Iwanko

イワンコ

Rockruff is a four-legged, dog-like Pokémon. Its body is mainly light brown, featuring a darker brown muzzle, paws, and ear tips. It possesses large blue eyes, button-like ears, a short muzzle with a triangular pink nose, and a small tuft of fur on each cheek. A ruff of grayish-white fur, studded with dark brown pebbles, circles its neck. The dark brown markings on its paws taper to a thin point on each wrist and ankle. Its grayish-white tail curls tightly over its back and is covered in fluffy fur.
Rockruff has an exceptional sense of smell and never forgets an odor after encountering it once. Stories exist of it reuniting with its Trainer after getting lost by following the faintest scent trails. It has coexisted with humans since ancient times. Rockruff is frequently recommended as a suitable Pokémon for beginner Trainers because of its friendly disposition and ease of bonding. However, it is said to be a difficult Pokémon to raise, leading some Trainers to abandon it due to an inability to manage it. This Pokémon is highly sociable and greets others by rubbing them with the rocks around its neck. As it ages, Rockruff becomes wilder and more independent. When nearing evolution, it begins to howl at sunset. It is said to leave its Trainer's side and return after evolving. Although it becomes more vicious as it matures, Rockruff never forgets its master's kindness. Wild Rockruff travels in packs until it evolves. Being persistent, it continues until it outlasts foes that are even more powerful. Rockruff intimidates opponents by striking the ground with the rocks on its neck. As noted in Rocking Clawmark Hill! (SM015), Rockruff trains itself by running around. It attacks foes the instant they flinch. It has been known to fight with Growlithe over territory.
Evolution
Rockruff can evolve into Midday Form, Midnight Form, or Dusk Form Lycanroc.