Dorsal Dragons are so named because they have large fins along their backs that can be raised and lowered at will. They use these fins to regulate body temperature; they raise them to cool off when they become overheated. The bright colors on the fins double as a means of attracting mates.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Spike, for some reason, loves to watch winged dragons fly. Maybe it's because he wishes he was a better flier and could join them without being laughed at, but who knows. He is happy when he is with his mate and his three sons though one has moved away. When he sits at his special spot, just below where the dragons fly he looks very sad and lonesome. His mate only wishes he could always be happy.