Thanks Dann-O, I have done something like that to get the legs blending a bit better... can't remember exact method I did though (haven't been able to work on this for a while), and it's still needs plenty more work. I'm using Cinema 4D.

 

Detail-wise, I'd love to go all the way and produce something nice and realistic.

 

I'm currently waiting for the book recommended above to be delivered, which should help here, but also any general tips any has on creating realistic creatures would be great - I've got plenty more image concepts involving animals that I want to create!