I started the quest "A Daedra’s Best Friend" and found a dog names Barabs to be my temporary companion while I worked through the quest. As many of you experience, you don't always plow through one quest from beginning to end. To the note, I had Barbas with me for dozens of quests. Smartest move I have made in Skyrim. Let me tell you why....

First and foremost Barbas CANNOT DIE! (Now maybe this is a glitch?) but I am ok with it. Barbas is the best ally in the game. Not only is he unable to die but he draws the attention of most the enemies I come across. Even Dragons focus on him and I am left to mess that dragon up with ease. His ability to draw attention in a fight is especially valuable in tight spaces like dungeons.

The only downside is the barking. Barbas barks all the %*$*^*# Time. That tends to be really annoying. If you can put up with it, fighting will be much easier with him at your side.

Last thing is to be sure not to actually finish the quest. Without giving anything away, lets just say that by finishing this quest you are forced to make some tough choices.

He's an essential NPC >_< Bethesda and most RPG companies are in a lot of dilemma about what they can do with NPC's...

As mentioned, he is an essential NPC and so cannot die. Bethesda were most likely very aware that you could avoid completing the quest and thus have a powerful companion with you. So, I bet they put in the incessant barking (and nudging) to annoy the player and 'encourage' them to get rid of Barbas. Otherwise, the player can (as you have done) keep him with you all the time which makes the game quite easy, because he is such a 'bullet magnet', and yet, immortal.

The nudging is the worst part! I do agree that was probably done very much on purpose. Doing that quest right now, and even having him temporairly is getting on my nerves for that reason alone. Oh yeah, that and he kills things really fast robbing me of my experience

All the dogs in the game spend their time barking for no reason, so at least Barbas being immortal is more useful (when he doesn't push you off of a cliff...). At least, you don't have to spend you time trying to avoid your dog getting killed.

You can take advantage of the exploit, but then you might as well just use a god-mode cheat code or something. To me, it takes the fun out of the game. Best to not abuse it.
Of course, if you want an immortal companion, go for it.

Good point. For me I was still at a lower level, which allowed me to take on tough opponents that I otherwise would have had no chance at killing. Now that my character is at a high level Barbas is less of an advantage.

"Is Barbas the Dog immortal or is it a glitch?"

The GAME is a glitch, the dog really is immortal, honestly.

Different thread titles, identical opening post. One topic is enough http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1339015-a-dovahkiins-best-friend-barbas/