I would recommend Wolves, wolves rock! Think of the name Adolf, it's german - the combination of Adel and Ulf, which is Noble and Wolf. That's the way to go, and wolven paladins are probably not overdone. Although wolves+warriors is done all the time. Also, bears are cool. But more connected to strength and power.

"That surface that tells the Heavens it hath an end, cannot persuade me I have any."