New Pokemon Fresh Out of the Oven, Meet Fidough

Key Points

• Fidough is a Fairy type Pokémon introduced in Generation 9. It is known as the Puppy Pokémon. 
• Fidough ferments things in its vicinity using the yeast in its breath. The yeast is also useful for cooking.
• Fidough is part of the Scarlet and Violet Pokedex. It is described as smooth and wet, like a puppy made out of uncooked dough.

With every new Pokemon installation comes the thrill of discovery — new Pokemon, new villains, and a new region to explore. So much to look forward to, yet there’s one thing in particular on everyone’s mind surrounding the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release.

Meet Fidough, the cutest new reveal from the latest Pokemon presentation.

Meet Fidough

At just 1 foot tall and weighing in at 24 lbs, this Fairy-type Pokemon resembles a puffed-up pastry when excited. Fidough marches to its Own Tempo ability, which allows it to ignore status effects like Confusion and Intimidate.

Fidough’s breath contains yeast, making it a long-running companion in the human endeavor for mastery of the culinary arts. Beyond its useful qualities, this Pokemon is described as having smooth, elastic skin that is both soft and firm to the touch.

While there’s been no talk yet of an evolution line for Fidough, all previous puppy Pokemon have evolved forms. There’s no reason to think this “delightfully squishy” pup will be any different.

A well-known Pokemon leaker by the name of Riddler Khu has all but confirmed that Fidough will have an evolved form and even hinted at what it might be, though nothing has been confirmed yet. Khu described the evolution as toasted, hinting that this little sourdough may turn into a Fairy/Fire-type. That would make Fidough’s evolution the first Fairy/Fire hybrid in the series.

The History of Puppy Pokemon

Whether you’re looking to fill your team based on the cuteness factor alone or you’re one of those people who look for nothing past sheer damage output, Pokemon has something for everyone.

But for now, power move fans step aside. It’s time for the cute club to shine.

From Growlithe to Yamper, Game Freak never fails to deliver adorable puppy Pokemon. The category scored a new member with the announcement of Fidough, but it wasn’t that long ago that there were very few puppy Pokemon.

What is a Puppy Pokemon?

Within Pokemon classification, there are categories applied to describe defining characteristics such as physical attributes or abilities. Fidough falls into the puppy Pokemon category, alongside four other recognizable pups from over the years.

Yamper – Sword and Shield

Yamper was introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield in 2019 as an adorable Electric-type. It evolves into Bolthund starting at level 25.

Its electrical ability comes from an organ at the base of its tail, which generates electricity as it moves. This electric hound acts much like a real dog and gives chase to anything it thinks it can catch. Yamper is said to be gluttonous, only working for treats. Still, this Pokemon has earned a name as a herding companion throughout its home region, Galar.

Rockruff – Sun and Moon

Rockruff was introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon in 2016 with three evolution variants starting at level 25. This Rock-type pup evolves depending on the time.

This Pokemon has an excellent sense of smell and can sniff out any trail, no matter how faint. Rockruff is incredibly persistent, outlasting even more powerful opponents. As Rockruff gets close to evolving, this Pokemon’s unruly nature can cause trouble for the unsuspecting trainer.

Two of Rockruff’s evolution variants are game-specific. Midday Form Lycanroc can only be evolved in Pokemon Sun and Ultra Sun, while Midnight Form Lycanroc can only be evolved in Pokemon Moon and Ultra Moon. A third evolution variant, Dusk Form Lycanroc, can only be evolved in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon at specific times of the day.

Lillipup – Black and White

Lillipup was released in Pokemon Black and White in 2010 as a Normal-type. It is the only puppy Pokemon with more than one evolution form. Lillipup first evolves into Herdier at level 16, evolving again into Stoutland at level 32.

Described as intelligent and courageous, this little pup never forgets kindness or an insult. It uses its fur as a radar to judge opponents to decide whether to fight or flee. One reason for its popularity is that Lillipup is smarter than the average child and thus considered easy to raise.

Growlithe – Red, Green, and Blue

Growlithe is the original puppy Pokemon and was introduced in Pokemon Red, Green, and later Blue

for the original 1996 releases. It evolves into Arcanine when exposed to a Fire Stone.

Growlithe is known as a friendly but loyal Pokemon that will defend its territory against all odds. This Pokemon uses its nose to interact with the world and never forgets a scent. Like Fidough, Growlithe has been a loyal companion to humans for many years and is known for its obedience to a fault.

As of Pokemon Legend: Arceus in 2022, Growlithe has a regional variant called the Hisuian Growlithe. This variant sports dark orange-red fur with a curly mane and tail and a horn. The Hisuian Growlithe evolves into a Hisuian Arcanine when exposed to a Fire Stone.

Unlike its grassy plains variant, the Hisuian Growlithe needs its insulated fur to survive the cold weather of its home region, Hisui. It is less socialized than the regular Growlithe due to years of isolation from humans.

The Hisuian Growlithe and its evolved form are set to appear in the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, to be released on November 18th, 2022.

Development of the Puppy Pokemon Mascot

After the release of Growlithe in the original 1996 games, Pokemon’s primary developer Game Freak went 14 years without a single new puppy Pokemon. While dog-like Pokemon came with each installment, the series lacked the now-iconic puppy mascot that heralds each new release.

That all changed in 2010 with the release of Lillipup. Another six years passed before the release of Rockruff, who set a new standard of one pup per game. Game Freak has since kept with this standard and with the popularity of Fidough, it’s probably safe to say the puppy Pokemon trend is here to stay.

There are four total game duos defined by their lack of puppy Pokemon. They are Pokemon Gold and Silver, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, and Pokemon X and Y.

Quick Facts: Puppy Pokemon Over the Years

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