Funny, because nothing you're saying isn't nonsense.
The fact you even fathom the idea that Poochy is "less obscure" than a Piranha Plant, is what's truly absurd.
Anyone who plays a Mario game knows what one is.
Anyone who sees Mario merchandise knows what one is.
Anyone who sees promotional material from Nintendo's services knows what one is.
These things are ****ing EVERYWHERE.
Poochy is a "rising star" for a considerably LESS notable sub-series and that's ALL he is.
There is no comparison.
Mario mooks like Koopas, Goombas, Boos, Piranha Plants, etc., while a dime a dozen, are ICONIC TO GAMING.
Poochy is NOTHING.
If you can't bother to grasp this basic concept, don't even respond to this.
Ok chief let's calm down a little bit god damn lol sorry if I came off as hostile but let's just chill out
Let me try to put it in perspective
The "minor character" argument you used, first off, is invalid due to PP's existence. Recognizable or not, they're very minor characters.
Nintendo is clearly setting up Poochy to succeed as they are promoting him in the title of games, evidenced by Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World, and are continuing to include him as a prominent character in upcoming games, such as the new Yoshi game coming soon they would probably wish to market.
Furthermore, Poochy's existed a pretty dang long time now. I think you're underselling the amount of people who would recognize him, even just as "oh it's that goofy invincible dog from way back when"-Yoshi's Story was a pretty damn influential game.
A notable point is that Poochy even showed up in Mario Odyssey. Nintendo has some things in mind for the dog, who's decently well-known (more then you think) and has already appeared as a main character in a fairly recent 3DS game.
Now please calm down a little. Sorry if I came off as rude.