Vargr reactions to being called ‘dog’ in any context will vary across the Vargr ethnicities from Aekhu to Suedzuk. Being called a ‘wolf’ when the the vast majority of Vargr have seen neither a dog or a wolf is little better. This is an interstellar species that never evolved beside canines on their homeworld of Lair. Thus, one has to put themselves in the shoes of the Vargr who is then compared to an animal they’ve never seen, seen image-captures or read zoology reports on the species they resemble. Next is to ask if the Vargr being called ‘dog’ or ‘wolf’ is familiar with and/or accepts the Solomani Hypothesis or not. Finally, consider the time-frame in which Vargr may have yet to visit Terra System to have a look at dogs and/or wolves to decide for themselves if the Ancients knew what they were doing Chosing to uplift the Vargr.
Opinions will vary widely depending on the listener and the speaker. Are the terms being used in a positive context or as pejorative? Will an Irilitok say, “Okay, you got me there. I’m just another ‘cutesy-pie’ Vargr dog that Humaniti is responsible for breeding to be servile pets and slaves during the Long Night. Nice of you.” Will a hard-boiled Suedzuk bare fangs and demand an instant apology or expect a Charisma duel even though the speaker may or may not be Human? Can we expect a huge Urzaeng to simply say nothing and throw down on the speaker, even if they are a towering Aslan or Virushii? Have the integrated Aekhu of the Imperium just integrated, or have they been in Deneb Sector for some time and become inured to the terms? Does the speaker even know what a ‘dog’ or a ‘wolf’ is, or are they using the words ignorantly second-hand since they have only heard them used before by others?
Ask your Vargr aboard your ship if he has ever called Humans monkeys, apes, flat-faces, tail-less bastards, crystal ego, or other racist term. Has that Vargr ever compared an Aslan to a cat? Does he or she even know what a cat is aside from a Ship’s Cat, (look it up)? You will find a spectrum of answers and reactions.
“Why do you Humans call it a hotdog?”
The variables in the speaker’s intent and the reactions of the listener will be wide and colorful to add vibrant interactions between the Vargr and the speaker. If you feel safe enough to call a fanged, clawed, canine Ancients uplift a racial slur, are you ready to have one fired back at you?
Just some things to consider while my Vargr files his claws just before Claw Art class at the dojo.