Right from the start, it was increasingly clear that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were going to break the mold of the Pokemon series, but of all the traditions these Gen 9 games were going to break, few could have expected its sudden shift into a dog lover's dream. From the early reveals of Fidough and Greavard in the games' marketing to the eventually confirmed Paldean Pokedex including several other dog-based Pokemon, Gen 9 has exceeded previous generations that would have ordinarily balanced their Pokemon both new and old. Fans are undecided if this was Game Freak's intent or just creative ideas strangely aligning.
Not only do Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduce three distinct lines of dog-inspired Pokemon, but it also brings back several other lines dating as far back as Gen 1. What is particularly noteworthy about the inclusion of these dog lines is their popularity among fans, ranging from Gen 1 classics Growlithe and Arcanine to Gen 7's Rockruff and Lycanroc. Conversely, other Pokemon that might counter an abundance of dogs -- such as those based on cats or foxes -- are limited, only adding to players' interpretations that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are and might continue to be dog-mad.
Dogs Took Center Stage in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
During the marketing leading towards Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's release, players were introduced to new Gen 9 Pokemon, among which was the early tease of Fidough and the late reveal of Greavard. Combined with leaks on possible evolutions and other dog-based Pokemon, it would eventually come to light that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet would add six new dog Pokemon to the series: Fidough and Dachsbun, Greavard and Houndstone, and Maschiff and Mabosstiff. Alongside this, other dog-like lines also returned to the Paldea Pokedex, including the Growlithe line, the Houndour line, the Riolu line, and the Rockruff line.
In total, this means that seven distinct dog-based Pokemon lines were included in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. However, apparently Game Freak still wanted to double down with its dogs. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet featured various dog Pokemon prominently, such as Houndour and Houndoom early in-game and the "Path of Legends" storyline where Arven desperately tries to revive his ailing Mabosstiff. The latter is arguably among Pokemon's most touching and bittersweet storylines, and a fan-favorite for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet at that, leaving the distinct impression that Gen 9's dog Pokemon were intended to take focus and endear players.
Why Scarlet and Violet's Dogs Had Their Day
While it's clear that Gen 9 has a lean toward its dog Pokemon, players wonder why this might be the case. One possible explanation points to other Pokemon that might have redressed this balance, noting as an example that the Meowth line brings lots of regional forms all on its own between Kanto, Alola, and Galar. There is even an in-game NPC trade for a Galarian Meowth that ultimately lets players evolve this into its regional evolution Perrserker. Moreover, the Grass-type starter line is also cat-based. Still, there aren't nearly as many cats as dogs, so there's a clear popularity bias between cats and dog-based Pokemon.
It's possible that more might be planned for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet that involves spotlighting dog Pokemon. For instance, Pokemon Legends: Arceus introduced its own Hisuian forms before Gen 9, so it could be that dog Pokemon were emphasized to justify a late addition of Hisuian Growlithe and Arcanine. Not only would including Hisuian forms fit in with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's time travel, but it could serve as a way of introducing Pokemon Legends: Arceus to unfamiliar players after laying dog-loving foundations beforehand.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.