I've always said Vulpix. Vulpix is adorable, but kind of awesome. Silly, but fierce. And fiery, of course.
And then it evolves into Ninetales, which, perhaps because I always thought they looked like a blander version of Kyuubimon from Digimon, I always equated to be the epitome of badass.
Although now I'd have to say, now that there's an otter pokemon, I've got to put in at least a bit for Oshawott. Because otters are my animal.