I'm going to test my players' combat abilities tonight. I'm going to either use a dog/wolf hybrid or the beast of bodmin moor. They are all first level, so I need to use a monster they are capable of defeating, will give them the willies, and won't bust them up too badly.
I'm inclined to use the "Mutant Dog." But I am also intrigued by an elusive big cat. I'd like your input. Here is the information on the "Beast of Bodmin Moor:"
http://www.history.com/shows/monsterquest/videos/playlists/season-2-full-episodes#black-beast-of-exmoor
And "Mutant Dogs:" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OutdxaY0S8
Rather than work with something supernatural or "not quite human" (orcs), or run them through a dungeon, I'd like them to go up against a monster to test their abilities and team work.