Better Dogs Resource Pack Wiki

Better Dogs is a highly detailed resource pack created by Mrblueyeti that completely overhauls the appearance of wolves in Minecraft. Rather than simple re-textures, the pack utilizes Custom Entity Models (CEM) to provide unique 3D shapes for different breeds, ranging from the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Great Dane.

The pack features over 41 distinct dog breeds and more than 130 texture variations, ensuring that every tamed companion feels unique. It also includes custom animations for sitting, walking, and idling, making the dogs behave more like their real-life counterparts. While primarily a cosmetic overhaul, it adds a layer of immersion for players who want their in-game pets to reflect real-world canine diversity.

Because this pack uses custom 3D models and randomized textures, it is not a standard resource pack and requires specific mods to function correctly.

Mandatory Requirements

To see the custom models and breeds, you must use one of the following setups:

• OptiFine (Forge/Standalone): Ensure that Custom Entity Models and Random Entities are enabled in the Video Settings (Quality) menu.
• Entity Model Features (EMF) + Entity Texture Features (ETF): The recommended alternative for Fabric or Sodium users.
• CEM + Puzzle (Fabric): An older alternative for specific version compatibility.

Installation Steps

1. Download the Better Dogs Resource Pack zip file.
2. Place the file into your .minecraft/resourcepacks folder.
3. In-game, navigate to Options > Resource Packs and move Better Dogs to the top of the active list.
4. If models do not appear immediately, press F3 + T to reload textures.

Upon taming a wild wolf, it will automatically transform into a random dog breed. If you wish to obtain a specific breed, you can use a Name Tag renamed in an Anvil with one of the supported names listed below.

Beyond standard breeds, the pack includes several 'Easter Egg' and mythical variants that can be obtained through specific names or environmental conditions.

• Cerberus: A terrifying three-headed hound. Named by using the tag 'Cerberus'.
• Skeleton Dog (Grimm): A skeletal remains of a dog, perfect for undead-themed bases. Named using 'Skeleton' or 'Grimm'.
• Wither Skeleton Dog: A charred, black skeletal dog. Named using 'Wither'.
• Astronaut Corgi: A Corgi wearing a space helmet that actually floats off the ground.
  • How to obtain: Tame or breed a wolf at Y-level 250 or higher, or use the name tag 'Astronaut'.
• Snood: A special accessory variant where the dog wears a head-sleeve. The color of the snood can be changed using Dyes just like a standard collar.

Taming and Breeding

When a wolf is tamed, its model and texture are randomized. Breeding two dogs will result in a puppy that randomly selects a breed from its parents or a new random breed, depending on the pack version. All breeds have unique 'baby' models that scale correctly.

Custom Name Tag Support

Advanced users can add their own custom names to trigger specific breeds by editing the pack files:

1. Open the Better Dogs .zip file.
2. Navigate to assets/minecraft/optifine/mob/wolf.
3. Open wolf_tame.properties with a text editor.
4. Locate the breed you want (e.g., golden_retriever).
5. Add your custom name to the name.X line (e.g., name.5=ipattern:Buddy).
6. Save the file and reload the pack in-game (F3 + T).

Dyeable Collars

Most breeds support the vanilla collar dyeing mechanic. Simply right-click a tamed dog with any dye to change its collar color. For the 'Snood' variant, this dye will change the color of the headwear instead.

The pack is designed with performance in mind. Despite the high number of models, it uses a 16x16 resolution to maintain a 'Vanilla+' aesthetic and ensure compatibility with lower-end PCs.

Note on Wolf Armor: In versions 1.20.5 and above, wolf armor is displayed as a floating heart icon above the dog's body. This is a universal solution to prevent the need for 40+ individual armor models, which would significantly impact game performance.