The blink dog is a classic summoned and monster companion in D&D 5e, prized for its mobility, reach, and reliable tactical features. This evergreen profile breaks down the official stat block, explains each trait and action, and shows how the creature fits into party tactics. Whether you are a player who can summon or borrow a blink dog or a DM looking to use it in an encounter, you will find practical, rules‑ready details here.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Context |
|---|---|---|
| Typical AC | 18 (natural armor) | Monster Manual |
| Hit Points | 52 (8d10 + 8) | Monster Manual |
| Speed | 40 ft., teleport 120 ft. | Monster Manual |
| Skills | Perception +4, Athletics +5 | Monster Manual |
| Senses | Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 | Monster Manual |
| Languages | Can read minds but cannot speak | Monster Manual |
| Challenge | 4 (1,100 XP) | Monster Manual |
Official 5e Blink Dog Stat Block
Creature Overview
Medium fey, chaotic good
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d10 + 8)
Speed 40 ft.
Ability Scores
Strength 16 (+3) — above average melee damage for its size
Dexterity 20 (+5) — excellent for AC and initiative
Constitution 12 (+1) — modest hit point scaling
Intelligence 6 (–2) — not mentally oriented
Wisdom 13 (+1) — passable perception
Charisma 11 (+1) — social presence is not its focus
Key Traits and Senses
Keen Hearing and Smell. Advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Magic Resistance. Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Teleport. As a bonus action, the blink dog can teleport up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. This ability is core to its hit‑and‑run identity.
Read Minds. The blink dog knows the thoughts of any creature within 30 feet that can speak a language, provided they are on the same plane. It cannot speak itself.
Actions
Multiattack
Two attacks: one Bite and one Dash action as part of the same Multiattack, enabling quick combative movement.
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage.
Dash
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage. On a hit, the blink dog can move up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.—
Behavior and Ecology
Blink dogs are hunting fey that favor open plains and borderlands. They are territorial pack animals with keen senses for prey and intruders. In the wild they work in loose units, driving quarry into traps or ambushes using their teleportation to appear in unexpected angles. They are not evil, but they are aggressive toward threats and intruders on their lands.
Using the Blink Dog in Combat
Core Tactics
- Hit‑and‑run: Use Teleport to close distance, attack with Bite, then Dash to safety.
- Flanking and positioning: With 40 ft. movement and a 120 ft. teleport, it can consistently threaten multiple enemy squares.
- Read Minds for intel: Before combat, use Read Minds to learn intentions of intelligent foes within range.
- Pack play: Multiple blink dogs can use coordinated teleportation to surround enemies or protect allies.
Action Economy Example
On its turn, a blink dog can Read Minds (bonus), teleport (bonus), use Multiattack (action), and still Dash as part of the Multiattack to move again. This flexibility makes it efficient at both control and damage in a single turn.
Blink Dog as a Companion or Familiar
While blink dogs are not familiars, they can serve as magical companions. A party might acquire one through planar travel, a fey bargain, or a summoned creature used strategically with Find Familiar or Conjure Animals. Their teleportation makes them excellent scouts, and their Magic Resistance helps them survive hostile spell environments. Compared to other summons, they offer unmatched positioning flexibility rather than raw durability.
Blink Dog in Different Contexts
For Players
If you have access to summon spells or effects that call a blink dog, use its teleportation proactively. Scout ahead, bypass melee guards, or reposition to protect fragile allies. Its Read Minds trait can reveal hidden motives in social scenes, provided you have line of effect and the targets speak a language.
For DMs
Use the stat block as written for encounters on the Material Plane where fey or planar travel is plausible. Adjust numbers only if you need to scale to party level; resistances and teleportation should remain consistent to preserve the intended identity. Consider environmental hazards that interact with teleportation (such as limited sightlines or magical zones that block teleport) to increase tactical depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a blink dog speak? No; it can read minds but has no voice.
- Does its teleportation provoke opportunity attacks? No; the teleport is a bonus action and does not provoke OA.
- Is a blink dog magical for overcoming resistance? Yes; its fey nature means it is magical for effects that require magical beasts or fey, and its Magic Resistance applies to spells targeting it.
- How does Darkness affect it? Darkvision 60 ft. means it sees normally in magical darkness up to that range.
- What is the best way to preserve its teleport in long fights? Use Teleport sparingly for repositioning; it does not recharge and is always available, so the main resource cost is its action economy.
Comparisons to Similar Creatures
Compared to a typical summoned wolf, the blink dog trades hit points for mobility and mental awareness. Compared to a sprite or pseudodragon, it offers stronger melee presence and a more reliable bonus action teleport than many Tiny companions. These traits make it especially strong in chokepoint-heavy or multi‑area dungeons where positioning matters.
Conclusion
The blink dog remains one of the most tactically interesting choices in D&D 5e. Its stat block is simple, but the combination of Teleport, Multiattack, Read Minds, and Magic Resistance creates a versatile tool for both players and DMs. Use this profile as a durable reference for encounters, summoning choices, and creative problem solving.