Can Animal Companions gain class levels?

[Nathaniel Protter]

Hi there, I just created my first character, a Brawler with the wild child archetype, and I took the eye for talent trait, giving my companion a total of 4 Intelligence, which will soon be increased to 5 when we reach level 4.

So, my question is, can a high int animal companion such as this take a class level instead of a hit die of animal companion level? I think it would be really fun if he could transition to a monk or barbarian at level 8 or so

[dragonhunterq]

Nope, AC's follow the druid table. There are no exceptions that I'm aware of. And there are a lot of good reasons why it should stay that way, no matter how fun it might be :).

[Eridan]

With the 'Leadership' feat you can get a cohort with class levels. This can be a special animal (maybe an awakened animal, an ex-AC etc.) with class levels if your GM allows it. That is the only RAWish chance i see but it depends on your GM.

ACs and cohorts via leadership follow different rules. An AC never ever can be your AC and your cohort.