| Wanshang Dhole | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Binomen | N/A | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Body type | Canine shapeshifter | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sentience | Sentient | ||
| Sapience | Semi-Sapient | ||
| Aggressivity | Extreme | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Place of origin | Asia | ||
| Diet | Carnivorous | ||
| Locomotion | Quadrupedal (in canine form) | ||
| Status | CE | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | The X-Files | ||
The Wanshang Dhole is a shapeshifting canine creature from Asia, whose natural form is that of a feral dog with glowing red eyes. A feature that sets it apart from other canids is its paws, which leave five-toed footprints, rather than four-toed ones. This fifth toe is equivalent to a normal canid's dewclaw; which some claim may have derived from a prehensile thumb in an evolutionary ancestor of the species.
In Chinese mythology, the Wanshang Dhole is a cunning trickster that can unlock doors and outsmart humans. These abilities have allowed some individuals of the species to survive long after they were believed to be extinct. Like a Lycanthrope, their bites can cause humans to become one of them. The infected victim will periodically turn into a Wanshang Dhole and lose control of their nature, causing them to go after those they consider a threat to their dominance and kill them by lacerating their throats. Additionally, they can shapeshift into different kinds of dogs, such as a St. Bernard, making it easy for them to deceive others. They may have a high resistance to injury, as one survived multiple gun shots, but they will be killed if impaled.
Appearances[]
- The X-Files, s06e16, "Alpha" (1999)