A Stoutland is said to be the most useful pokemon a person can use within the arctic circle. They are large enough for riding, strong enough to carry supplies for the long distances arctic peoples must often travel in search of food, and equally adept at carrying passed-out comrades, should hypothermia strike.

Although Stoutland are not considered ice type, this works to their advantage; their attacks wound ice pokemon far more effectively than ice techniques, shortening the length and risk of human injury of any conflicts with wild pokemon. Furthermore, the same thick coat of fur which allows them to survive in this climate can also warm their trainer, unlike ice pokemon, who are often so cold that they are dangerous to the touch. Indeed, when their initial bearers perish, Stoutland pelts are often used or sold as blankets, although these pelts are too heavy to be practically carried for lengthy travel.

Stoutland have long been used by the indigenous peoples of the circumpolar region, where they were originally trained, but the skills which enable them to function in the high arctic have translated remarkably well to mountain climates, and they have been utilized even in rivers and deserts. They are said to follow the flights of Articuno, at least in the many disparate lands where that legend has been placed, and to cooperate with them to rescue lost travelers which human methods fail to locate. Although initially used primarily as pack animals, their kind demeanor and endless versatility has made these pokemon equally popular as household pets, and the rise of pokemon battles has seen their evolutionary connection to the oft-beloved Herdier well-understood not only in the arctic, but around the world.