Types of Sindow

 The Standard


Standards were the first variety of Sindow and tend to be the most common, as they are a good 'do all' kind of Sindow. They make great pets as well as competitors. 

Average Height: 173 cm - 192 cm (5'7" - 6'3") (heights are measured at the shoulder, not the top of the head). 
Average Weight: 1,000- 2,000 Pounds
Average Length: 18-20 feet 
Diet: They are carnivorous, eating mainly beef and chicken as well as specialized kibble. There are also the occasional treats. 
Lifespan:20-25 human years
Litter Size: 1-6
Top Speed: 100+mph
Active Disciplines: Spring Racing, Endurance Racing, Steeplechase, Show Jumping, Barrel Racing, Halter, Reining, Dressage, Search and Rescue, Physical Therapy

Physical Characteristics: Standards are long, light, and slim. They are built for speed and can sprint at up to 90mph or more. They have excellent stamina as well and are very intelligent. Standards come in four different coat lengths. They are completely furred, except for the head and the hind legs below the knee. 

Behaviour: Each Sindow has their own personality. In general they are active creatures, needing lots of space to roam. They are more active during the day than the night. Some enjoy the company of other Sindows and others don't. To communicate, they make a variety of hisses, growls, purrs, snorts. The two most prevalent calls they make are a cheetah-like chirp, to call to one another, and a bark-like noise to challenge rivals and scare off newcomers. 

Caring for Young: The female generally cares for the young, called Cublings. Some males are very maternal, though and take great care in their offspring. The cublings are live born, their eyes and ears are open, and they are able to run mere hours after being born. They eat meat right from the start, it's normally regurgitated from the mother. If hand rearing it's chopped up and fed by hand.

Terms: 
Under 1 yr, both genders - Cubling
1 yr, both genders - Yearling
Under to one yr, female - Filly
Under to one yr, male - Colt
Over 1 year Male - Stallion/Sire
Over 1 year Female - Mare/Dam
Castrated Male - Gelding


The Variant 


Variants are slightly smaller and rarer than the standard Sindow. The reptilian back end wasn't as visibly pleasing to some people so it became rarer and people found out that they are rarer when breeding as the Variant genes are mostly recessive. 

Average Height: 155 cm - 167cm (5'5" to 5'10") (heights are measured at the shoulder, not the top of the head). 
Average Weight: 1,000-1,500 Pounds
Average Length: 18-20 feet (they are really long)
Diet: They are carnivorous, eating mainly beef and chicken as well as specialized kibble. There are also the occasional treats. 
Lifespan:20-25 human years
Litter Size: 1-6
Top Speed: 100+mph
Active Disciplines: Spring Racing, Endurance Racing, Steeplechase, Show Jumping, Barrel Racing, Halter, Reining, Dressage, Search and Rescue, Physical Therapy

Physical Characteristics: Variants are still long, light, and slim and were created to be different. The back end is completely reptilian, also meaning that all the reproductive organs are on the inside, like that of reptiles. There is no way to tell which is female and which is male from the outside. They come in two different coat lengths. 

*all other info is the same*



The Draft


The draft was added to the Sindow repertoire after some people wanted a heavier Sindow. One that could actually do work in their eyes. 

Average Height: 168cm - 207cm (5'11" - 6'8") (heights are measured at the shoulder, not the top of the head). 
Average Weight: 1,500-2,500 Pounds
Average Length: 12-15 feet 
Diet: They are carnivorous, eating mainly beef and chicken as well as specialized kibble. There are also the occasional treats. 
Lifespan:20-25 human years
Litter Size: 1-6
Top Speed: 70 - 80 Max (Not as fast as the variant and standard)
Active Disciplines: Pulling, Pleasure Driving, Dressage, Show Jumping, Halter, Search and Rescue, Physical Therapy

Physical Characteristics: Drafts, like draft horses, are stocky, broader, and shorter so they were more easily fit in carriages and plow equipment. They are built to be strong. Although they were not meant to be runners and jumpers, they are actually very nimble and can compete in lots of other disciplines. They share all the same coat lengths as standards and markings as well. 

*all the other information is the same*



The Oriental


Sindows are known for being big and really little, like the Avian. Some wanted a breed that was in-between. Developed in eastern countries, the Oriental is meant to be more of a designer breed and not a physical competitor. They are smaller and cannot be ridden. 

Average Height: 91cm - 121cm (3' - 4') (heights are measured at the shoulder, not the top of the head). 
Average Weight: 550-600 Pounds
Average Length: 12-16 feet 
Diet: They are omnivorous, eating mainly seafood and crustaceans. They do occasionally eat aquatic plants as well as fruits and nuts. 
Lifespan: 20-25 human years
Litter Size: 1-6
Top Speed: 60mph max running and swimming
Active Disciplines: Timed Diving, Depth Diving, Showing, Racing, Agility

Physical Characteristics: Orientals are completely different from their larger cousins. They are semi-aquatic, meaning they can live in and prefer to live near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. They cannot in water constantly and have to be able to completely dry off every once in a while. They behave much like otters. Orientals can dive for hours at a time. If owning an Oriental, it's best if their enclosures include a natural water source or a man-made pool for them. They like to forage for their food on their own and will not eat out of a bucket or a dish. Just throw fish or crustaceans into their pool and they will be completely happy. 

They have long tufted feelers used for finding their way in murky water as well as doubling as a lure for fish. They are typically more active at night and have very keen nighttime vision. 

Their noses tend to be slightly higher pitched and growls more raspy. They hiss more and really don't purr. Their chirps and barks are still the same, but like I said, at a slightly higher pitch.

Breeding: Oriental Sindows can be bred to normal Sindows, but it is typically done with artificial insemination, as the Oriental is so much smaller. Pregnancies are monitored closely, but normally gestation and birthing goes off without a hitch. 

*All other info is the same*



The Avian


History: Avian Sindows were created after the success of the Standard and Variant Sindow. The scientists wanted something different, though, so they decided to do away with the big cat and horse genes and replace them with house cat and bird genes. Subsequently, the Avian Sindow was born. 

Size: 23-25 cm (9-10in) in height (to shoulder), 50 cm (22.1 in) from tip of snout to end of body, and the tail 57cm (29.1 in). The wingspan is 53cm.

Weight: 4 to 5.5 kg (8.8 to 11.5 pounds) The wings and feathers weigh close to nothing, so they are about the same weight as your average house cat. 

Top Speed Running: 30mph
Top Speeds Flying: 100-200 mph max

Diet: Raw meat or specialized kibble, if let outside or kept in an outdoor enclosure, they will eat insects, small rodents, small reptiles, amphibians, and fish as well. Normal cat food won't kill them and sometimes it's cheaper to go that route.

Behavior/General Lifestyle: Avian's typically like the company of 2-4 other Avian's. When other Avian's aren't around, they get along with their bigger Sindow cousins. If kept for a show career, their wings are clipped or they are kept on tresses, much like that of a falcon. If kept as a pet, some people don't clip the wings and let the Avian come and go as it pleases, but they are not feral. They are typically mild mannered and tame, but each Avian has their own personality, so they can be little brats who listen to no one. 

Breeding: Avian's bear live young in litters of 1-6. To impress females, males will usually collect shiny objects to bring back to them. It can be as simple as tinfoil, to someone who wasn't paying attention and lost a hair clip or piece of jewelry. 

Terms:
Babies less than a year old are called kits.
Males over a year old are called Toms.
Females over a year old are called Queens.

Aging: 15 - 20 human years

Communication: Like birds Avian's can whistle and chirp, but they can't really carry a tune. They hiss, growl, and yowl as well, but they don't actually meow. They can make a sort of warbling noise in their throats and it can be kind of eerie.


The Draken


Average Height: 1' - 2' or 30 cm - 60cm (heights are measured at the shoulder, not the top of the head). 
Average Weight: 150 - 200 pounds
Average Length: 5.5 - 6 ft or 152 cm - 182cm
Diet: Omnivorous
Lifespan: 20-25 human years
Litter Size: 1-6
Top Speed: 40-50 mph

Physical Characteristics: Drakens are long, lean, and slim. They are completely furred over accept for the head. They have two horns sprouting from each side of their heads, which is a unique characteristic among Sindows. They have a very high endurance and are very quick. Most of the time, Draken's can be kept in the house, like dogs, but they do love to be outside, so an outdoor run or kennel is very appropriate. Their ears, unlike that of other Sindows, are not visible. There is a small hole between the horns that is the ear canal. 

Behaviour: Each Sindow has their own personality. In general they are active creatures. Just because Draken's are smaller, doesn't mean they are any less active. They need to have a daily regiment of physical activity or they can get quite destructive. Draken's are curious and mischievous and you will often find them shoplifting your underwear or socks if you don't put them away. They have very nimble little feets and can pry open draws, doors, turn handles, and probably unlock safes if they know the combination. (All Sindows have the ability to be taught how to count.) If left outside, they will find small animals to prey on, like cats do and like to leave their owners nice little surprises. However, if their behavior is not kept in check, Draken's can cause disastrous problems as they are not cat-sized. Small animals, like cats, dogs, chickens, and other small mammals such as sheep and goats are prey to them. Since they are omnivorous, watch your gardens too. 

Breeding: When born, the kits horns are nubs as not to hurt the mother during the birthing process. 

Terms:
Babies under a year old are called Kits.
Males over a year old are called Stags.
Females over a year old are called Does.

Caring for Young: Females are generally left with caring for the young. If the male is kept around or in the same house, then he will also care for the young. Stag Drakens are very caring and affectionate when it comes to their young. If the mother is disrupted or there is too much activity near the whelping box, the female may not care for her young and they will have to be hand reared. Doe Draken's have teats and kits will suckle for the first few weeks of their life before solid food can be introduced. (All other Sindow varieties simply regurgitate their food for their young, they don't suckle them). 

Communication: Like other Sindow varieties, Drakens make a variety of barks, chirps, growls, and whistles. They can also warble and make a 'chattering' noise, like a squirrel when agitated. No roaring or purring for these guys. 


The Gigan


Average Height: 8'-11' (heights are measured at the shoulder, not the top of the head). 
Average Weight: 2,000 - 3,000 lbs (hollow bones and air sacs make it lighter)
Average Length: 35-45 feet
Average Wingspan: 70-90 feet
Diet: Carnivorous
Lifespan: 30-35 human years
Litter Size: 1-6
Top Speed: 50-60 MPH (Land), 100-200 MPH (Air)

Physical Characteristics: Gigans are big, obviously. They have long, lean, well muscled bodies, like most Sindows. However, they have very large, vulture-like wings to keep them in the air. They have long snouts as well, that are great for fishing.

Behaviour: Each Sindow has their own personality. Some Gigan's are solitary, while others enjoy company. They are used to being on their own because most people only have room for one Gigan at their stable, but the other, smaller Sindows keep them company. Gigan's are fliers, enjoying rides on thermals and updrafts. If they can't fly, they become depressed and aggressive. Lots of space and special care is required to keep a Gigan.

Breeding: Gigan's have litters of 1-3. They have a courtship display much like that of Bald Eagles, just applied to an animal with four legs. Gigan's bear live young, despite the wings

Terms:
Babies under a year old are called Pups.
Males over a year old are called Bulls.
Females over a year old are called Does.

Caring for Young: Females are generally left with caring for the young. If the male is kept around or in the same area, then he will also care for the young. Bull Gigans are very caring and affectionate when it comes to their young. If the mother is disrupted or there is too much activity near the nesting area, the female may not care for her young and they will have to be hand reared. Doe Gigan's regurgitate their food for their young, who will eat solid food as soon as they are born.

Communication: They make a variety of growls, roars, and high keening screeches. They also communicate through song, much like that of whales.