Core hounds are the vicious but faithful servants of Ragnaros and his minions. The beasts have the appearance of massive bulldogs with two heads, each equipped with a mouth filled with rows of flaming teeth. Their bodies are covered with armored hide and studded with bony spikes. A streak of flames runs down their spines from head to stubby tail. The oldest and most powerful of the core hounds is Magmadar, the alpha male and sire of the entire current pack.
Core hounds use simple tactics, attacking the most obviously threatening target first. They will typically attempt an improved grab or bull rush to push their target into nearby lava. A core hound with flaming breath takes hold of a victim before using its flaming breath, thus preventing the victim from escaping the effect. Core hounds grow and gain power throughout their lives.MG 17-18
Though hunters can respec their pet core hounds into Cunning or Tenacity, they are inherently Ferocity. In addition to the abilities that come standard with all pets ([Cower], [Growl], [Avoidance]) and those given to their natural or retrained specialization, all core hounds are given the following: