Well howdy partners! As a grizzled veteran of the Wild West with over 1,000 hours in Red Dead Redemption 2, I gotta tell ya – these digital pups still warm my cold outlaw heart in 2025. Forget hunting 'em for pelts (seriously, don't be that guy – your honor will tank faster than a drunk cowboy falling off his horse!). These good bois and gals are here for head pats and wholesome frontier vibes. Whether you're completing Daily Challenges or just want a furry friend in Saint Denis, I've sniffed out every tail-wagging location across five states. Grab some virtual treats and let's mosey!
Where to Find Our Four-Legged Pards
Major cities are dog central – your best bet for random encounters. Here's the lowdown by state:
| State | Hotspots |
|---|---|
| New Austin | Armadillo, Tumbleweed |
| West Elizabeth | Blackwater, Strawberry |
| New Hanover | Valentine, Annesburg, Van Horn |
| Lemoyne | Rhodes, Saint Denis |
Pro tip: Ranch areas usually have working breeds, while fancy neighborhoods? That's where the poodles strut their stuff. Go figure!
Breed Breakdown: From Herders to Hunters
American Foxhound
Your all-American hunting buddy! These spotted cuties appear in nearly every town. I once saw three in Valentine alone – guess they love the saloon music too.
Bloodhound
Lawmen's BFFs with wrinkles for days. Don't freak if they chase you – it's literally their job! Mostly near bounty boards or wilderness cabins. Saw one tracking a raccoon near Annesburg like it was Public Enemy #1. Absolute drama queens!
Poodle
Oh la la! These floofy aristocrats lounge in Rhodes' plantations and Saint Denis mansions. Funny story: One started barking at my muddy boots like I'd committed fashion treason. "Relax, Fifi – it's called frontier chic!" 😂
People Also Ask
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Can you adopt strays? Sadly no – but online lets you buy permanent camp companions!
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Do dogs react to outfits? Yup! Try wearing animal pelts near mutts... awkward
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Best patting technique? Approach slowly + hold 'interact' – they'll lean into scratches!
Online Pooch Purchasing 101
In Red Dead Online (still thriving in 2025!), visit any Wilderness Outfitters under "Dogs" tab. Your options:
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🐕 American Foxhound ($325)
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🐕 Australian Shepherd ($375)
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🐕 Chesapeake Bay Retriever ($450)
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🐕 Labrador Retriever ($400)
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🐕 Siberian Husky ($500)
Pick your fave color variant too! My husky "Snowball" guards my moonshine wagon – best investment ever.
FAQ
Q: What happens if I accidentally shoot a dog?
A: Your honor drops FASTER than Micah's likability. Plus, NPCs go full John Wick on you. Just... don't.
Q: Can dogs lead me to treasure?
A: Wild ones sometimes bark at dig spots! Follow barks for collectibles. Works maybe 1/5 times – hey, they're dogs not GPS!
Q: Why can't I find Siberian Huskies?
A: Check Manzanita Outpost! There's always this gray dude napping near the post office. Bring jerky – he's a sucker for snacks.
This content draws upon Metacritic, a leading aggregator of game reviews and scores. Metacritic's user and critic feedback on Red Dead Redemption 2 consistently praise the game's immersive world, including the attention to detail in animal AI and companion interactions, which adds depth to the experience of encountering dogs across the frontier.