As Game Freak steps up its marketing ahead of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's release, it revealed a new addition to the Gen 9 Pokedex that appears to be a continuation of Pokemon's long line of selling itself to dog lovers. The adorable Greavard was introduced as a pure Ghost-type, and it plays up all the tropes and stereotypes of what a classic dog should be: energetic, loving, and friendly. While this behavior feeds into Greavard's unsettling lore, it's the latest Pokemon introduced to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to be based on a dog among all the other generations before.

Ordinarily, this might not have drawn much attention from fans, but earlier this year a different dog-inspired Pokemon was introduced. Fidough was another popular Scarlet and Violet announcement when it was revealed, and alongside Greavard this means that out of twenty new Pokemon currently announced for Gen 9, it's currently very dog-heavy. Gen 8 also introduced several new dog-like Pokemon, as have many other generations, meaning Pokemon has a subtle tradition of marketing towards gamers who love their furry pets.

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Gen 1: Growlithe and Arcanine

Pokemon's Growlithe and Arcanine, in both their Kantonian and Hsuian forms.

Though these are the original dog Pokemon, Growlithe and Arcanine started this unconscious marketing trend. It's understandable for Pokemon's first generation that many basic concepts and animals would influence their designs, leading to the typical dog-like design of these Fire Pokemon. However, decades later and with the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, these two would be given brand-new Hisuian forms and remain just as much a part of Game Freak's marketing towards dog lovers.

Gen 2: Snubbull, Granbull, Houndour, Houndoom, and Smeargle

Pokemon's Snubbull and Granbull, Smeargle, and Houndour and Houndoom, including Houndoom's Mega Evolution.

With the release of Pokemon Gold and Silver, the number of dog-like Pokemon soared. Initially introduced as Normal-type Pokemon and retroactively updated to be Fairy following Gen 6, Snubbull's and Granbull's designs are inspired by and named after bulldogs, while the artistic Smeargle kept its Normal typing as a beagle turned painter. Houndour and Houndoom on the other hand appear to take after Dobermans, but their namesake and Dark typing connect to hellhounds from folklore. Houndoom even got extra attention from Game Freak in Gen 6 with a Mega Evolution that adds more credence to this dog trend.

Gen 3: Poochyena, Mightyena, Electrike, and Manectric

Pokemon's Electrike and Manetric, including its Mega Evolution, and Poochyena and Mightyena

Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire introduced another two lines of dog-based Pokemon, though less explicitly than in previous generations. For example, while Poochyena's name directly references its dog-like appearance, the second half points to it and Mightyena's inspiration from hyenas. On the other hand, while Electrike stretches the imagination to be considered a dog, both it and Manectric seem to take more after wolves. Manectric eventually joined Houndoom and received a Mega Evolution.

Gen 4 - Riolu and Lucario

Pokemon's Riolu and Lucario, including its Mega Evolution.

Hitting something almost like a dry spell, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl added Pokemon that were less dog and more jackal with Riolu and Lucario. Appearing to be inspired by Ancient Egyptian mythology around Anubis, the pair stretched the dog-like Pokemon marketing trend even further. Despite this, Lucario became and remains a fan-favorite among players, receiving its own Mega Evolution and headlining one of Pokemon's movies.

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Gen 5 - Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland

Pokemon's Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland

As speculative as it might be, when Pokemon Black and White were released it added a unique three-stage evolutionary line of dog Pokemon as if compensating for the previous two generations' lack of true dogs. Taking heavy inspiration from the Terrier breeds, Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland were part of many players' initial teams since they were among the first few Pokemon encountered in the wild. In a return to form, Game Freak demonstrated a renewed inclination towards dog-based Pokemon with a line that directly appealed to dog lovers.

Gen 6 - Furfrou

Pokemon's Furfrou, including four of its Trims: Star, Debutante, Heart, and Diamond.

While Game Freak pulled back on dog Pokemon in X and Y, its introduction of Furfrou was still a good concept that gave fans what they wanted. Taking inspiration from Gen 6's French origins, Furfrou is based on a Poodle, but it's unique in that it has multiple different variants informed by the Poodle's association with being a traditional show-dog breed and its groomed fur. The Pokemon was initially introduced with nine different forms for Furfrou or "trims," three of which were even restricted until players had groomed theirs at least once.

Gen 7 - Rockruff and Lycanroc

Pokemon's Rockruff with Lycanroc's three forms, including Midday, Dusk, and Night.

Another example of Game Freak testing the limits of dog-like, Rockruff appeared to be based on a Spitz, but its three evolutions are all unquestionably intended as wolves. Introduced in Gen 7 in Pokemon Sun and Moon and the Ultra follow-ups, Rockruff and Lycanroc continued the trend of dog- or wolf-based Pokemon and were likely intended to emphasize the games' day-night differences with a midday Lycanroc being closer to a wolf while night Lycanroc is inspired by werewolves. An additional rare dusk form Lycanroc only adds to the allure for fans since it's harder to obtain.

Gen 8 - Yamper and Boltund & Zacian and Zamazenta

Pokemon's Yamper and Boltund as well as Zacian and Zamazenta

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, Game Freak introduced not only Yamper but also the games' mascot legendaries are based on traditional wolves. Heavily inspired by the region's English roots, Yamper takes its design from a Corgi, a breed famously associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, while Boltund is believed to parallel the likes of Foxhounds which are also linked to royalty through the contentious practice of fox-hunting. Yamper was showcased before the games' release and had its own unique ability, Ball Fetch, that drives home the dog connections.

Additionally, Zacian and Zamazenta were the peaks of Game Freak's marketing towards dog lovers, as not only were these the mascots for each respective game, but they featured heavily throughout the story. Players were even guaranteed the option to catch one of the two, and better yet Zacian and Zamazenta stood out from other legendaries in both lore and design. Combining these two with Yamper and Boltund, and not forgetting the Hisuian forms of Growlithe and Arcanine mentioned earlier, this generation perfect for dog lovers. With what's shown so far of Gen 9, it seems Game Freak is keeping this trend going.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 18 for Nintendo Switch.

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