Poochy

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Poochy
Species	Dog
Debut	Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Poochy is a recurring character from the Super Mario series who has prominently appeared as a helper character for Yoshi.

Information

Poochy is a cheery-looking dog who communicates only through barking. He is exceptionally powerful, as he can move around easily while Yoshi is standing upon him, and he is known for his abilities to walk on spikes and lava without receiving any harm. Thus, Poochy essentially acts as a safe moving platform for use in navigating various levels.

Appearances

He first appears in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (as well as in the GBA remake, where he helps Yoshi out in three different stages.

In Tetris Attack, Poochu appears as an opponent (accompanied by a Grinder) in the VS mode due to having been brainwashed by Kamek. After being defeated, Poochy joins Yoshi's side and is unlocked as a playable character. Poochy also appears in Yoshi's Story with a different function than usual. Poochy is chained to a post in several stages, and after being freed, he will run through the level and sniff out hidden items for the Yoshi. He cannot be ridden in this appearance.

In Yoshi's New Island and Yoshi's Wooly World, Poochy serves a similar function as in his original appearance, giving Yoshi a safe ride over dangerous terrain. In the latter game, it is also possible to buy a Power Badge that can make Poochy available in any level. The remake Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World also included a new mode called Poochy Dash where the player controls Poochy running through a number of environemnts and trying to collect beads and popb balloons along the way. This game also introduces younger versions of Poochy's species known as the Poochy-Pups, which fulfill a function similar to Poochy's role in Yoshi's Story.

Spin-Off Games

In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Poochy is seen as an attraction in the background of the Baby Park course. Mario Party Advance also has a gaddget known as the Poochy Pal, which allows the player to view Poochy's interactions in a backyard, similar to a virtual pet.

Other Appearances

Canceled Appearances

• Poochy was seen in an early screencap for Paper Mario, but he was absent from the final game. The extent of his potential role was unknown.

Video Games

• With the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack of Minecraft: Wii U Edition, wolves are replaced by Poochy.

Trivia

• His name is a simple play on 'pooch', an informal way of referring to a dog.
• Notably, almost all of Poochy's appearances are in games set in the time when Mario and Bowser were babies. Tetris Attack is his only actual appearance in the 'modern' era.