Pokémon Of The Day

The Pokémon of April 27th, 2025 is…

#59 Arcanine Kantonian Form

“Arcanine (Japanese: ウインディ Windie) is a Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Growlithe when exposed to a Fire Stone.

In Hisui, Arcanine has a dual-type Fire/Rock regional form. It evolves from Hisuian Growlithe when exposed to a Fire Stone.

Arcanine is a quadrupedal, canine Pokémon with an orange pelt marked by jagged black stripes. It has diamond-shaped ears with beige insides, black eyes, a round, black nose, and two pointed teeth protruding from its upper jaw. Its head, muzzle, and chest are covered in shaggy, beige fur, except for two oval sections around each eye and ear. Long tufts of fur grow behind its elbows and around its ankles. Its underside is black, and it has a billowing, beige tail that is bent in the middle. Each paw has three toes and a round, pink pad.

Arcanine is a fiercely brave and loyal Pokémon. It is capable of running 6,200 miles in 24 hours with a speed and grace reminiscent of flight. In Generation II, Extreme Speed was its signature move. Arcanine has long been admired for its beauty and speed, and anyone who hears its bark will grovel before it. The source of its power is a flame blazing wildly inside its body. Being the result of an evolution via Evolution stone, Arcanine is rarely found in the wild, but when found, it is usually seen living in prairies, and Pokémon Snap has also shown it living in active volcanoes. In the Pokémon the Series episode On Cloud Arcanine, it was shown that it stashes food in its mane and carries it to its nest for its young. As shown in Pokémon Sleep, Arcanine is known to sleep at supremely comfortable sleeping spot. Arcanine when it sleeps is said to be similar to how an innocent child sleeps.

In some locations, such as China, Arcanine is seen as a Legendary Pokémon, where it’s revered for its speed and power; it is also categorized as Legendary in An Illustrated Book of POCKET MONSTERS.

Arcanine may be based on the Ryukyuan シーサー shisa, or 狛犬 komainu, mythical creatures that resemble a mix between lions and dogs, who are often depicted with dragon-like features. Given its earliest Pokédex entries state it’s from China, however, it may more precisely derive from the 獅 Chinese guardian lion. Statues of komainu in pairs are used as guardians that invite good spirits and repel evil ones. Its stripes and coloration are reminiscent of tigers. It could also be based on the xiezhi, a mythical fire-eating dog with similarities to lions and tigers. It may also draw inspiration from dogs with brindle (“tiger-striped”) coat patterns, such as the 甲斐犬 Kai Ken.

In its Hisuian Form, its Rock typing and appearance may be based on the komainu statues. Its ankle fur and tail resemble plumes of smoke.”-Bulbapedia.