with Dogmeat.

Like every companion character, the Sole Survivor can command Dogmeat to do certain tasks, such as commanding him to go to a certain location of the Sole Survivor's choosing or fetching an item for the player character. Dogmeat can also be asked to do the "bunny" trick.

Equipment
Dogmeat can be equipped with a variety of cosmetic items.

Effects of player's actions

 * Dogmeat is found at a Red Rocket truck stop southeast of Sanctuary Hills and can be recruited as a companion.
 * If Dogmeat isn't already the Sole Survivor's companion, he will be called by Nick Valentine with a whistle during the quest Getting a Clue.
 * By reading the Astoundingly Awesome Tales, the Sole Survivor can boost Dogmeat with perks, which reduce damage dealt to him.

Range of interests
Dogmeat loves the Sole Survivor unconditionally, and thus is neither negatively nor positively influenced by their actions. As of the base game, he is the only companion, aside from temporary followers during quests, who is considered to be truly neutral.

Appearances
This Dogmeat appears only in Fallout 4.

Behind the scenes

 * Dogmeat's name is undoubtedly an homage to previous Fallout titles, although there is no evidence to suggest that he is in any way related to any of the dogs from those titles.
 * Dogmeat is modeled after River, a female German Shepherd, owned by Michelle Burgess who is the wife of Joel Burgess, Senior Designer at Bethesda Softworks.
 * There is strong evidence within the game and its programming that the Sole Survivor was originally going to be able to have a full-fledged companion (such as Nick Valentine) as well as Dogmeat as a companion simultaneously, for a total of 2 companions. The reason why this was scrapped in development is unknown.