The Pernese, being basically utilitarian in nature, have no use for breeds of runnerbeast as we have for breeds of horses. Instead, Beastcrafters follow bloodlines and breed for function. If a runner fits a a certain function, it falls into one of several "types."

The three most basic types are hot-, cold-, and warmblood. If a runner fits no other type, it is one of these.

• Coldbloods are heavy animals build for strength and endurance. They have large, strong bodies with thick hair, large hooves, and calm temperaments. Coldbloods are used everywhere as draft animals, but adapt best to temperate climates.
• Hotbloods are quick, light-boned animals well suited to desert climates like Igen. They tend to have more oval bodies with finer hair, smaller heads with larger ears, and generous nostrils. They have longer legs and carry their tails high to facilitate heat loss. They are known for being high-spirited and quick-tempered.
• Warmbloods are technically any strain with both hot- and coldblooded ancestors. Warmbloods are the most common type and can be adapted to many climes and purposes.

• Cob – a handsome and mannerly warmblood suited for light farm work or riding. The cob is stout, athletic, and intelligent. Usually standing no taller than 15.1hh, a cob is big enough to carry an adult but small enough for beginning and elderly riders. The cob is gentle and well-balanced. [image 1] [image 2]
• Hack – warm- or hotblooded, the hack is a light, elegant animal suitable for riding. A hack should stand between 14.2 and 15.3hh, have excellent manners, be superbly-trained and obedient. [image 1] [image 2]
• Hardy – a small warmblood descended from original Earth stock and adapted to life on the Southern Continent without humans. The hardy stands between 10 and 12hh. It is tough, good-tempered, and willing, capable of hard work on poor keep. Treated well, it will reward its master richly. The hardy may be ridden, but is better used for fetch-and-carry work around any hold. [image 1] [image 2]
• Heavy Draft – any coldblood descended from the Shire horses brought from Earth. Heavy draft runners are gentle, noble giants, standing 16hh and taller. Their shoulders and hindquarters are sloping and muscular and their feet are rounded and very large. Their legs are commonly feathered. [image 1] [image 2]
• Hunter – a robust warmblood capable of carrying a rider two days out of seven without tiring. The hunter must have substance, stamina, excellent riding conformation, and strong, straight action with a powerful back and hindquarters. It must be comfortable to ride, courageous, obedient even in very exciting situations, and even-tempered. A hunter may be any size. [image 1] [image 2]
• Light Draft – any coldblood under 16hh. A light draft runner must be strong and well-constituted for hard work. [image 1] [image 2]
• Racer – a hotblood bred for speed and endurance over long-distance racetracks. A racer must be tough and elegant. Racers tend to have volatile temperaments, but they must have heart. They should be between 15hh and 16hh. [image 1] [image 2]
• Sprinter – a hotblood bred for great speed over short distance racetracks. Similar to the racer with the emphasis placed on a quick start. May be smaller than the racer. [image 1] [image 2]