Ash's Lycanroc/Anime/History/Kukui's care

Lycanroc, as a Rockruff, was a wild Pokémon that stumbled across 's house one day. It was starving and left confused from another Pokémon's. Professor Kukui gave it some Pokémon food, which made Rockruff decide to stay at Kukui's house. From then on, Rockruff lived with Kukui, although he never it in a Poké Ball.

Rockruff first appeared in The Guardian's Challenge!, where it had dinner and played with Ash and. It was later seen the following day with Professor Kukui, watching the welcoming party had prepared for him. Kukui had planned to battle Ash and Pikachu with Rockruff, but the party was interrupted by, who challenged Ash to a battle instead.

In Rocking Clawmark Hill!, Rockruff came home injured, causing Ash and Professor Kukui to investigate the reason behind its injuries. This led them to Clawmark Hill, where they discovered that Rockruff had been fighting with other wild Pokémon, including a. With Ash's help, Rockruff was able to master, which helped it defeat Magmar. At the end of the episode, Professor Kukui encouraged Ash to catch Rockruff after seeing the bond the two had developed.