They appear as large three-headed dogs with a gaunt, starved look, and attack Kratos either by leaping at him with their claws, or spitting fire from a distance. Carefully blocking or evading the Cerberus Mongrel's strikes, then countering and delivering powerful blows with Kratos' weapons will weaken and daze a Cerberus Mongrel, allowing Kratos to jump on top, and latch his blades around their left and right heads. Once this has been done, Kratos can then take control of the beast, having it strike and breathe fire at other surrounding enemies.