The Pokemon series is home to over 1,000 species of diverse monsters to catch. A large majority of them are based on real life animals. Dogs have been a loving companion to humans for a very long time, making them a perfect inclusion to the Pokemon world.
There are over 30 dog-like Pokemon. Some look like normal dogs, while others are hybrid animals. There are even a few legendary dog Pokemon. This list will focus on the ones that best represent their real life counterparts.
10/10 Mega Houndoom
These fire breathing hounds are based on both the Doberman Pinscher and Cerberus. Mega Houndoom add many more spikes that results in them resemble Cerberus even further. They are very strong Pokemon with 600 total base stat, meaning their stats rival some pseudo-legendary Pokemon.
Houndoom aren’t very friendly. Wild Houndoom are often portrayed as mean to others, and according to the Pokedex, the pain of their flames never go away. This makes them extremely dangerous. Despite their cool aesthetic, these Pokemon don’t represent most dogs well.
9/10 Stoutland
Stoutland are based on the Shihtzu dog breed. They are known as the Big Hearted Pokemon. They often help search for people who get lost in snow mountains. Stoutland use their fur to keep people warm. In Pokemon Sun and Moon, a ridable Stoutland will help players find treasure.
Their determination to always help people makes Stoutland a much lovelier companion than Houndoom. They are excellent representation of dogs in the Pokemon world. Being able to catch a Lillipup early on in their introductory game also means you can have one alongside you for your entire adventure.
8/10 Furfrou
Pokemon X and Y introduced a lot of customization options into the series. Most involved trainer customization, but this Poodle-inspired Pokemon offered many unique designs for players to choose between.
Furfrou is a Normal-type Pokemon and has 10 separate design styles. Trainers can change their design in the Friseur Furfrou building within Lumiose City. These unique styles allow players to use a unique Furfrou that matches their own style.
7/10 Hisuian Arcanine
Arcanine has always been a very powerful Fire type ever since it was introduced in the original Pokemon games. Pokemon Legends Arceus makes it seem even mightier than in other entries. Legends Arceus contains many Noble Pokemon that protect the region, and Hisuian Arcanine is one of them.
Trainers can evolve both forms of Growlithe into their respective Arcanine variations by using Fire Stones, but in the wild, Growlithe only become Arcanine if they’re really brave. One Growlithe in the story of Legends Arceus demonstrates this well. Hisuian Arcanine are mighty warriors that protect the region.
6/10 Zacian & Zamazenta
The box art mascot Legendaries of Sword and Shield are both dog-inspired. The pair work together to protect the Galar region from major threats, such as when Eternatus attacks it neat the end of the storyline.
Zacian and Zamazenta are among the largest and most powerful dog Pokemon in the series. Both of their standard forms have over 650 total base stat. Once their Crowned forms are unlocked, their power grows to over 700.
5/10 Entei, Raikou, & Suicune
Johto’s Beast Trio are dog cat hybrids. Raikou most resembles a cat, while Entei appears the most likely a dog. All three were originally dog Pokemon that died in a fire but later resurrected by Ho-Oh.
Humanity scared them away at first. Over time, they returned without any resentment. Due to their Legendary status, the Beast Trio are also some of the most powerful dog like Pokemon in the series.
4/10 Zoroark & Hisuian Zoroark
Zorua and Zoroark are known for playing tricks on people. Their unique ability allows them to transform into another Pokemon. When a player sends one out in battle, it’ll take the appearance of the last Pokemon in the player’s party until it gets hit. Tricking your opponent into thinking you’re using an entirely different Pokemon is an effective strategy.
The Hisui region is home to a separate form of Zorua and Zoroark. Due to Legends Arceus lacking abilities like other series entries, Zoroark loses its unique gimmick, but it makes up for it by having an entirely different type and an almost inverted color pallet compared to the original.
3/10 Rockruff
Rockruff’s face and tail animations make it the most expressive dog Pokemon. Rockruff has three separate evolution forms based on the time of day it evolves; day, dusk, and night. It’ll start evolving at level 25. The Dusk form has one other requirement.
Rockruff must know the move Own Tempo. Rockruff’s cute charm doesn’t transfer over to its evolutions, but the Midnight form’s animations are still very expressive. It uses its hands to taunt opponents in its idle animation.
2/10 Fennekin
A large majority of players keep their starter Pokemon in their party throughout their entire journey. Fennekin is one of these starters in Pokemon X and Y, making it the one canine Pokemon capable of being with the player from start to finish.
Fennekin evolves into Braixen and Delphox. They’re the second time any Pokemon had the Fire/Psychic type combination. The only Pokemon before them that had this type combination was a limited time Mythical from the previous Generation. This means Fennekin’s line of evolutions was the first time this type combination was very accessible.
1/10 Mega Lucario
Mega Lucario represents dogs being man’s best friend better than any other dog Pokemon since Riolu will only evolves into Lucario when it has a high Friendship stat with its Trainer. Lucario has been a fan favorite ever since it was introduced in the series. Despite being considered a Generation 4 Pokemon, it was technically in a Generation 3 movie and spin-off first.
Mega Evolution is a one-per-battle Evolution that Pokemon can only use if the player has their Mega Stone. The story behind this transformation states it’s a transformation only obtained when the Trainer and Pokemon have a very strong bond. Lucario is the very first Pokemon that uses Mega Evolution in Pokemon X and Y — where the feature was introduced.
