In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs and their allusions to Mediterranean culture from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
Maschiff
Maschiff is a Dark-type canine Pokémon whose name mixes “mischief” and “mastiff”.
The Spanish Mastiff is a dog breed which dates back to the time of the Romans. They were used by the people then to protect herding animals. Mastiffs are known for their large size, their drooping ears, and their flat muzzle.
Maschiff shares the drooped ears and flat muzzle along with a somber grim.
It always scowls in an attempt to make opponents take it seriously, but even crying children will burst into laughter when they see Maschiff’s face.
Its well-developed jaw and fangs are strong enough to crunch through boulders, and its thick fat makes for an excellent defense.
Pokédex
Maschiff’s head tilts and its scowl ends up looking cute to children instead of being intimidating. This is an allusion to the kinds of dog breeding that have existed for centuries in order to make dogs cute companions. Puppy dog eyes are larger, like how babies have relatively large eyes, in order to appear cuter and appeal to humans. Dogs will tilt their heads sometimes for several possible reasons, but probably because humans like them doing it.
Maschiff, like many dog Pokémon, possesses strong canine teeth and a lot of latent strength. Unfortunately, generations of selection have led to it looking cute rather than intimidating.
Mabosstiff
Maschiff will evolve into Mabosstiff, a Pokémon whose name combines “mob boss” and “mastiff”. Its youthful colorful fur has turned gray. Like an adult mastiff, its face has drooped and a dewlap has formed. It appears to have grown a beard. Its color palette and thick hair evokes age.
Although the Spanish Mastiff typically has a brownish fur, Mabosstiff might better resemble a Pyrenean Mastiff. This is a breed that comes from the Spanish region of Aragon from the Middle Ages.
This Pokémon can store energy in its large dewlap. Mabosstiff unleashes this energy all at once to blow away enemies.
Mabosstiff loves playing with children. Though usually gentle, it takes on an intimidating look when protecting its family.
Pokédex
Mabosstiff’s name and strong protection of family is an analogy to a mob boss. It also has the ability Guard Dog, which protects it from switching out and from being intimidated.
Conclusion
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, it is the partner of Arven. The story of Arven tracking down Herba Mystica to feed to his ailing dog resonates a lot with kids whose pets got sick. It protected Arven for many years as he grew up as a student.
Maschiff and Mabosstiff’s Dark-typing makes them stand out among the many dog Pokémon, along with their mastiff breed. Dog breeds have origins from all over the world, and the mastiff breeds from Spain are a great inspiration for some cute, fluffy Pokémon.
Let us know what you think of the two Pokémon in the comments below!
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