Normal-type Pokémon sometimes come across as dull or boring. They have no offensive advantages or type resistances, making them difficult to use strategically. All Normal-type Pokémon can learn moves of other types, some of which are very powerful. However, such moves don't benefit from the same-type attack bonus (or STAB), which increases a move's power by 1.5 times if used by a Pokémon who shares the move's type.
Furthermore, some pure Normal-type Pokémon simply don't make sense. Considering both visual designs or the lore surrounding them, several Normal-types fit a secondary typing better. With the myriad of types available, here are a few Normal Pokémon who deserve something more in their typing.
10 Ursaring: Fighting-type
This fiercely protective Pokémon is aggressive and powerful, like many Fighting-types. With its high Physical Attack stat and large number of physical Fighting-type moves, adding this secondary typing boosts its offensive power. Additionally, the resistances that this type provides would help increase its defenses in battle.
Ursaring's Pokédex entries describe it as a skillful climber, who is strong enough to snap trees with its forelegs. Ursaring clearly possesses the force and ferocity that most Fighting-types do, making this a fitting secondary type.
9 Yungoos: Dark-type
Since it appears as a common early encounter in Generation VII, adding Dark to Yungoos' typing would help give players an edge when starting their adventure. Yungoos and its evolution, Gumshoos, learn several Physical Dark-type moves. Coupled with its high Attack stat, this would make a Dark-type STAB very useful.
Normal/Dark is a fairly rare typing, which would help Yungoos and Gumshoos stand out. Described in the Pokédex as ravenous stalkers of prey, this typing also makes a decent fit for their nature.
8 Bouffalant: Fighting-type
This proud, fierce Pokémon charges foes with its horns. Like Ursaring, Bouffalant boasts several offensive Fighting-type moves that benefit from its high attack stat. However, these moves would gain even more power with the Fighting STAB.
Bouffalant is already a fairly powerful Pokémon, with decent all-around stats and powerful moves in its learn set. Adding Fighting to its typing would help boost it from good to great, by opening up type advantages and possibly more Fighting-type moves to learn.
7 Spinda: Psychic-type
Known to cause hypnosis and confusion with its swirling patterns and bizarre gait, Spinda regularly messes with the minds of trainers and other Pokémon. It learns a few Psychic-type moves by leveling up, and even more can be taught with TMs.
Many players consider Spinda a poor offensive choice. Though it has a large pool of status moves, its attacks aren't particularly powerful. Providing Spinda with a Psychic-type STAB would allow players to use it strategically, as well as being a good thematic fit.
6 Glameow: Dark-type
Glameow and its evolution, Purugly, tend to be spiteful and sometimes cruel, making Dark-type a strong thematic fit. They both learn several Dark-type attacks through both level-up and TM. With its relatively low Attack and Special Attack stats, boosting the power of these moves gives Glameow an edge in battle.
Glameow and Purugly are often favored by antagonists such as Team Galactic. This further reinforces the Dark-type theme, since Dark-type Pokémon are favorites of evil characters due to their tricky and cruel natures.
5 Zangoose: Fire-type
Zangoose can learn a surprising number of Fire-type moves for a Pokémon without that type. It fits visually as well. Zangoose's distinctive red zigzags call vivid flames to mind. Additionally, its fiery temperament often shows itself in battles—especially against its arch-rival, Seviper.
Normal/Fire is an uncommon combination, with only one evolutionary line currently boasting that typing. Adding Fire to Zangoose's typing would help distinguish this strong, unique Pokémon, providing resistances and advantages that the Normal type does not.
4 Vigoroth: Fighting-type
Prone to rages and able to learn several Fighting-type moves, Vigoroth truly deserves this secondary type. All of its Pokédex entries describe it as agitated or frenzied, making this typing an excellent fit for its nature and personality.
While its previous evolution, Slakoth, doesn't really show any Fighting-type traits, several Pokémon gain a secondary typing after evolving; this could easily be the case here. Adding this type to Vigoroth (and, by extension, its evolution Slaking) expands its usefulness and increases its power.
3 Chansey: Fairy-type
Charming, lovable, and always endearing, Chansey's evolutionary line have visual designs and personalities that align well with other Fairy-type Pokémon. Additionally, they all learn several Fairy-type moves through level-up and TM; this would make a Fairy-type STAB incredibly useful in battles.
As with Vigoroth, this secondary typing could be gained when Happiny evolves into Chansey or when Chansey evolves into Blissey. However, any Pokémon in this line fits this typing from both a tactical and thematic point of view.
2 Dunsparce: Ground-type
Found in caves or dusty, dry areas, all of Dunsparce's Pokédex entries mention its tendency to dig into the ground when threats are near. Dunsparce builds its nests underground, and can find its way through tunnels by the smell of the dirt.
With the Ground-type moves in its learnset and the time it spends under the earth, it's a wonder that Dunsparce is a pure Normal-type. Adding Ground to its typing would give it both a battle advantage, and demonstrate a lore-based adaptation to its environment.
1 Stantler: Psychic-type
Hunted almost to extinction, Stantler can create visual illusions and even distort reality to protect itself from predators. Within the Pokémon world, abilities like these are often associated with Psychic-type Pokémon.
Additionally, Stantler learns a staggering number of Psychic-type moves for a pure Normal-type. Adding Psychic to its typing would give this Pokémon a huge battle advantage by increasing the power of those moves. Perhaps more trainers would be encouraged to use this underrated Pokémon, were that the case.