Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

13 Dog Breeds That Look Like They Could Be Pokémon

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| March 19, 2025

Shutterstock

With their vibrant colors, striking features, and almost magical auras, many dog breeds look like they could have stepped out of a Pokémon game. Whether it’s their fluffy fur, unique markings, or a face that screams, “Evolution is coming,” these pups seem born for adventure. Their energy, agility, and distinct personalities make them feel like they’d be right at home battling alongside a Pokémon Trainer. If the Pokémon world ever needed real-world inspiration, these incredible dogs would be prime candidates for new legendary creatures!

Pomeranian

Shutterstock

With their tiny bodies and enormous, puffball-like fur, Pomeranians look like they belong in the Electric or Fairy-type category. Their fox-like faces and endless energy give them the perfect vibe for a small but mighty companion Pokémon. Imagine a Pomeranian using a move like “Fluff Shock” or “Hyper Yip,” stunning opponents with their cuteness before zipping around at lightning speed. Their spunky nature and fearless attitude make them an ideal partner for a first-time trainer.

Afghan Hound

Shutterstock

If a Legendary Pokémon were a dog, it would probably be an Afghan Hound. With their flowing, silky coats and regal stance, these dogs look like they’d be roaming the high mountains or deep valleys in search of a worthy opponent. Their speed and grace make them seem like they’d have a move like “Phantom Dash” or “Gale Strike,” allowing them to vanish instantly. Afghan Hounds have an almost mythical presence, perfect for a rare and elusive Pokémon encounter.

Alaskan Malamute

Shutterstock

With their thick coats and wolf-like appearance, Alaskan Malamutes would fit into an Ice or Fighting-type Pokémon lineup. They look like they could be a pre-evolution to an even bigger, snow-covered beast, gaining more fur and strength as they level up. A Malamute might use a move like “Frost Howl” or “Avalanche Charge,” shaking the battlefield with sheer power. Their strength, endurance, and loyal nature make them a Pokémon Trainer’s ultimate winter warrior.

Xoloitzcuintli

Shutterstock

This ancient, hairless breed could easily pass as a mysterious Dark or Ghost-type Pokémon. Xoloitzcuintlis have a sleek, almost otherworldly appearance, and their deep connection to Aztec mythology adds to their mystical appeal. Imagine a Xoloitzcuintli using “Shadow Pounce” or “Spirit Ward,” disappearing into the darkness before striking. Their serious expressions and dignified demeanor would make them the type of Pokémon that only the most seasoned trainers could tame.

Chow Chow

Shutterstock

With their dense fur, lion-like manes, and signature blue tongues, Chow Chows already look like they have a unique typing—possibly Fire and Ice combined. They have an ancient, almost mythical aura, making them seem like the kind of Pokémon that could be guarding a legendary artifact. A Chow Chow might unleash a move like “Frost Flame Roar” or “Imperial Stance,” stunning foes with its regal presence. While they can be independent and stubborn, they’d be the perfect Pokémon for a trainer looking for a challenge.

Borzoi

Shutterstock

Borzoi has the long, elegant bodies of high-speed Pokémon, possibly a mix of Psychic and Flying types. Their slender frame and intense gaze make them look like they could use a move like “Mind Glide” or “Hypnotic Rush.” This breed’s aristocratic aura suggests they’d be the kind of Pokémon found in an ancient temple, waiting for the right trainer to prove their worth. Their quiet intelligence and graceful movements would make them a rare but powerful addition to any Pokémon team.

Bedlington Terrier

Shutterstock

At first glance, Bedlington Terriers look like a cross between a lamb and a pocket-sized Legendary Pokémon. With their fluffy, curly coats and arched backs, they could easily be a Fairy-type Pokémon with a move like “Cotton Shield” or “Bubble Beam Blitz.” Their playful nature and agility make them great for quick, strategic battles, and their deceptively strong build would surprise opponents. Don’t let the cute looks fool you—this Pokémon would pack a punch!

Komondor

Shutterstock

If a mop could be a Pokémon, it would be a Komondor. These dogs have thick, corded coats that resemble a walking pile of dreadlocks, making them the perfect candidate for a Grass or Rock-type Pokémon. Their battle move set might include “Tangle Trap” or “Stone Guard,” using their dense fur to ensnare enemies or block attacks. Komondors have a natural guarding instinct, meaning they’d probably be loyal, protective Pokémon that never leave their trainer’s side.

Samoyed

Shutterstock

With their pure white fur and permanent smile, Samoyeds could easily be an Ice or Fairy-type Pokémon. They have a magical, almost cloud-like appearance that suggests they’d have abilities like “Frost Beam” or “Cloud Sprint.” These fluffy Pokémon would be known for their cheerful personalities and boundless energy, making them perfect companions for trainers who love adventure. Their constant happy expression would make them a fan-favorite in any Pokémon battle.

Borador (Border Collie + Labrador Mix)

Shutterstock

While not a purebred, the Borador combines two of the most intelligent and active breeds, making it the perfect Normal or Fighting-type Pokémon. Their high energy and quick thinking suggest they’d have a move like “Speed Fetch” or “Focus Dash,” always outmaneuvering their opponents. With their mix of intelligence and athleticism, Boradors would be a fantastic Pokémon for trainers who need a reliable partner in battle and everyday adventures.

Puli

Shutterstock

The Puli, often confused for a smaller Komondor, looks like it’s already halfway through evolving into a legendary Pokémon. With its signature dreadlocked fur, it could easily be a Grass or Electric-type Pokémon. Imagine a Puli using “Shock Bounce” or “Whirlwind Wool,” zipping around the battlefield in a blur of flying fur. Their boundless energy and agility make them look like they’d be incredibly fun, yet unpredictable, in a Pokémon battle.

Saluki

Shutterstock

Salukis have an elegant, almost mythical presence that makes them seem to belong in an ancient Pokémon region. With their long ears and sleek bodies, they could easily be a Flying or Psychic-type Pokémon with moves like “Wind Rush” or “Moon Gaze.” Their deep history and connection to royalty suggest they’d be a rare Pokémon, only found in secret, desert-like areas of the map. Salukis might be a tricky Pokémon to train, but they’d be an unstoppable force once bonded with a trainer.

Shiba Inu

Shutterstock

Shiba Inus have such expressive faces and feisty attitudes that they already seem like Pokémon in real life. They’d likely be Fire or Fighting-type Pokémon with abilities like “Blazing Bark” or “Trickster Dash.” Their stubbornness would make them a challenge for trainers, but once they respect their humans, they’d become fiercely loyal allies. With their compact size and high energy, a Shiba Inu Pokémon would be a top-tier choice for those looking for a fiery, determined battle companion.

The Ultimate Pokémon Pack

MidJourney

These dogs resemble Pokémon and have the energy, personality, and charisma to fit right into the Pokémon universe. From the swift and agile Afghan Hound to the mystical Xoloitzcuintli and the fearless Shiba Inu, these breeds seem destined for adventure. Their unique traits, striking appearances, and playful spirits make them perfect candidates for a trainer’s ultimate team. If Pokémon creators ever needed real-world inspiration, they wouldn’t have to look further than these extraordinary, four-legged legends, each ready to battle, evolve, and steal the spotlight!

 

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog

Looks like your ad blocker is on.

×

We rely on ads to keep creating quality content for you to enjoy for free.

Please support our site by disabling your ad blocker.

Continue without supporting us

Choose your Ad Blocker

  • Adblock Plus
  • Adblock
  • Adguard
  • Ad Remover
  • Brave
  • Ghostery
  • uBlock Origin
  • uBlock
  • UltraBlock
  • Other
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock Plus icon
  2. Click the large blue toggle for this website
  3. Click refresh
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock icon
  2. Under "Pause on this site" click "Always"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Adguard icon
  2. Click on the large green toggle for this website
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ad Remover icon
  2. Click "Disable on This Website"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the orange lion icon
  2. Click the toggle on the top right, shifting from "Up" to "Down"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ghostery icon
  2. Click the "Anti-Tracking" shield so it says "Off"
  3. Click the "Ad-Blocking" stop sign so it says "Off"
  4. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock Origin icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the UltraBlock icon
  2. Check the "Disable UltraBlock" checkbox
  1. Please disable your Ad Blocker
  2. Disable any DNS blocking tools such as AdGuardDNS or NextDNS

If the prompt is still appearing, please disable any tools or services you are using that block internet ads (e.g. DNS Servers).