Rockruff appears to be based on the spitz breed of dogs. It may also be based on the Japanese wolf, often associated with rocks and mountains.
Rockruff may be a combination of rock, ruff (onomatopoetic word for barking), and rough.
Iwanko may be a combination of 岩 iwa (rock), ワン wan (onomatopoetic word for barking), わんこ wanko (doggy), and 子 ko (young animal).
No: 744
English Name: Rockruff
Japanese Name: Iwanko
Generation: 7
Type: Rock
Species: Puppy Pokémon
Abilities: Keen Eye, Vital Spirit, Steadfast (hidden ability)
Evolution: Rockruff > Lycanroc (Midday Form Rock) | Rockruff > Lycanroc (Midnight Form Rock)
Rockruff is a quadruped, canine Pokémon. It is primarily light brown with a darker brown muzzle, paws, and ear tips. It has large blue eyes, button ears, a short muzzle with a triangular pink nose, and a short tuft of fur on each cheek. Around its neck is a ruff of grayish-white fur stubbed with dark brown pebbles. The dark brown markings on its paws extend to a thin point on each wrist and ankle. It has a grayish-white tail that curls tightly over its back and is covered in fluffy fur.
Rockruff has an excellent sense of smell. It will never forget an odor after smelling it once. There are tales of it reuniting with its Trainer after becoming lost by following the faintest traces of scent. This Pokémon is very sociable and will greet others by rubbing them with the rocks around its neck. As it ages, Rockruff becomes wilder. Once it is close to evolving, it will begin to howl when the sun goes down. It has been said to leave its Trainer’s side and return once it has evolved. A persistent Pokémon, it will keep going until it outlasts foes that are even more powerful.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon SUN: It’s considered to be a good Pokémon for beginners because of its friendliness, but its disposition grows rougher as it grows up.
Pokemon MOON: This Pokémon has lived with people since times long ago. It can sense when its Trainer is in the dumps and will stick close by its Trainer’s side.
