dewgong
Generation I · #0087 — Sea Lion Pokémon
Dewgong, the Sea Lion Pokémon, is a dual-type Water/Ice Pokémon that has captivated trainers since Generation I with its elegant design and formidable defensive capabilities. As the evolved form of Seel, Dewgong reaches its full potential at level 34, transforming into a graceful pinnipèd with a distinctive sharp horn and flowing tail. With a base stat total of 475, Dewgong demonstrates a well-rounded stat distribution that emphasizes defensive prowess, particularly its special defense stat of 95, making it a resilient choice for competitive battlers. Its white, snowy appearance renders it nearly invisible in arctic conditions, a natural camouflage that reflects its adaptation to frigid polar environments. Dewgong holds the distinction of being one of the original Pokémon that trainers could encounter in Kanto, and its representation across multiple generations and media has solidified its place as an iconic symbol of ice-type Pokémon.
Base Stats
Height
1.7m
Weight
120.0kg
Category
Sea Lion Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
white
Shape
fish
Habitat
sea
Abilities
Halves damage from fire and ice moves.
Cures any major status ailment after each turn during rain.
Heals for 1/16 max HP after each turn during hail. Protects against hail damage.
Dewgong Biology & Physical Characteristics
Dewgong is a pinniped Pokémon whose body is entirely covered in pure white fur, providing both insulation and camouflage in snowy conditions. The most striking feature of this Sea Lion Pokémon is the sharp horn protruding from the top of its head, which it uses to cut through even the thickest ice floes with remarkable efficiency. Its face displays two prominent black eyes, a black nose, and two ivory tusks extending from its upper jaw, giving it a distinctive and memorable appearance. The Pokémon's body measures 1.7 meters in height and weighs approximately 120 kilograms, with a streamlined physiology that minimizes drag in water. Two powerful front flippers enable rapid movement, while its long, flowing tail serves as both a rudder for quick directional changes and a tool for swimming at steady speeds of 8 knots even in intensely cold waters. The internal biology of Dewgong is particularly fascinating, as it stores thermal energy within its body, rendering it completely unharmed by even the most extreme freezing conditions that would be lethal to other organisms.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Dewgong Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Dewgong maintains a balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing for standard breeding mechanics across all compatible partners. The species belongs to both the Water 1 and Field egg groups, providing breeders with considerable flexibility in selecting compatible Pokémon for the purpose of obtaining offspring with desired moves or traits. Hatching a Dewgong egg requires 20 cycles, equivalent to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel, a moderate breeding timeframe that reflects its position as a mid-stage evolution rather than a legendary or otherwise exclusive Pokémon. Breeding Dewgong is particularly rewarding for trainers seeking to obtain move combinations not naturally learned through leveling, as the dual egg group membership means numerous move pools are accessible through cross-generational breeding strategies. The base friendship value of 70 (later adjusted to 50 in certain generations) ensures that bred Dewgong offspring maintain reasonable affection levels, facilitating faster experience gain and improved performance in trainer battles. For competitive breeders, the ability to pass down hidden ability Ice Body through maternal inheritance opens strategic possibilities, as this ability heals 1/16 of maximum HP per turn during hail while simultaneously protecting Dewgong from hail damage.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
aspear-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when frozen to cure frozen.
Cost: 80
aspear-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when frozen to cure frozen.
Cost: 80
never-melt-ice
type-enhancement
Held: Ice-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
never-melt-ice
type-enhancement
Held: Ice-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
sword shield
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
+632 more TMs/HMs
Dewgong Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Dewgong evolves from Seel at level 34, a straightforward evolution that dramatically enhances its physical capabilities and introduces the Ice typing to its Water foundation. The evolution process is one of the simplest in Pokémon history, requiring no special items, trades, or environmental conditions—merely reaching the specified level triggers the transformation. Upon evolution, Seel's modest form blossoms into Dewgong's majestic silhouette, gaining the distinctive horn, longer tail, and more robust body structure that characterizes the evolved form. The special defense stat increases notably through evolution, rising from Seel's baseline to Dewgong's impressive 95, alongside improvements across multiple other stats that create a more formidable overall presence. This evolution represents a natural progression in the Seel evolutionary line, with no further evolutions or Mega Evolution forms available for Dewgong in any generation. The design progression from the seal-like Seel to the more majestic sea lion appearance of Dewgong reflects a deliberate artistic choice to emphasize the Pokémon's growing maturity and competence as a creature of the ice.
Where to Find
seafoam islands
kanto
+41 more
icefall cave
kanto
+15 more
sinnoh sea route 226
sinnoh
sinnoh sea route 230
sinnoh
sinnoh victory road
sinnoh
+1 more
giant chasm
unova
+15 more
seaside cave
unova
+3 more
Dewgong Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Dewgong exhibits a distinctive circadian rhythm, spending daylight hours resting on bitterly cold ice or sleeping under shallow ocean waters while actively hunting at night when temperatures drop further. This nocturnal foraging behavior allows Dewgong to efficiently pursue prey such as Wishiwashi, taking advantage of cooler nighttime conditions when it becomes increasingly active and energetic. The Pokémon's preference for frigid seas with ice floes is absolute; it thrives in lower temperatures and becomes friskier and more animated as weather grows colder, a trait mentioned across multiple Pokédex entries from Gold and Silver versions. After feeding, Dewgong exhibits a curious behavior of sunbathing on beaches, a practice that raises its body temperature and aids in the digestive process. Its selection of habitat is deliberately specific—Dewgong lives on icebergs adrift in the coldest ocean waters available, regions where most other aquatic Pokémon would struggle to survive. The Pokémon's complete mastery of arctic environments, combined with its preference for isolation on floating ice masses, makes it a creature perfectly evolved for extreme polar conditions where few other species can compete.
Pokedex Entries
Stores thermal energy in its body. Swims at a steady 8 knots even in intensely cold waters.
Its entire body is a snowy-white. Unharmed by even intense cold, it swims powerfully in icy waters.
Its streamlined body has little drag in water. The colder the temperature, the friskier it gets.
It loves frigid seas with ice floes. It uses its long tail to change swimming direction quickly.
It sleeps under shallow ocean waters during the day, then looks for food at night when it's cold.
DEWGONG loves to snooze on bitterly cold ice. The sight of this POKéMON sleeping on a glacier was mistakenly thought to be a mermaid by a mariner long ago.
It loves to snooze on bitterly cold ice. The sight of this POKéMON sleeping on a glacier was mistakenly thought to be a mermaid by a mariner long ago.
Its body is covered with a pure white fur. The colder the weather, the more active it becomes.
It stores thermal energy in the body. It swims at a steady eight knots even in intensely cold waters.
In snow, the pure white coat covering its body obscures it from predators.
Its streamlined body has little drag in water. The colder the temperature, the friskier it gets.
It loves frigid seas with ice floes. It uses its long tail to change swimming direction quickly.
In snow, the pure white coat covering its body obscures it from predators.
Its streamlined body has low resistance, and it swims around cold oceans at a speed of eight knots.
Its body is covered with a pure white fur. The colder the weather, the more active it becomes.
Its streamlined body has little drag in water. The colder the temperature, the friskier it gets.
Dewgong loves to snooze on bitterly cold ice. The sight of this Pokémon sleeping on a glacier was mistakenly thought to be a mermaid by a mariner long ago.
Dewgong loves to snooze on bitterly cold ice. The sight of this Pokémon sleeping on a glacier was mistakenly thought to be a mermaid by a mariner long ago.
It swims through the ocean at a speed of eight knots, searching for Pokémon that will become its prey. It’s especially fond of Wishiwashi.
It sunbathes on the beach after meals. The rise in its body temperature helps its digestion.
Its entire body is a snowy white. Unharmed by even intense cold, it swims powerfully in icy waters.
Dewgong Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Dewgong derives from a combination of 'dew' and 'gong,' with 'dew' referring to the crystallized moisture that coats its snowy white fur and the cold condensation that characterizes its icy habitat. The Japanese name, Jugon, references the dugong, a marine mammal similar to a manatee that shares morphological similarities with pinniped creatures. Dewgong's design philosophy is heavily inspired by real-world sea lions and seals, particularly those found in Arctic and Antarctic regions where ivory tusks, horn-like appendages, and streamlined bodies are observed. The iconic flowing tail and sharp horn distinguish Dewgong from its evolutionary predecessor, signaling its advancement and enhanced capability. The pure white coloration serves dual purposes in both its biological armor against cold and its aesthetic appeal as a graceful, almost ethereal creature of ice. Historical maritime folklore directly influenced Dewgong's design, as the Pokédex notes that sailors once mistook sleeping Dewgong on glaciers for mermaids, suggesting the designers intentionally crafted an appearance that blurs the line between mammalian and mythological beauty.
Learnable Moves
Dewgong can learn 93 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| alluring voice | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| aqua jet | water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aurora beam | ice | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| avalanche | ice | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| belch | poison | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drill run | ground | Physical | 80 | 95 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| entrainment | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| frost breath | ice | Special | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| horn drill | normal | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice shard | ice | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| icicle spear | ice | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| lick | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| megahorn | bug | Physical | 120 | 85 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| pay day | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| perish song | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| play rough | fairy | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sheer cold | ice | Special | — | 30 | 5 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smart strike | steel | Physical | 70 | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snowscape | ice | Status | 0 | — | 10 |
| spit up | normal | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| stockpile | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swallow | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| triple axel | ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
Dewgong Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive battles, Dewgong serves as a dependable special wall, with its base special defense of 95 providing substantial bulk against special attackers when paired with appropriate training and items. The ability Thick Fat stands as Dewgong's premier competitive asset, halving damage from both Fire and Ice type moves and providing invaluable coverage against threats that would otherwise exploit the species' dual weakness to Fire attacks. Hydration offers viable utility in rain-based team compositions, automatically curing status conditions every turn in wet weather and allowing Dewgong to function without dedicating moveslots to status cure moves. Ice Body, the hidden ability, enables stall-oriented strategies in hail-weather teams, providing passive healing while simultaneously negating weather damage that would otherwise whittle down Dewgong's health reserves. The stat distribution, while lacking outstanding offense with attack and special attack both sitting at 70 base, permits Dewgong to function as a supportive team member that leverages defensive capabilities and utility moves over raw damage output. Common competitive sets emphasize defensive investments, utilizing moves such as Ice Beam, Freeze-Dry, Aqua Jet, and support options like Toxic, Encore, or Signals Beam to disrupt opposing strategies while Dewgong absorbs hits with its above-average defenses.
Commonly Asked Questions About Dewgong
What type is Dewgong?
Dewgong is a water and ice type Pokemon.
What does Dewgong evolve from?
Dewgong evolved from seel.
What are Dewgong's weaknesses?
Dewgong is weak to fighting, rock, grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Dewgong?
Dewgong can be found in seafoam islands (kanto), icefall cave (kanto) and sinnoh sea route 226 (sinnoh) and 4 other locations.
Dewgong Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Dewgong holds a significant position in Pokémon cultural history as a featured member of the Cerulean City Gym, where it served as a memorable encounter in the original Red and Blue games and their remakes. The iconic imagery of a Dewgong gracefully navigating icy waters has appeared across multiple anime episodes, including memorable appearances in the early television series where it demonstrated the elegance and power associated with trainer mastery of Water and Ice types. Competitive Pokémon communities have maintained interest in Dewgong across multiple competitive formats, from VGC to Smogon's tiered ladder system, where its unique ability combination and defensive profile ensure it remains a strategically relevant choice rather than merely a nostalgic relic. The species' presence across multiple generations and regional Pokédex iterations demonstrates the enduring appeal of its design and mechanical functionality, ensuring Dewgong remains accessible and viable long after initial release. Its representation in trading card games, merchandise, and derivative media solidifies Dewgong as part of the foundational identity of Ice-type Pokémon, appearing alongside Lapras and Articuno as one of the most recognizable frozen-water creatures in the franchise. The romantic Pokédex entry from Ruby and Sapphire versions, describing how ancient sailors mistook Dewgong for mermaids, has resonated with players and inspired fan art that romanticizes the creature's graceful nature.
Where to Find Dewgong in Every Pokémon Game
Dewgong is readily available across nearly every Pokémon generation, typically encountered through catching Seel in water routes and evolving it at level 34, or occasionally through direct encounters with Dewgong itself in ice-themed areas. In the original Generation I (Red, Blue, Yellow), Dewgong appears in the Kanto region's coldest waters and is famously used by Misty at the Cerulean City Gym, providing player-friendly early access through natural gameplay progression. Subsequent games have consistently provided Dewgong availability—Johto in Gold and Silver, Hoenn in Sapphire, Sinnoh in Diamond and Pearl, and virtually every generation thereafter maintains its presence. The Alola region in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon includes Dewgong in its regional Pokédex as entry 0116, though its base form Seel remains the primary catch method. Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee returned Dewgong to Kanto with its original Pokédex number of 087, allowing newer players to experience this classic species. The Scarlet and Violet expansion The Indigo Disk similarly features Dewgong with National Pokédex number 087, confirming its continued relevance in modern Pokémon titles. Trainers seeking Dewgong encounter reasonable catch rates of 75 across most games, making it a practical choice for team building without requiring excessive grinding, while the moderate breeding requirements ensure players seeking multiple Dewgong or optimized specimens can achieve results through standard breeding mechanics.