The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Guide | How to Find Richard the Dog

Here’s a guide on how to find Richard the dog in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Game Guide by Ragib Rawnak on Nov 13, 2026

During your first trip to Hyrule Castle Town in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, you probably spotted a white dog named Richard whose owner accused you of trying to steal him. If you return to town a bit later in the story, you will find out that Richard has gone missing.

Fortunately, tracking him down takes only a couple of minutes once you know what to look for. Here is how to find Richard and claim your reward in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Unlocking the Richard Side Quest

If Richard has not disappeared yet when you visit Hyrule Castle Town, you just need to push the main story forward slightly.

Complete the Princess of Hyrule Castle quest, then head over to Kakariko Village and hand Zelda's Letter to the guard at the Death Mountain gate. Doing this updates Hyrule Castle Town and triggers Richard's disappearance so you can start the search.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Unlocking the Richard Side Quest

Finding Richard in Hyrule Castle Town

You can only find Richard at night, so wait until sunset or play the Sun's Song on your Ocarina to skip straight to nighttime. Once the streets empty out and stray dogs start running around Hyrule Castle Town, start checking the white dogs.

There are not many white dogs in town, so you can easily check them all without wasting time. Approach a white dog and interact with it to see how it reacts.

Most dogs in town will stand briefly on their hind legs and let out a deep bark. Richard is the only white dog that spins around in a twirl and gives a high-pitched bark in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

While Richard often patrols the street on the left side of the Hyrule Castle Town map, his exact path can vary as he runs around. Just focus on the white dogs and watch for that signature spin.

Returning Richard to His Owner

As soon as you interact with Richard and he twirls, he will start following right behind you. Keep him close and walk over to the street leading toward the main entrance of Hyrule Castle Town, where his worried owner is waiting.

Talk to her with Richard at your heels. After taking a close look to make sure it is really him, she will thank you for bringing him home and hand over a Piece of Heart as your reward in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Finding Richard in Hyrule Castle Town

FAQ

Q. Why isn't Richard missing in Hyrule Castle Town yet?

A. The side quest does not trigger until you advance the main campaign past meeting Princess Zelda. Make sure you finish the Princess of Hyrule Castle quest and deliver Zelda's Letter to the gate guard in Kakariko Village before returning to town.

Q. Can I find Richard during the day?

A. No, stray dogs only roam the streets of Hyrule Castle Town after dark. If you arrive during the daytime, either wait for nightfall or play the Sun's Song to change the time immediately.

Q. How do I tell Richard apart from the other dogs?

A. Richard is a white dog, so you can ignore all the brown dogs in town. When you interact with him, he will spin in a circle and make a high-pitched bark, while every other dog stands on its hind legs and barks deeply.

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