Fire

Pokedex Entry

Canis ignitus is a mid-sized canid native to temperate grasslands and forest margins, where it has coexisted closely with human populations for millennia. Archaeological evidence suggests this species was semi-domesticated during the Neolithic period, with bones found at human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. Growlithe exhibits a distinctive loyalty to social groups, whether other canids or humans, and will aggressively defend its territory against unfamiliar intrusions. This protective behavior is supported by a highly developed olfactory system capable of identifying and storing scent profiles indefinitely. Remarkably, the species can detect and interpret emotional pheromones released by other animals, granting it a form of empathic awareness. While its appearance is often described as endearing due to its soft, tiger-striped coat and expressive features, growlithe should not be underestimated in the wild. It will bark loudly and bite to ward off larger predators or rival species, and it maintains strong scent-marked borders. In stable environments, it forms lifelong bonds and often travels in small packs.

Hisuian Growlithe

Scientific Name

Canis ignitus pyrodermis

Types

Fire

Rock

Pokedex Entry

Canis ignitus pyrodermis is a subspecies of growlithe uniquely adapted to volcanic and geothermally active regions. This variant is characterized by a robust, stone-textured coat containing deposits of igneous material, believed to be the result of long-term exposure to silica-rich geothermal soil and volcanic ash. The mineralized segments of its fur provide thermal insulation and act as natural armor against abrasions from rough terrain. Hisuian growlithe are most commonly observed patrolling highland ridges and lava plains in bonded pairs, indicating a strong social cohesion and likely cooperative hunting or territory defense strategy. Their movement is slower than that of the mainland variant, but their resilience and sensory adaptations allow them to thrive in hazardous climates. Their vocalizations are deep and resonate across the terrain, possibly to establish territory over long distances or communicate between mated pairs. Due to their reliance on specific geological conditions, this subspecies is considered regionally endemic and ecologically sensitive to habitat disruption.