Many Pokemon designs are inspired by real-life animals and objects, and dog lovers everywhere should rejoice at how many of them resemble man's best friend. Each generation typically introduces a new canine or two to the National Pokedex and finds interesting ways for them to represent types like fire, dark, and even ghost.

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There are so many dog Pokemon, you could easily form your entire team around them. Each one has its own style, personality, and design that helps them stand out from each other. While they would all make great partners either during your journey or just as pets, some dog-like Pokemon are more appealing than others, though they are all good boys and girls who deserve as many treats as you can feed them.

Updated on October 28th, 2022 by Kyle Chamaillard. It feels like the National Pokedex is constantly expanding as new Pokemon are announced for every iteration in the long-running franchise. Each generation usually brings a new dog Pokemon or two to the mix, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have already shown us Fidough and Greavard. We've decided to add them to this list, as well as a few others that didn't make it the first time.

15 Smeargle

Smeargle jumps in the air while holding its tail

"Wait, that's a dog?" is likely the first thing you'll ask yourself once you find out. Further research has shown, yes, Smeargle is a dog Pokemon. This beagle has a long tail that resembles a paintbrush, and it uses it to mark its territory wherever it can find a blank spot.

Smeargle is one of the few dog Pokemon incapable of evolving and is often considered more of a gimmick than a viable party member. Also, imagine how much of a mess it would make every day. Smeargle would be the perfect partner for an up-and-coming artist, but not for anyone else.

14 Granbull

Granbull prepares for battle

While this fairy-type dog Pokemon looks like a bulldog, Granbull's resemblance to a proper dog is undermined by the fact that it's bipedal. Its bright purple color and collar also make Granbull look more like Courage the Cowardly Dog's older cousin more than anything else.

Granbull's Pokedex entries are interesting because you learn that despite its tough exterior, it's actually a very timid and sensitive creature and would not be a great choice for a guard dog. It's not exactly the dog you want sleeping on your lap while you watch a scary movie unless you want to cower together.

13 Furfrou

An orange, blue, and pink Furfrou stand side by side

Furfrou was introduced in X and Y as one of the new Pokemon from the Kalos region. This poodle is much more focused on its looks than battling and isn't a great choice for competitive trainers. Like Smeargle, it doesn't evolve, but you can change the way it looks.

Like a real poodle, there is a ton of grooming involved with these Pokemon, and you can change Furfrou's form to one of ten different designs. It's fun to play around with the variety of colors and patterns at first, but it can get pretty boring very quickly.

12 Zamazenta

Zamazenta stands in a foggy forest

It took a long time for it to happen finally, but Pokemon Sword and Shield finally introduced the first legendary dog Pokemon. Despite many believing Suicune, Entei, and Raikou to be the first, their designs are too ambiguous and feel more like a hybrid between both cats and dogs.

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Zamazenta is an exclusive legendary in Pokemon Shield and can be turned into a fighting and steel type after giving it the Rusted Shield to hold. It's a fierce and cool-looking Pokemon, but it feels a bit inferior compared to other legendaries, including its rival from Pokemon Sword.

11 Mightyena

Mightyena stands in the middle of a blue circle

Mightyena's Pokedex entries highlight how it travels in packs in the wild and will obey a strong trainer without question. It was introduced in the third generation and was notoriously a go-to Pokemon for Team Magma grunts. It was one of the most common creatures in Ruby and Sapphire, so you've probably seen a fair share of them during your adventures.

While the design and name seem to be influenced by hyenas and wolves, the German Shepard was also a major part of Mightyena's inspiration. This dark-type Pokemon can be incredibly dangerous in the wild but will become incredibly loyal if you can befriend it.

10 Manectric

Manectric jumps through the air covered in sparkles

Manectric might not be the first Pokemon fans think of when listing off their favorite dog Pokemon. It resembles more of a wolf than a domestic dog, and it also has a mane, which also makes it look like a lion. It's close enough to a canine to qualify, and its awesome blue and yellow palette certainly allow it to stand out from the rest.

Manectric has always been a favorite for many, but it became even more compelling after it gained a mega-evolution. Since it's electric-type though, it's not exactly the kind of companion you would want to take out for a day at the beach. According to its Pokedex entries, they rarely appear before people and often nest where lightning has struck.

9 Stoutland

Stoutland soars over a map of Alola

Stoutland is an obvious mix of various dog breeds from our world. It's reminiscent of Shih Tzu, Maltese, Scottish Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers. There is no doubt of its dog-like qualities, and Stoutland is even big enough for you to ride around! All of this and an impressive mustache help make Stoutland the perfect partner for either relaxing or going on adventures.

According to the Pokedex, Stoutland is famous for rescuing people who are lost or caught in blizzards in the mountains. It's a winter kind of dog and would make a perfect companion on a ski trip. It might not be as comfortable in the hot sun though, making Stoutland a perfect pet for arctic climates.

8 Yamper

Yamper looks up at a plate of food

It always felt inevitable that a corgi-inspired Pokemon would show up, and Yamper does not disappoint with its adorable size and playful nature. It eventually becomes a greyhound once it evolves into Boltund, but this stage one Pokemon is so perfect you might not want it to change.

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Yamper is an electric-type Pokemon that loves to chase anything that moves. Its endless curiosity might get it into trouble occasionally, but it always comes back with a wagging tail. If you're looking for a Pokemon that acts like a puppy most of the time, Yamper is an amazing choice.

7 Greavard

Greavard waits on a dark path by some grass

The latest generation of Pokemon is once again introducing new dog-like creatures to the National Pokedex, but Greavard might secretly be the most dangerous one yet. Despite its adorable aesthetic and playful attitude, this pup is like an energy vampire and can slowly suck your life away as you spend time with it.

It doesn't seem intentional or malicious, it's just an unfortunate curse that every Greavard has to carry. These little guys are known to be incredibly lonely, so they will do whatever it takes to get attention and play for as long as you're still breathing. It might be in your best interest to wear a hazmat suit when playing with this sheepdog.

6 Houndoom

Houndoom roars from the side of a dark mountain

Now here is the prize-winning guard dog of the Pokemon world. According to its Pokedex entries, Houndoom's fire attacks can hurt you forever due to the toxins that are in its flames. It's not a dog you would want to mess with, but it can make a great ally if you can tame it.

Houndoom's edgy and goth-like design has made it one of the most well-loved Pokemon among fans. It's often compared to the grim reaper because of its pointy tail, color scheme, and horns. Still, like all dogs, they are good and deserving of love. Houndoom can also mega-evolve if you're looking for a more demonic-looking dog to chill with.

5 Zacian

Zacian stands on a roof in front of a purple sky

While Zamazenta's design feels hindered by the shield theme, Zacian is one of the most memorable and jaw-dropping legendary Pokemon in recent memory. This hound holds a giant sword in its mouth to attack, which may be a bit too similar to Sif from Dark Souls, but it's great to see something so magnificent and epic in the world of Pokemon.

Like Zamazenta, Zacian has a second form that can be activated by giving it the Rusted Sword. This Pokemon would be the perfect companion for an epic journey across the world, and its original form would be ideal for relaxing together after a long day.

4 Lycanroc

Lycanroc barks from the side of a mountain

Like some other Pokemon on this list, Lycanroc is more of a wolf than a domestic breed. Depending on its dusk, midday, and midnight form, it can even become a werewolf. Having all of these forms is what makes Lycanroc such a fun Pokemon to try and catch and train.

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As its name implies, Lycanroc is a rock-type with spectacular attack and speed stats. It's one of the most popular Pokemon from the Alola region and quickly became one of the most popular dog-like creatures in the franchise. They are known for being incredibly calm and quiet for the most part but aren't afraid to attack if they need to.

3 Fidough

A couple of Fidough sleep on a counter

Dogs and bread both rank highly on the list of things that make people happy, so it wasn't much of a surprise when Fidough was announced and instantly put a smile on everyone's face. This tiny puppy looks warmer than a box of freshly-baked donuts and would be the perfect Pokemon to have in the kitchen to help make some cookies.

If you're the kind of Trainer who wants to spend more time bonding with Pokemon instead of battling with them, Fidough might be the pick of the bunch. Its ability to breathe yeast is incredibly resourceful, and it's not large enough to take up your entire bed. It would be hard to ever get mad at this pure-bread Pokemon.

2 Lucario

Lucario charges an Aura Sphere attack

The only thing Lucario is truly missing to be the perfect dog Pokemon is to look more like a dog. Its design is based on an Egyptian God known as Anubis, and Lucario can manipulate auras to unleash powerful attacks. It's become one of the most recognizable Pokemon due to multiple appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series.

Lucario is capable of releasing immense power, making it an extremely popular choice for both competitive and casual Pokemon Trainers. While it's certainly one of the strongest dog Pokemon, Lucario might not be the best choice if you're looking for something to play fetch with.

1 Arcanine

A Pokemon Trainer rides an Arcanine through a route

It shouldn't be too much of a surprise to see one of the original dog-like Pokemon as the best in the franchise. Arcanine was a stand-out party member back in 1998 and has only gotten better with time. Who wouldn't want a fluffy dog large enough to ride that can also breathe fire?

To make it even cooler, Arcanine's Pokedex entries frame it as a majestic and legendary creature. Ultra Sun's entry even recites a legend about an Arcanine that fought alongside a general and conquered a whole country. Arcanine encapsulates everything you could want from a canine-inspired Pokemon, from its sheer power, loyalty, and warm hugs.

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