Pokemon presents a world filled with creatures capable of breathing fire, affecting the weather, and causing earthquakes. Despite their uniqueness, many of the creatures share some similarities with the animals of the ordinary world, including dogs. Hence, quite a few critters resemble these animals in the franchise, with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's dogs having a different type to drive the evolution lines' themes.
Dogs are generally beloved creatures, so it is no surprise that Pokemon draws fans in with similar creatures. However, some of these Pokemon show the vicious and dangerous side of dogs as well. With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the number of currently available dog-like species increased even further.
Growlithe and Arcanine
Introduced in Pokemon's first generation, Growlithe and Arcanine are among the most popular dog Pokemon in the series. Growlithe is a feisty puppy with stripes like a tiger, while its evolved form, Arcanine, is slightly larger with a flowing, white tail. In the Pokedex, the dogs are described as loyal, and they are admired for their beauty. There are also Hisuian versions of Growlithe and Arcanine which can be found in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Fidough and Dachsbun
Fidough is one of the new dog Pokemon introduced in Scarlet and Violet. It has stubby legs and a body that looks like it's fit to be put in an oven. It evolves into Dachsbun the Fairy-Type dog with darker fur and a longer body. With the evolution line based on bread puns, which further shows thanks to Dachsbun's Well-Baked Body Ability, it's easy to see how some players just fell in love with these puppies.
Yamper and Boltund
While Growlithe's evolutionary line embraces fire, Yamper's line focuses on electricity. Pokemon Sword and Shield's Yamper is a cute puppy with white and brown fur, and it has a bunch of yellow fur around its neck. According to the Pokedex, Yamper is used as a herding dog by the people of Galar. At level 25, the electric puppy evolves in Boltund. It looks like an agile dog, and it has yellow fur with green fur covering its belly and legs. This Pokemon is full of energy, and it can run for three days without rest.
Electrike and Manectric
Electrike's evolutionary line provides gamers with more Electric-Type dog Pokemon. It is an adorably small, green dog with a yellow stripe running horizontally on its face. Pokedex entries reveal that it stores electricity in its fur, and allows it to heighten its reaction speed. From level 26, Electrike evolves into Manectric. It is covered in blue fur with gold tufts on its head rear legs and front paws. It is known to be found where there are thunderstorms, and it discharges electricity from its golden mane. Despite being cute, these Pokemon are often aggressive when found in the overworld.
Snubbull and Granbull
Snubbull is a cute Fairy-Type dog Pokemon that looks like a bulldog with a pink dress on. Its blue spots add to its adorable design, though its grumpy face might put some gamers off. According to the Pokedex, Snubbull's appearance is somewhat deceiving, as it can be kind and affectionate. The evolved form of Snubbull, Granbull, looks even more intimidating despite its bright pink fur. It stands on two legs, looking like it is always squaring off for a fight.
Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland
Lillipup is a small Normal-Type puppy with brown fur and lighter fur on its face that is a bit star-shaped. It doesn't stay small for long, as at level 16 it evolves into Herdier. This is a slightly larger dog with blue fur hanging down its back like a rag. The Pokemon appears to be based on the Scottish Terrier. The final evolutionary form is Stoutland, which has a long mustache that hangs down to the ground. Stoutland is portrayed as a helpful Pokemon in the Pokedex, as it is said to help those lost in blizzards.
Houndour and Houndoom
Houndour's evolutionary line provides some of the most intimidating dog Pokemon in the series. Although Houndour isn't big, its mean expression and dark fur make it a fearsome foe. Its evolved form, Houndoom, is bigger with horns like a ram. In Pokemon X and Y, Houndoom received a Mega Evolution which added a fork to its pointed tail and gives it more silver armor on its chest. Both creatures are likely based on Dobermans and Rottweilers.
Riolu and Lucario
Riolu is a cute, bipedal critter with blue skin and floppy, black ears. It emits an aura that alerts others of how it is feeling. It is worth training up a Riolu, as it eventually evolves into Lucario which is a powerful Fighting/Steel Dual-Type Pokemon. Lucario is a loyal Pokemon, especially to its Trainer, and it has the ability to sense the auras of others. Both Pokemon have an interesting design that appears to be based on the Egyptian god Anubis, who is said to have the head of a wolf.
Rockruff and Lycanroc
Rockruff is yet another cute puppy Pokemon that players can catch, and it was introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon as a new purely Rock-Type Pokemon. It would be a relatively forgettable creature if it wasn't for the fact that it has an interesting evolutionary mechanic. Depending on the time of day, it evolves into a different type of Lycanroc. If Rockruff evolves during the day, it becomes Midday Form Lycanroc, and if it evolves during the night it becomes Midnight Form Lycanroc. There is also the rare Dusk Form Lycanroc that evolves from a Rockruff with Own Tempo at the right time of day, which is dusk. In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, dusk typically only lasts for a few minutes, making it quite rare indeed.
Furfrou
Introduced in Pokemon X and Y, Furfrou is a snooty, poodle-like Pokemon. It is covered in white fur that can be styled depending on what players like, coming in many different shapes and forms that end up being its signature gimmick. It is a Normal-Type creature, and although its stats aren't too impressive, it adds a bit of elegance to any team. Notably, it's one of the few Pokemon to be missing on the Switch as of Scarlet and Violet, with players hoping it'll come back in Gen 9's DLC.