So far, the Character Critiques series has covered Pokémon based off of common animals like birds, rats, butterflies, monkeys, and even cats. It’s interesting that our first obligatory “dog” doesn’t debut until this far into the Pokédex.

Even then, it’s not immediately obvious that Growlithe is a dog. It’s more of a canine-like creature, and nothing strictly tied to real-world breeds. As I’ve before, I’m always intrigued by a Pokemon that exists as its own original species.

To understand Growlithe’s design proper, I have to spoil the Pokédex entries for its evolution, Arcanine. In a few generation I and II games, it’s explicitly mentioned that Arcanine is a “legendary” creature in China. Coupled with its protective nature, Growlithe and Arcanine are likely based off of prominent mythological creatures: the shī in China, or the shisa/komainu in Japan.

These lion statues were used as guardians to the property they stood in front of. In Japan, they’re referred to as “lion dogs,” which is why Growlithe’s family is heavy on the canine appearances, but also seem to have patches of fluffy hair that could be seen as a mane.

I think it’s adorable that Growlithe is a puppy komainu. I can’t think of many mythological creatures that go through an infant stage. Most of them simply exist fully grown because of a greater deity that decided to plop them down onto Earth. In this instance, Growlithe steps in as an answer to the thought, “But what if this legendary beast had to start life as a baby?”

I find Growlithe to be a simple but still cute and appealing cartoon puppy. I like the bright red-orange fur with the even fluffier bunches of tan fur. The black stripes along its body create an interesting contrast of color and texture to its design. Plus, they could be jokingly referred to as tiger stripes, which fits in with the fact it’s a cat-dog monster.

At first, Growlithe seems like the obligatory “generic” dog of the franchise. In actuality, there’s more to it than that. It’s a character that gains more appeal when there’s knowledge of the inspiration behind its design. I would love a Pokémon that’s a more literal interpretation of a komainu, but I also respect the subtle approach Game Freak took instead for Growlithe.

Not until exposed to a Fire Stone will Growlithe mature into the mighty Arcanine. Personally, I find it easier to see the lion-dog traits in Arcanine’s face.

Arcanine is a straightforward evolution, taking Growlithe’s proportions and making them longer, bigger, and overall giving it the appearance of a grown adult canine. Though a simple and arguably predictable evolution, Arcanine does very well as an appealing dog character. It takes Growlithe’s strong points – i.e. the color scheme, stripes, and fluffy mane – and enhances them.

Sadly, I already spoiled the meat of Arcanine’s design earlier in the article. All that’s left to discuss are the unique smaller details it didn’t have as a Growlithe. Still, they’re small details worth mentioning.

Firstly, a few Pokédex entries reference Arcanine’s incredible agility (although a tad ironic, as its Speed stat isn’t that stellar in the games). More specifically, its steps are so light-footed that it appears to fly through the air.

Looking at the fur around Arcanine’s legs reminds me of Hermes’ winged shoes. That means the fur could be loosely interpreted as faux wings!

I like how this much attention was put into even the smallest patch of fur on Arcanine’s body.

Secondly – and perhaps most interesting – is how the second ever episode of the Anime featured an engraving of Arcanine next to Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos.

It’s plausible that Arcanine was written as an actual legendary Pokémon in the franchise’s earliest development. Its Pokédex entries classifying it as the “Legendary” Pokémon and saying it appears to fly may be remnants of those days. There would have been four beasts ruling the skies: three mystical birds, and one bound to the land but able to walk as if on air. It’s highly fascinating to see a memory of what could have been Pokémon forever preserved in the show itself.

Even if Arcanine didn’t get to keep such a role, it’s still a solid character for what it is today. It’s not a design that knocks my socks off, but it’s doesn’t have to in order to be interesting.