These were coloured digitally but DRAWN TRADITIONALLY, so har. I'm more proud of the linework than the colours anyway - they're only coloured as tests anyway.

so I realise that I've been creating some big-dog characters for Toy but never shared them with anybody, so here we are! These guys have been in my head for some time, and they're pretty much solidified by now though it'll probably take getting the story started for them to really develop proper.

everyone already knows or should know Fred and George by now (if you don't, then Fred -> meanie Labrador and George -> sporty poodleboy), so let me introduce you to everyone else...

Maisie (blue merle collie lady)
Maisie is of show stock but was raised a working collie, loving the thrill of being out in the fields more than trotting about a show ring - and her owners, seeing how happy it made her, complied with her wishes. She's currently retired for the most part and lives next door to one of her sons, Gilbert, a Champion show dog.

Gilbert (sable collie chap)
The aforementioned son of Maisie, Gil knows he's gorgeous and it shows. He enjoys striking poses so that the breeze lifts the fur on his ruff and his profile catches the light just right. Attempts to introduce him to sheep were soon given up as he invariably fled screaming if any of the creatures approached him. Though a bit of a pansy and uninterested in new experiences, Gil shines in the showring and is rather popular with the ladies. Maisie is not particularly proud of him.

Griff (rugged-looking German Shepherd fellow)
A retired police dog with an impressive record, adopted by one of the officers after his career ended. He sired a litter of puppies, one of whom - Max - was also adopted by his family. He and Maisie are good friends and often chat companionably over each others' fences about work, and their sons.

Max (young German Shepherd dude)
Max is Griff's son and in training to be a police dog. He worships his father and aspires to be just like him when he is older - though his young-dog's rash, headstrong nature might get in the way of that.

Snowball (happyass Siberian Husky gal)
Snowball likes chewing things and running about. Her greatest dream in life is to transcend her domestic status and become a wolf, so she can chew things and run about in the woods. Besides, she believes this to be her true calling.

Pal (blue-fawn pit guy)
Pal was rescued from a dog fighting ring and adopted at a fairly young age. He's since settled into his new loving home very well, becoming a sweet-natured and gentle dog, all but forgetting what he was trained to do back in the rings. Though of course, this is not enough for some people to believe...
(and yes, he was named after the original Lassie :3 just because.)

all these were drawn without refs. I've been lazy. if anyone who knows a great deal about any of these breeds wants to call me out on anything I missed or you think I got wrong, please feel free to, I'd appreciate it (though keep in mind, I'm not going for complete realism here)!

All characters © Shelley L./*swiftwhippet