What Kind of Animal Is Stitch From Lilo & Stitch?

There is no definitive answer to explain what type of animal is Stitch from Lilo in Stitch. In fact, it is possible he is not an animal at all. Animals are multicellular eukaryotic organisms which have evolved on our planet over millions of years. Stitch is an alien from another planet with a completely different evolutionary history to the animals we know on Earth.

A further complication is that Stitch's origins are not natural. While we might expect alien lifeforms to have developed organically on different planets, Stitch was created in a laboratory by a scientist known as Dr. Jumba Jookiba. This is why Stitch's original name is ‘Experiment 626’. Stitch is a genetically engineered creature whose creation was thanks to the genetic information provided by alien species.

Stitch's physical appearance is a result of this genetic engineering, as are other physical traits such as incredible strength and a bulletproof body. Stitch has a small and compact body with four legs, although he is able to walk bipedally (i.e. on two legs like a human). He has long and sharp fangs as well as retractable claws. Although they cannot be seen at all times, Stitch also has antennae which arise from his head when needed.

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Not only is Stitch an alien from another planet, he is also a fictional character. We cannot say that he is an animal from real life, but we can see the resemblance of certain animals in his physical appearance. When first discovered by the eponymous Lilo, Stitch is described by her adopter as an ‘ugly dog’. With his bat ears and sharp teeth, it is true that he does resemble a small dog, perhaps most like a French Bulldog.

Learn about the different types of French Bulldog with our related guide.

When viewers of the movie think about which animal Stitch most resembles in real life, many think of a blue koala. The koala's cubby body, smooth nose and rounded ears do share certain traits with those of the fictional Stitch. Lilo's older sister Nani even thinks he is a koala at some point, so it is likely the creators had this in mind as a point of reference when creating the character design of Stitch.

However, it is also true that Stitch has more reference points in terms of character design than a dog or koala. Animals of different natures and physical descriptions were used as inspiration for what would become the final character. One which may not be as well known or obvious at first is the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta).

The tarsier is a small primate with very large and protruding eyes. They have a cubby body with oversized hands in comparison, almost looking like the hands of a small human. These disparate features combine to give the Philippine tarsier a somewhat alienlike appearance, the perfect touchstone for the creation of an alien character such as Stitch.

When we know about the backstory of Stich from Lilo & Stitch, we know they are an alien being. The real animal touchstones which help to create the final character design are varied, so it is important to know he is not based on any one animal. In this way, we can say that Stitch is both a hybridization of various animals and a completely original alien creature in his own right.

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We have already reviewed Stitch's physical characteristics, but these are only part of the final characterization. What makes Stitch into such a lovable and enduring figure in the collective imagination is his unique character. This character is curious and playful, if not somewhat problematic at certain times. Of course, if it were not for this troublesome side of his nature, we wouldn't have the same adventure story we have come to love.

if we apply the various animal characteristics to Stitch which have provided inspiration, we can say that he is fun and cheerful like a domestic dog, but he also has many feral behaviors. This should not be much of a surprise when we consider the fact he was created in a laboratory.

Fortunately, both Stitch and Lilo are able to learn important lessons from each other by the end of the film. Lilo learns responsibility for her actions, as well as the ultimate forgiveness of past mistakes which help her to move forward in her personal development. Stitch learns about family values, friendship and love, becoming a kind and loyal friend by the end of the first film.

These values are encapsulated in the Hawaiian concept of Ohana, a term which helps engender true family and belonging. This is something not limited to blood relations and it is revealed that “Ohana means family, family that never leaves you”.

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