Lilo and Stitch is one of the all-time favorite Disney movies of kids worldwide, but it seems like one character among this duo is more famous than the other.
Whether you’re at toy stores or attending costume parties, kids (and the young at heart) seem to love the blue alien more than any character in the series.
If you have been a lifelong fan (or even a newbie) and are wondering exactly what type of animal is Stitch, read on as we decipher the otherworldly secrets of Experiment 626.
Stitch’s Real Animal Type
To cut a long story short, Stitch is a koala and not a dog, as people thought he was (that’s right, we’re talking about you).
Chris Sanders designed and voiced the character of Stitch in the movie, and he envisioned Stitch as a small, genetically-engineered creature that resembles a mammal.
He was born “Experiment 626” from a terrible experiment by mad scientist Dr. Jumba Jookiba.
In the movie, Dr. Jookiba described him as fireproof, bulletproof, shockproof, and can think faster than a supercomputer. He can also move objects 3,000 times his size.
You may also want to check out our cool Lilo and Stitch gift ideas here.
Is Stitch A Dog?
Appearance
There are a few reasons why people think Stitch is a dog, as he resembles a French Bulldog.
While he isn’t exactly a dog, he shares some similar characteristics with them.
Aside from having four legs and a cute tail, he is fiercely loyal and playful.
Abilities
In the movie, he often growls when he feels protective of Lilo. He can also follow commands and loves digging, making it understandable that some people have mistaken him for a dog.
Is Stitch A Koala?
Appearance
Stitch is often described more as a koala because of his physical appearance. Koalas have a very cuddly appearance, cute noses, and fuzzy ears.
Guess who else appears that way? That’s right, Stitch.
Abilities
Regarding abilities, Stitch can easily climb walls and have a keen sense of hearing - capabilities which he shares with a koala.
As we know, koalas climb trees and have very sharp hearing, all thanks to their large ears [1]. Stitch also has a highly flexible skeleton, exhibiting a koala’s great sense of balance.
What Makes Stitch A Koala?
Due to his unexplainable features, people often call Stitch a koala for his big, purple nose, wide mouth, and fluffy ears.
Stitch has similar characteristics to a koala too. Aside from what we mentioned above, koalas have sharp teeth that can grind through any tree branch - just like Stitch.
They are also very loyal and protective creatures, but despite their cute appearance, they can become aggressive, especially when provoked or threatened [2].
Read: Our Favorite Gifts For Disney Lovers
Is He A Real Animal?
Despite his striking similarities to a dog and a koala, it is important to remember that Stitch is not a real animal you can find in a zoo (or take home with you).
He is only a fictional character from the brilliant mind of Chris Sander, and all we can do is enjoy watching his quirky antics on tv.
FAQs
What animal was Stitch based on?
While Stitch resembles a French bulldog, he is not a dog but is actually a koala. He shares many similarities with koalas, like his ability to climb trees and his keen sense of hearing.
Is Stitch considered a furry?
Yes, he is. Stitch has been quite popular with the furry fandom or the subculture that expresses interest in anthropomorphic animal characters.
Some attributes of anthropomorphic creatures include exhibiting human intelligence and emotions, speaking, wearing clothes, and walking on two legs.
Summary
Stitch is one of the most important Disney characters, and while he is a very odd creature with some violent tendencies, he has proven to be a loyal and caring member of his newfound family.
Contrary to what others might think, Stitch is not a dog but a koala. Regardless of what kind of animal he is, we know you love this blue alien, and we do too.
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References:
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/koala
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/62012/8-adorable-animals-are-surprisingly-violent
