arcanine
Generation I · #0059 — Legendary Pokémon
Arcanine, the Legendary Pokémon of the Fire type, holds the distinguished position as National Pokédex #059 and has captivated trainers since Generation I. Despite its classification as a Legendary Pokémon, Arcanine is neither mythical nor a baby form, representing instead a majestic evolution of the faithful Growlithe. With a base stat total of 555, Arcanine strikes an impressive balance across its capabilities, boasting 110 Attack and 100 Special Attack alongside a respectable 95 Speed that allows it to compete effectively in both physical and special roles. This Fire-type powerhouse stands 1.9 meters tall and weighs 155 kilograms, making it a formidable presence both in appearance and battle prowess. The Pokédex has consistently praised Arcanine's elegance and swiftness since its introduction, with ancient texts and modern accounts alike testifying to its legendary status in cultures worldwide.
Base Stats
Height
1.9m
Weight
155.0kg
Category
Legendary Pokémon
Gender
Male 75% / Female 25%
Color
brown
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
Protects against fire moves. Once one has been blocked, the Pokémon's own Fire moves inflict 1.5× damage until it leaves battle.
Raises Attack one stage upon taking damage from a dark move.
Arcanine Biology & Physical Characteristics
Arcanine is a quadrupedal canine Pokémon characterized by its striking orange pelt adorned with jagged black stripes that give it a tiger-like appearance. The creature's head, muzzle, and chest are covered in luxurious shaggy beige fur that creates a regal, flowing mane—the very feature that Gold and Silver Pokédex entries describe as capable of conveying a sense of majesty. Its facial features include diamond-shaped ears with beige insides, intelligent black eyes, a round black nose, and two pointed teeth protruding prominently from its upper jaw. Long tufts of fur extend behind its elbows and around its ankles, contributing to its elegant silhouette. The internal fire that blazes within Arcanine's body serves as the source of its tremendous power and speed, as documented in the Ruby Pokédex entry which reports the Pokémon's capability to cover over 6,200 miles in a single day and night. A regional variant exists in Hisui, where Arcanine takes on a Fire/Rock typing and grows even larger at 2.0 meters tall, weighing 168 kilograms, with slightly enhanced Attack and HP statistics.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Arcanine Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Arcanine exhibits a notable gender ratio of 75% male to 25% female, skewing heavily toward male individuals in natural populations. This dramatic gender skew aligns with the species' legendary and noble characteristics, as historically many legendary creatures in mythology possess masculine-coded presentations and traits. Both male and female Arcanine are equally capable in combat, with no gender-based stat differences, meaning female Arcanine possess identical base stats to their male counterparts. The species belongs to the Field egg group, indicating Arcanine can breed with other Field-group Pokémon but cannot breed with Ditto or other groups, placing it within a compatible breeding ecosystem alongside Pokémon like Growlithe, Ponyta, and Mankey. Arcanine eggs require 20 cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, making it a moderately slow breeder compared to faster-hatching species but not among the slowest available. The base friendship value of 70 reflects Arcanine's general loyalty and approachability to trainers, suggesting that freshly caught or hatched Arcanine begin with a moderately strong bond rather than requiring extensive friendship-building activities. The gender disparity in the wild population creates an interesting dynamic for breeding enthusiasts, as female Arcanine become valuable breeding partners for creating optimal offspring.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
tm05
diamond pearl
tm05
black white
tm05
platinum
tm05
heartgold soulsilver
tm05
firered leafgreen
tm05
black 2 white 2
tm05
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm05
x y
tm05
xd
+702 more TMs/HMs
Arcanine Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Arcanine evolves from the puppy-like Growlithe when exposed to a Fire Stone, a transformation that reflects the profound development from a loyal companion into a legendary warrior. This evolution involves a significant increase in physical prowess—Growlithe's base Attack of 80 jumps to Arcanine's impressive 110, while its Special Attack climbs from 70 to 100, and its Speed increases from 60 to 95. The base stat total rises from 280 to 555, fundamentally altering Growlithe's modest capabilities into Arcanine's formidable competitive presence. In the Hisui region, Hisuian Growlithe undergoes a similar transformation into Hisuian Arcanine, though this regional variant emphasizes slightly different stat distribution with 115 Attack and 95 Special Attack while maintaining the same total of 555. Notably, Arcanine does not receive a Mega Evolution, despite its legendary classification, remaining in its evolved form as the ultimate expression of Growlithe's potential. The evolution process represents not merely physical growth but a spiritual elevation, as the Fire Stone appears to awaken the ancient power and majesty latent within Growlithe's lineage.
Where to Find
kanto route 7
kanto
kanto route 8
kanto
vermilion city
kanto
Arcanine Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Arcanine is renowned throughout Pokémon lore as a creature of unparalleled beauty and grace, running with such agileness that ancient observers described its movement as if it were running on wings. The magnificent bark this Pokémon produces conveys such majesty that those who hear it reportedly cannot help but grovel before its presence, indicating a social hierarchy where Arcanine commands deep respect from both humans and other Pokémon. Historical texts and picture scrolls reveal that people have been drawn to Arcanine's movements as it runs through prairies for centuries, suggesting the species inhabits open grasslands and plains where its speed can be fully realized. The creature's temperament reflects nobility and pride—qualities consistent with its legendary status—and it appears to bond deeply with trainers who earn its respect. While specific habitat preferences vary by region, Arcanine demonstrates an affinity for warmer climates befitting its Fire-type nature, though it adapts to diverse environments where it can express its characteristic grace and power.
Pokedex Entries
A POKéMON that has been admired since the past for its beauty. It runs agilely as if on wings.
A legendary POKé MON in China. Many people are charmed by its grace and beauty while running.
This legendary Chinese POKEMON is considered magnif icent. Many people are enchanted by its grand mane.
Its magnificent bark conveys a sense of majesty. Anyone hearing it can't help but grovel before it.
An ancient picture scroll shows that people were attracted to its movement as it ran through prairies.
ARCANINE is known for its high speed. It is said to be capable of running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night. The fire that blazes wildly within this POKéMON’s body is its source of power.
This fleet-footed POKéMON is said to run over 6,200 miles in a single day and night. The fire that blazes wildly within its body is its source of power.
A POKéMON that is described in Chinese legends. It is said to race at an unbelievable speed.
A POKéMON that has long been admired for its beauty. It runs agilely as if on wings.
Its proud and regal appearance has captured the hearts of people since long ago.
This legendary Chinese Pokémon is considered magnificent. Many people are enchanted by its grand mane.
Its magnificent bark conveys a sense of majesty. Anyone hearing it can’t help but grovel before it.
Its proud and regal appearance has captured the hearts of people since long ago.
The sight of it running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night has captivated many people.
A Pokémon that has long been admired for its beauty. It runs agilely as if on wings.
Its magnificent bark conveys a sense of majesty. Anyone hearing it can’t help but grovel before it.
Arcanine is known for its high speed. It is said to be capable of running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night. The fire that blazes wildly within this Pokémon’s body is its source of power.
Arcanine is known for its high speed. It is said to be capable of running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night. The fire that blazes wildly within this Pokémon’s body is its source of power.
Overflowing with beauty and majesty, this strong Pokémon appears in ancient Eastern folklore.
Legends tell of its fighting alongside a general and conquering a whole country.
The fire burning inside its body serves as the energy to fuel it as it runs great distances. It appears in many legends.
There are so many old tales about them that they’re called legendary Pokémon, but there are way more of them around than you’d expect.
A legendary Pokémon in the East. Many people are charmed by the grace and beauty of its running.
The sight of it running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night has captivated many people.
A Pokémon that has long been admired for its beauty. It runs agilely as if on wings.
Snaps at its foes with fangs cloaked in blazing flame. Despite its bulk, it deftly feints every which way, leading opponents on a deceptively merry chase as it all but dances around them.
Arcanine Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Arcanine derives from the words 'arcane,' referencing the mystical and legendary nature of the Pokémon, combined with 'canine,' explicitly denoting its canine characteristics. The Japanese name 'Windie' (ウインディ) likely references 'wind' or 'windy,' reflecting Arcanine's legendary speed and grace. The design itself draws heavily from mythological inspiration, most notably the qilin or kirin—a legendary hooved chimerical creature from Chinese and East Asian mythology traditionally depicted with flowing manes, an imposing presence, and an aura of majesty. The Pokédex explicitly identifies Arcanine as a legendary Chinese Pokémon, cementing this cultural connection within the game's lore. The tiger-like striping overlaid upon the canine form creates a hybrid aesthetic that blends feline power with canine loyalty, while the luxurious beige mane and facial structure evoke both domesticated dogs and fearsome legendary beasts. The color palette of orange with black stripes echoes actual fire and flames, reinforcing the Fire-type classification through visual design rather than explicit elemental imagery, a sophisticated design choice that suggests fire burning through a creature's natural pelt.
Learnable Moves
Arcanine can learn 90 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| burn up | fire | Special | 130 | 100 | 5 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon breath | dragon | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| dragon rage | dragon | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| extreme speed | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire fang | fire | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| fire spin | fire | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| flame charge | fire | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| flame wheel | fire | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heat crash | fire | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| howl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| odor sleuth | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| play rough | fairy | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic fangs | psychic | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scorching sands | ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| teleport | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| temper flare | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| wild charge | electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
Arcanine Competitive Battle Guide
Arcanine's competitive viability centers on its excellent Attack stat of 110, respectable Special Attack of 100, and threatening Speed of 95, creating a versatile physical attacker that can function in multiple roles within team compositions. Its signature ability Intimidate immediately pressures opponents upon entry by lowering their Attack one stage, forcing physical attackers to adapt their strategies and creating momentum shifts in competitive battles. The Flash Fire ability provides a valuable defensive niche, allowing Arcanine to absorb Fire-type moves while boosting its own Fire-type attacks to 1.5 times their normal damage, making it an excellent switch-in against other Fire-types and teams relying heavily on Fire-type coverage moves. The hidden ability Justified offers an alternative niche by raising Attack one stage whenever Arcanine takes damage from Dark-type moves, potentially converting disadvantageous situations into setup opportunities. Arcanine's movepool supports both physical and special strategies with access to moves like Wild Charge, Close Combat, Extreme Speed, and Flare Blitz, though its physical sets generally prove more threatening given the superior Attack stat. The 555 base stat total positions Arcanine competitively above many standard Pokémon but below pseudo-legendaries, allowing it to serve as a reliable competitive threat without reaching the power ceiling of top-tier metagame threats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Arcanine
What type is Arcanine?
Arcanine is a fire type Pokemon.
What does Arcanine evolve from?
Arcanine evolved from growlithe.
What are Arcanine's weaknesses?
Arcanine is weak to ground, rock and water type moves.
Where can I find Arcanine?
Arcanine can be found in kanto route 7 (kanto), kanto route 8 (kanto) and vermilion city (kanto).
Arcanine Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Arcanine has maintained substantial cultural significance since Generation I, consistently appearing as one of the most beloved and recognizable Fire-type Pokémon across the franchise's extensive history. The Pokédex's description explicitly identifying Arcanine as legendary in Chinese culture elevated the species to special status within the narrative, establishing it as a bridge between Pokémon world mythology and real-world cultural traditions, particularly East Asian legends and aesthetics. Gary Oak's iconic Arcanine in the anime series served as a memorable rival Pokémon, establishing Arcanine as a high-status companion of powerful trainers and reinforcing its legendary credentials through prominent character associations. The species appears frequently in competitive Pokémon circles, tournament coverage, and casual gameplay discussions, maintaining relevance across multiple generations and game releases. Arcanine's design has inspired considerable fan art and community appreciation, with its combination of elegance, power, and mythological grounding resonating deeply with players seeking Pokémon that feel genuinely legendary rather than merely statistically powerful. The introduction of Hisuian Arcanine in Legends: Arceus provided the species with renewed relevance and visual freshness while maintaining the core appeal that made the original form iconic, demonstrating enduring interest in the species across different eras of Pokémon gaming.
Where to Find Arcanine in Every Pokémon Game
Arcanine became available to players immediately in Generation I through Red and Blue versions, where it could be obtained by evolving Growlithe with a Fire Stone—Growlithe itself being available in the wild or as a gift in Cerulean City. Subsequent generations continued providing access to Arcanine and Growlithe, though specific availability varied between versions, with Growlithe appearing as a wild encounter in FireRed/LeafGreen, HeartGold/SoulSilver, and numerous later generations. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Hisuian Arcanine gained prominence as part of the expanded Pokédex, becoming catchable as a evolved Hisuian Growlithe after exposure to a Fire Stone. Modern games like Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl continue including Arcanine within their Pokédex, maintaining the species' consistent availability throughout the franchise. The catch rate of 75 makes Arcanine moderately easy to capture in the wild, falling between standard Pokémon and legendary creatures, reflecting its 'Legendary Pokémon' classification without the impossibility of capture associated with true legendaries like Articuno or Zapdos. The base experience yield of 194 provides solid experience points for training, encouraging use of Arcanine as a team member. Players seeking Arcanine in recent generations can typically locate Growlithe in the early game wild areas or obtain Fire Stones from various sources, ensuring the evolution remains accessible to dedicated trainers.