Dog Inspired Pokemon Characters That You Should Be Familiar With

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Jesus Cruz, Lifelong Pokémon Fan

It all started in 2010 when Jesus was 10 years old. His dad gifted him a Nintendo DS and let him choose a game for it. A weird, enormous, and grey serpent caught my attention on the box art for Pokémon Platinum, and since that moment he's been hooked! He can only thank his 10 years old self for choosing the game that he loves the most in the series

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Dogs have always been a part of human life. Dogs are loyal, friendly and can be our best friends. Knowing that, it is evident that dogs would get some Pokémon inspired by them. Either a Fire-type, a Fairy-type, or a Rock-type, these Pokémon act precisely like a dog: they will be with you and defend you when you need it.

There are many of them because humans pretty much love dogs; you can even build a whole team with them! Let’s check them out! This list will be in the same order as the national pokédex, and we are going to show you where you can find them in every game.

We have to say that, even though they have “Legendary Dogs” as their name, Entei, Raikou and Suicune are based on a lion, a tiger, and a leopard, respectively. We are also only adding Pokémon based on dogs, which means that foxes like Vulpix, Nickit, and Zorua and hyenas like Poochyena didn’t make it into the list; we will merely talk only about Pokémon inspired by dogs.

#058 and #059: Growlithe and Arcanine

Growlithe, the puppy Pokémon, and Arcanine, the legendary Pokémon, are Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 1. Growlithe can evolve into Arcanine after getting exposed to a Fire Stone. Growlithe and Arcanine are based on the Shisa, some dog-like creatures from the Japanese culture that protected the places from evilness. These two are a combination of a dog and a lion; that’s why Arcanine also looks feline.

Arcanine is pretty essential in the Anime series since it is considered a legendary Pokémon. In the same way, Growlithe is one of the Pokémon with the most appearances in the anime series and multimedia in general, primarily because of its nice look.

Growlithe’s name is the combination of growl and lithe, and Arcanine’s name comes from the combination of arcane and canine. You can find Growlithe and Arcanine in the following places (side note, in most of these games, Arcanine can only be found by evolving Growlithe):

• Gen 1: In the American versions of the game, Growlithe and Arcanine are exclusive in Red (Growlithe in Routes 7 and 8 and in the Pokémon Mansion) and don’t appear in Blue. But in the Japanese versions of the game, Both Growlithe and Arcanine appear in Red and Blue. Also, in Yellow, you can find Growlithe in the Pokémon Mansion.
• Gen 2: Growlithe only appears in Gold (Routes 7, 8, 36, and 37).
• Gen 3: Growlithe can’t be found in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, but can be found in LeafGreen and FireRed in Routes 7 and 8 and in the Pokémon Mansion.
• Gen 4: If you have unlocked the National Pokédex, you can insert a FireRed cartridge in your Nintendo DS while playing Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. There, you can find Growlithe in Routes 201 and 202. Also, you can find a wild Growlithe only in HeartGold, in Routes 7, 8, 36, 37, and 48. If you want it in SoulSilver then you have to trade it.
• Gen 5: Neither Growlithe nor Arcanine can be found in Black and White, but you can get a wild Growlithe in the Virbank Complex in Black 2 and White 2.
• Gen 6: in X & Y, you can only find Growlithe in a Fire-type friend safari. Also, in ORAS, you can only find Growlithe in the Mt. Pyre as a hidden Pokémon.
• Gen 7: In all of these games, you can find Growlithe in Route 2. Also, you can find Growlithe in Let’s Go Pikachu in Routes 5, 6, 7, and 8 and Arcanine in Routes 7 and 8.
• Gen 8: In Sword, you can find Growlithe in Dusty Bowl and in Hammerlock Hills, But in Shield, you can find it in Route 3, Rolling Fields, Dappled Grove, Watchtower Ruins, East Lake Axewell, Axew’s Eye, South, and North Lake Miloch and in Giant’s Seat. Also, you can find Arcanine in Sword in Giant’s Cap only in a Max Raid Battle, and in Shield in Lake of Outrage.

#209 and #210: Snubbull and Granbull

Snubbull and Granbull, the Fairy Pokémon, are Fairy-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 2. These two Pokémon are based on bulldogs, but mostly looking at the soft part of them since they are lovely with their owners, caring and protecting them.

Snubbull evolves into Granbull at Level 23. These Pokémon are pretty famous among high-society women, and they can commonly be found in urban zones. Snubbull’s name comes from the combination of Snob and Bull (this, referring to Bulldogs), and Granbull’s name comes from the combination of Grand and Bull.

You can find Snubbull and Granbull in the following places:

• Gen 2: Snubbull can be found in Gold and Silver in Route 38, and in Crystal in Routes 5, 6, 7, 8, 34, and 35. Granbull can be found in Crystal too, on Route 6.
• Gen 3: Snubbull isn’t available in Ruby, Sapphire, LeafGreen, or FireRed but you can find it in the Safari Zone extension.
• Gen 4: Snubbull can be found in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum in Route 209 after getting the National Dex. Also, in HeartGold and SoulSilver, you can find it on Route 38.
• Gen 5: Snubbull isn’t available in Black and White, but you can find a Granbull in the Hidden Grotto of Route 2.
• Gen 6: in X & Y, Snubbull can be found in Route 10 or in a Fairy-type Friend Safari.
• Gen 7: You can’t find a wild Snubbull on Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon but you can find a wild Granbull in Ancient Poni Path, Poni Gauntlet, Poni Grove, and Poni Wilds.
• Gen 8: Neither Snubbull nor Granbull got added in Sword and Shield.

#228 and #229: Houndour and Houndoom

Houndour and Houndoom, the Dark Pokémon, are a Dark/Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 2. These two Pokémon are based on the hellhounds, like Cerberus. That explains the skully ornament on their bodies. Both Houndour and Houndoom can be found in rough terrains.

Houndour evolves into Houndoom at level 23. Houndour’s name comes from the combination of Hound and Dour (that can mean grim), and Houndoom’s name comes from the combination of Hound and Doom.

You can find Houndour and Houndoom in the following places:

• Gen 2: In Gold, Silver, and Crystal, you can find Houndour on Route 7 only at night.
• Gen 3: You can only find Houndour in the Safari Zone extension, only in Emerald. If you want it in the other games, you have to trade it.
• Gen 4: You can only find Houndoom in Pearl in Routes 214 and 215 but only with the Poké Radar. You can find Houndour in Platinum on Route 214 and in Valor Lakefront. In HeartGold and SoulSilver, you can find Houndoom on Route 7, but only at night. You can also find it in the Safari Zone.
• Gen 5: Houndour can only be found in Black, in Route 9, after getting the National Dex. It doesn’t appear in White, Black 2, or White 2.
• Gen 6: You can find Houndour only in X, on Route 10.
• Gen 7: you can find Houndour only in Ultra Sun, in the Poké Pelago, after being in Poni Island for the first time. You can also find Houndoom in Ultra Sun on Route 10.
• Gen 8: Houndour and Houndoom are unobtainable in Sword and Shield.

#235: Smeargle

Smeargle, the paint Pokémon, is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 2. This Pokémon is pretty known for its move, Sketch, which can copy any move, which means that you can move in the game. Smeargle is rather unique since it is hard to obtain. It doesn’t have evolutions.

Smeargle is based on a beagle but with a great twist since it uses its tail as a brush to paint things and express itself. Smeargle’s name comes from the combination of Smear and Beagle.

You can find Smeargle in the following places:

• Gen 2: In all games, you can find it in Ruins of Alph.
• Gen 3: It can only be found in Emerald, in the Artisan Cave.
• Gen 4: You can find it on Route 212 in DP and in Route 208 and 212 in Platinum only with the Poké Radar. You can find it in HeartGold and SoulSilver in the Ruins of Alph and in the Safari Zone.
• Gen 5: You can find it only in Black and White in Route 5 but after getting the National Dex.
• Gen 6: You can find it in X & Y only in Route 7 and in a Normal-type Friend Safari.
• Gen 7: You can find it in all games only on Route 2.
• Gen 8: Smeargle is unobtainable in Sword and Shield.

#309 and #310: Electrike and Manectric

Electrike, the lightning Pokémon and Manectric, the discharge Pokémon, are Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 3.

Electrike is like a puppy, but with a special difference, because it can use an electric charge to run fast enough to not be seen by the human eye. On the other hand, Manectric does electric discharges to create grey clouds that it uses in battle. They mostly live in savannas.

Also, Electrike can evolve into Manectric at level 26. Electrike’s name comes from the combination of Electric and Strike, while Manectric’s name comes from the combination of Mane and Electric.

You can find Electrike and Manectric in the following places:

• Gen 3: In Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Electrike can be found in Routes 110 and 118 while Manectric can only be found in Route 118.
• Gen 4: In all games of Gen 4, you can find Electrike in the Valley Windworks after getting the National Dex. And also, In HeartGold and SoulSilver, you can find Electrike in the Safari Zone.
• Gen 5: They can’t be found in Black and White, but you can get Manectric in a Hidden Grotto in Route 3 in Black 2 and White 2.
• Gen 6: You can find Electrike only in Pokémon Y, in Route 10, and you can find Manectric in both games in an Electric-type Friend Safari. Electrike can be found in ORAS in Routes 110 and 118.
• Gen 7: Electrike can only be found in Ultra Moon, in the Poke Pelago, only after reaching Poni Island.
• Gen 8: you can find Electrike in Route 4, Rolling Fields, Dappled Grove, West Lake Axewell, Watchtower Ruins, South Lake Miloch, Giant’s Seat, Giant’s Mirror, and in Dusty Bowl, while you can find Manectric in Axew’s Eye, Giant’s Seat, Giant’s Cap and Rolling Fields.

#447 and #448: Riolu and Lucario

Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon, and Lucario, the Aura Pokémon, are Fighting and Fighting/Steel-type (respectively) Pokémon introduced in Gen 4. People thought for a long time that Lucario was a legendary Pokémon after it was the protagonist of Pokémon’s eighth movie, “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.”

Both Lucario and Riolu seem to be based on the jackals, mainly on the Egyptian god Anubis. Lucario’s face looks like it is carrying a mask, and it also looks like a fighter, which lets us think about Lucario also being based on a boxer.

Riolu can evolve into Lucario by leveling up after getting a high friendship with their trainer. Riolu’s name is Lucario, but the last and the first syllables were switched while the ca is ignored. In contrast, Lucario’s name comes from an anagram of oraculi, which means oracle in Latin.

You can find Riolu and Lucario in the following places:

• Gen 4: You can get an egg from Riley in the Iron Island, hatch it and you’ll get a Riolu.
• Gen 5: You can get a Riolu in the Challenger’s Cave in Black and White and in Floccesy Ranch in Black 2 and White 2.
• Gen 6: You can get a wild Riolu in Route 22 and in a Fighting-type Friend Safari, and you can also get a Lucario from Korrina in the Tower of Mystery.
• Gen 7: In all games, you can get a Riolu in the Poni Grove.
• Gen 8: Riolu can be found at Giant’s Cap in both games, and Lucario can be found in North Lake Miloch but as a wanderer.

#506, #507, and #508: Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland

Lillipup, the puppy Pokémon, Herdier, the Loyal Dog Pokémon and Stoutland, the Big-Hearted Pokémon, are Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 5. These are probably the most Dog-based Pokémon in the whole game, and this can be reinforced by the fact that their attitudes resemble the dogs.

Lillipup is courageous and intelligent, and it doesn’t fight a battle that it knows it can’t win. Herdier is pretty loyal and feels like it is the right-hand Pokémon of its trainer since it helps other Pokémon get stronger. Stoutland will always care for its trainer and adapt to its trainer’s places only to not leave it alone.

Lillipup evolves into Herdier at level 16, and Herdier evolves into Stoutland at level 32.

Lillipup’s name comes from the combination of Lil (the English abbreviation of little) and Pup. Herdier’s name comes from the combination of the term Herding Dog and Terrier. Stoutland’s name comes from Stout and Land (as a reference from the Terrier).

You can find Lillipup and its evolutions in the following places:

• Gen 5: In Black and White, you can find Lillipup in Route 1, 2, and 3, and Herdier and Stoutland in Route 10, in the Cold Storage, and in P2 Laboratory (Stoutland only in rustling grass).
• Gen 6: Lillipup can only be found in a Normal-type Friend Safari. You can get Lillipup in ORAS only after capturing or defeating Kyogre/Groudon and only in Routes 101, 102, and 103.
• Gen 7: In Sun and Moon you can find Lillipup in Routes 4, 5, and 6, in Brooklet Hill and in Paniola Ranch, while in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon you can find Lillipup in the same places except in Brooklet Hill.
• Gen 8: Lillipup can only be obtained after the Expansion Pass, in Training Lowlands.

#676: Furfrou

Furfrou, the Poodle Pokémon, is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 6.

As its description says, Furfrou is based on a Poodle, but it also looks like an Afghan Hound. It is known for having several haircut styles. In the aristocratic era, Furfrou’s owners constantly did contests of who did the stylish trim to its Furfrou. This Pokémon was used to protect the kings of Kalos when they existed.

Also, Furfrou can’t evolve. Furfrou’s name comes from the combination of Fur and the term Frou-Frou, which refers to something fancy or styled.

You can find Furfrou in the following places:

• Gen 6: In Route 5, and in ORAS can only be obtained through trading.
• Gen 7: In Sun and Moon, Furfrou is unobtainable, but you can get one in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in Route 2, Ancient Poni Path, Hau’oli City, and in Poni Wilds.
• Gen 8: Furfrou is unobtainable in Sword and Shield.

#744 and #745: Rockruff and Lycanroc

Rockruff, the puppy Pokémon, and Lycanroc, the wolf Pokémon are Rock-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 7. Rockruff is pretty famous for being in the ownership of both Ash and Professor Kukui. This Pokémon can evolve into Lycanroc at level 25, and it will take a form depending on when it got leveled up.

If Rockruff gets leveled up in the day (only in Sun and Ultra Sun), Lycanroc will take the Midday form. If Rockruff gets leveled up in the night (only in Moon and Ultra Moon), it will take the Midnight form. But, if you want to have the Dusk Form, you have to level up a Rockruff with Own Tempo as its ability from 5 PM to 5:59 PM, real-time (only in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon).

Rockruff’s name comes from the combination of Rock and Ruff, while Lycanroc’s name comes from Lycos, which means wolf in greek and Rock.

You can find Rockruff and Lycanroc in the following places:

• Gen 7: You can get Rockruff In Sun and Moon only in Ten Carat Hill, and in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in Ten Carat Hill and in Route 1.You can get Lycanroc in the Vast Poni Canyon but the form will depend on which version you are playing while you can get both forms in the same place in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
• Gen 8: These Pokémon were unobtainable after the Expansion Pass, in which you can find them in the Challenge Road.

#845 and #846: Yamper and Boltund

Yamper, the puppy Pokémon, and Boltund, the dog Pokémon, are Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Gen 8. Yamper can be seen as the opposite of Electrike since it is pretty impulsive; it likes to chase after anything; this happens because it can’t store energy, so it has to free it in this way, you can see sparks when it is running.

Boltund, as an opposite, learned how to channel its generated energy and uses it to get high speeds. It is the natural enemy of Thievul, a fox-like Pokémon that likes to steal other people and Pokémon’s things. Yamper’s name comes from the combination of Yap and Scamper that comes from the scamper dogs. Boltund’s name comes from the combination of Bolt and Hound.

You can find Yamper and Boltund in the following places:

• Gen 8: Yammer can be found in Routes 2 and 4, Giant’s Mirror, Motostoke Riverbank and in Stony Wilderness, while Boltund can be found in Dusty Bowl, Lake of Outrage and in Motostoke Riverbank, and in North Lake Miloch as a wanderer.

#888 and #889: Zacian and Zamacenta

Zacian and Zamacenta, the warrior Pokémon, are a Fairy and Fighting-type (respectively) Pokémon introduced in Gen 8. These are the legendary Pokémon of Sword and Shield.

Zacian and Zamacenta are based on King Arthur and the wolves as a native Great Britain animal that is important as a heraldic symbol, Zacian being based on his sword, Excalibur, and Zamacenta being based on his shield, Pridwen.

King Arthur and Knights of the round table were the ones in charge of protecting the British Kingdom, and Zacian and Zamacenta were protecting Galar. If Zacian is wearing the rusted sword, it changes into its crowned sword form and gets the Fairy/Steel type, while Zamacenta, if wearing the rusted shield, transforms into its crowned shield form and gets the Fighting/Steel type.

Zacian’s name comes from “in the cyan,” making a reference to its color, and Zamacenta’s name comes from “in the magenta.”

Zacian and Zamacenta can be found in the following place:

Gen 8: Zacian can be found only in Sword and Zamacenta only in Shield, only one, in the Tower Summit.

FAQs

Conclusion

There are many Pokémon inspired by dogs, most of them being relevant in the games or in the anime, other ones being constantly used in multimedia, like spin-off games and cards.

It is surprising how much the Pokémon designers can do only with the inspiration of a dog. Go and catch them; you can get an excellent doggy collection! And, you can be happy for those dog lovers since they got the best treatment, with great ideas and concepts.