Old School RuneScape players can finally adopt dogs. More than 13 years after the MMO launched, Jagex has introduced the long-requested pets through a new members-only quest called A Ruff Situation.
The update gives players several dog breeds to collect, raise, and keep inside their Player-Owned Houses. Better yet, the community overwhelmingly approved the addition before it entered the game.
A Ruff Situation Introduces Dogs to OSRS
Players looking to get their first dog will need to complete A Ruff Situation, a new members-only quest centered around a dog shelter.
The adventure begins north of Falador, near Ice Mountain. Players can start the quest by speaking with Talia and Chase at the newly added shelter.
Fortunately, the requirements are relatively accessible. Players only need 15 Crafting, meaning even newer members should be able to get involved without spending hours grinding skills beforehand.
Completing the quest opens the door to adopting puppies and adding a completely new type of companion to Old School RuneScape.
Puppies Can Grow Into Adult Dogs
Dogs have their own growth mechanics rather than simply functioning as another cosmetic follower.
Players can feed their puppies to help them grow into adult dogs. However, anyone who wants to keep their companion permanently small can simply avoid feeding it.
Unlike cats, dogs will not run away when they aren’t fed. This means players aren’t punished for deliberately keeping their favorite dog as a puppy.
Growing a dog does provide an additional benefit, though.
Adult dogs can help players dig during certain Treasure Trail steps, giving them at least some practical functionality beyond following their owner around Gielinor.
12 Dog Breeds Are Available
Jagex hasn’t limited players to a single generic dog either. The update introduces 12 different breeds, providing plenty of options for players searching for their perfect companion.
The available breeds are:
- Bernese
- Chihuahua
- Collie
- Corgi
- Greyhound
- Husky
- Labrador
- Pug
- Samoyed
- Spaniel
- Shiba
- Yorkie
Collectors can also build themselves a considerably larger canine family.
Players can keep up to 12 dogs inside a Player-Owned House Menagerie, potentially allowing them to collect every available breed rather than having to settle for just one favorite.
OSRS Players Overwhelmingly Wanted Dogs
As with many major Old School RuneScape additions, dogs didn’t simply appear because Jagex decided to add them.
The community got to vote first.
Both A Ruff Situation and the introduction of dog pets were included in an August 2026 poll. The quest received 89.5% approval, while dogs themselves secured 88.4% approval.
Both comfortably cleared the 70% approval threshold required for proposed updates to pass.
The results also demonstrate why polling remains such an important part of Old School RuneScape’s development. Players aren’t guaranteed to approve everything presented to them. In the same poll, for example, a proposed Bronzeman mode failed to receive enough support.
A Small Addition That Took 13 Years
Dogs might not radically transform Old School RuneScape’s combat, economy, or endgame, but they fill a surprisingly obvious gap that has existed since the game’s launch in 2013.
Cats have been an iconic part of RuneScape for decades, while man’s best friend has been noticeably absent as an equivalent domestic companion.
That has finally changed.
With 12 breeds, puppy growth mechanics, Player-Owned House support, and even some Treasure Trail usefulness, Jagex has turned what could have been a simple cosmetic addition into another collectible system for players to enjoy.
After 13 years, Old School RuneScape has finally gone to the dogs — and nearly 90% of its voting community wanted exactly that.
