Isabelle, the player's personal assistant in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, is a dog—specifically a Shih Tzu. She serves as the player character's secretary after the player becomes mayor of the town.
Isabelle debuted in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012. Her role includes helping with town projects, advising the mayor, announcing events, and managing aspects of the town's public administration. Her cheerful personality and occasional clumsiness quickly made her one of the series' most recognizable characters.
Her Japanese name is Shizue, and her design is based on a golden-colored Shih Tzu. Isabelle also has a twin brother, Digby, who is another dog and works at the Happy Home Showcase. This family connection can sometimes lead players to remember Isabelle simply as a generic canine character rather than identifying her specific breed.
After New Leaf, Isabelle appeared in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and became a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.