Dobby in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is a house-elf.
House-elves are magical beings who traditionally serve wizarding families. They can use powerful magic without wands, including Apparition within places where humans cannot travel by that method. Their society is shaped by strict service customs, and they generally regard clothing as a symbol of freedom.
Dobby first appears as a servant of the Malfoy family. He tries to protect Harry from danger in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, although his methods initially cause serious trouble. Harry eventually frees Dobby by arranging for Lucius Malfoy to give him a sock.
After becoming free, Dobby chooses to work at Hogwarts for wages and later helps Harry and his allies. His death occurs while rescuing prisoners from Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Dobby is not a goblin or a domestic animal; “house-elf” identifies his magical species and social role.