houndoom
Generation II · #0229 — Dark Pokémon
Houndoom, the Dark Pokémon, is a dual-type Dark/Fire Pokémon introduced in Generation II that represents the fully evolved form of Houndour. As the final evolution in its line, Houndoom emerges when Houndour reaches level 24, transforming into a formidable canine predator that combines dark malevolence with infernal heat. With a base stat total of 500, Houndoom excels as a special attacker with a Special Attack stat of 110, supported by respectable Speed (95) and Attack (90) that make it a versatile offensive threat. The creature's fearsome reputation is well-earned, as multiple Pokédex entries describe the permanent nature of its burns and the terror its eerie howls inspire in other Pokémon. Houndoom's presence in the Johto region and beyond has made it an iconic representation of dark fire-type synergy, influencing competitive battling strategies across multiple generations.
Base Stats
Height
1.4m
Weight
35.0kg
Category
Dark Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
black
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
rough-terrain
Abilities
Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.
Protects against fire moves. Once one has been blocked, the Pokémon's own Fire moves inflict 1.5× damage until it leaves battle.
Prevents opposing Pokémon from eating held Berries.
Houndoom Biology & Physical Characteristics
Houndoom is a quadrupedal canine Pokémon with a distinctly demonic appearance that perfectly captures its Dark/Fire typing. Its body is covered in jet-black fur, contrasting sharply with its orange snout and underbelly, while small crimson eyes gleam from its darkened face above a black nose. The most striking features are its pair of long, curved gray horns that rake sharply toward the back of its head—these horns are notably larger on males than females, serving as a visible sexual dimorphism marker. Around its neck sits a white band adorned with a small skull-shaped pendant, adding to its menacing aesthetic, while additional white bands encircle each ankle. Three rib-like ridges run along its back, and its thin tail culminates in a triangular tip, all supported by three clawed toes on each paw. Unlike its pre-evolution Houndour, Houndoom lacks discernable external ears, suggesting a more refined and mature form. The flames it shoots from its mouth originate from toxins burning within its body, resulting in a pungent-smelling fire that inflicts burns of legendary permanence—victims of these burns experience pain that allegedly never fully fades.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Houndoom Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Houndoom displays a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, ensuring equal representation of both sexes in wild populations and breeding programs. Male Houndoom are distinguished by notably larger, more prominent horns that curve sharply backward, serving as their primary sexual dimorphism marker and contributing significantly to their intimidating appearance. Female Houndoom possess smaller, less pronounced horns, though they retain the same lethal combat capabilities and special attack potential as their male counterparts. The species belongs to the Field egg group, classifying it alongside various terrestrial Pokémon like Growlithe and Mankey, allowing for diverse breeding combinations with compatible partners. Houndoom eggs require 20 cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel, making it a moderately time-intensive breeding prospect compared to faster-hatching species. The base friendship value of 35 indicates that newly hatched Houndoom begin with lower-than-average affection toward their trainers, requiring extra care and bonding to reach peak friendship levels—this lower starting value reinforces the species' naturally suspicious and untrusting demeanor.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
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
+734 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
houndoom's Evolution Chain
Houndoom Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Houndoom evolves from Houndour at level 24, marking a dramatic transformation from juvenile hunter to apex predator. The evolution brings notable stat increases across the board, with Special Attack rising to its peak at 110 and Speed improving to 95, cementing Houndoom's role as a swift special attacker. Furthermore, Houndoom gained the ability to Mega Evolve in Generation VI through the Houndoominite, transforming into Mega Houndoom—a form that stands taller at 1.9 meters compared to the base form's 1.4 meters and weighs 49.5 kg instead of 35.0 kg. Mega Houndoom's stat distribution shifts dramatically, with Defense jumping from 50 to 90, Special Attack increasing to an impressive 140, and Speed accelerating to 115, resulting in a total stat of 600. The Mega Evolution also grants Houndoom the ability Solar Power, replacing its standard abilities and allowing it to boost Special Attack by 50% in harsh sunlight while taking chip damage—a high-risk, high-reward strategy that transforms it into a special sweeper of exceptional caliber. This Mega Evolution represents one of the most significant power jumps available to Dark/Fire types in competitive play.
Where to Find
sinnoh route 214
sinnoh
+1 more
sinnoh route 215
sinnoh
+1 more
alola route 12
alola
Houndoom Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Houndoom are inherently pack animals that live and hunt together in coordinated groups, establishing strict hierarchical structures based on physical dominance. Within each pack, the individual with horns most sharply raked toward the back assumes a leadership role, a position earned through combative trials where pack members fight to determine their alpha. This aggressive social structure reflects Houndoom's predatory nature and dark temperament, making them formidable hunters on the landscape. Upon hearing the eerie, bone-chilling howls of a Houndoom pack, other Pokémon instinctively flee to their nests, seeking shelter from these apex predators. The species inhabits various regions throughout the Pokémon world, from the volcanic and cave-ridden areas of Johto to the coastal regions of Kalos and beyond, adapting well to environments where they can hunt undisturbed. Despite their fearsome reputation, Houndoom maintain relatively low base happiness of 35, suggesting they are naturally suspicious and difficult to befriend—they require patient trainers willing to earn their trust through dedication.
Pokedex Entries
If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away.
Upon hearing its eerie howls, other POKéMON get the shivers and head straight back to their nests.
The pungent- smelling flame that shoots from its mouth results from toxins burn ing in its body.
In a HOUNDOOM pack, the one with its horns raked sharply towards the back serves a leadership role. These POKéMON choose their leader by fighting amongst themselves.
In a HOUNDOOM pack, the one with its horns raked sharply back serves a leadership role. They choose their leader by fighting among themselves.
Upon hearing its eerie howls, other POKéMON get the shivers and head straight back to their nests.
If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away.
Long ago, people imagined its eerie howls to be the call of the grim reaper.
The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever.
If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away.
Upon hearing its eerie howls, other Pokémon get the shivers and head straight back to their nests.
The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever.
The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever.
Long ago, people imagined its eerie howls to be the call of the grim reaper.
The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever.
In a Houndoom pack, the one with its horns raked sharply toward the back serves a leadership role. These Pokémon choose their leader by fighting among themselves.
They spew flames mixed with poison to finish off their opponents. They divvy up their prey evenly among the members of their pack.
Identifiable by its eerie howls, people a long time ago thought it was the grim reaper and feared it.
Houndoom Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Houndoom's name derives from 'hound,' the common term for hunting dogs, combined with 'doom,' emphasizing its ominous and destructive nature. The Japanese name, Hellgar (ヘルガー), combines 'Hell' with a German-influenced ending, reinforcing its infernal aesthetic and dangerous reputation. Visually, Houndoom draws inspiration from hellhounds from mythology and folklore, incorporating demonic elements such as its curved horns, dark coloration, and the skull pendant around its neck. The design evolution from Houndour maintains canine characteristics while introducing far more menacing features—the transformation from puppy-like to fully predatory reflects a deliberate design philosophy of maturation through power. The orange snout and underbelly suggest residual heat from the flames it generates, while the three rib-like ridges on its back may reference infernal imagery or the beast's muscular development. The gray horns specifically recall depictions of demons and devils across multiple cultural mythologies, making Houndoom a culturally resonant design that successfully bridges the gap between recognizable canine form and dark fantasy archetype.
Learnable Moves
Houndoom can learn 95 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| beat up | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| comeuppance | dark | Physical | 1 | 100 | 10 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 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 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| 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 |
| inferno | fire | Special | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| odor sleuth | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic fangs | psychic | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 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 smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| smog | poison | Special | 30 | 70 | 20 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| super fang | normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| temper flare | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
Houndoom Competitive Battle Guide
Houndoom occupies a significant niche in competitive Pokémon battling, leveraging its exceptional 110 Special Attack stat and solid 95 Speed to function as a special attacker capable of pressuring diverse threats. The Flash Fire ability grants Houndoom valuable utility by absorbing Fire-type moves and increasing its own Fire-type attacks by 50%, making it an excellent pivot against Fire-type opponents and enabling it to turn defensive matchups into offensive advantages. Competitive sets typically prioritize Special Attack and Speed investments, utilizing moves like Dark Pulse, Fire Blast, and Nasty Plot to maximize offensive pressure while covering common threats. The Early Bird ability, while less common competitively, provides niche utility by halving sleep duration, potentially allowing Houndoom to escape sleep-inducing strategies faster than opponents expect. Mega Houndoom shifts the competitive dynamic dramatically, transforming into a superior special sweeper with 140 Special Attack, 115 Speed, and the Solar Power ability—under sun support from Teammates like Groudon or sun-setters, Mega Houndoom becomes a devastating threat capable of 2HKOing much of the metagame. The hidden ability Unnerve presents an alternative competitive option that prevents opponents from consuming held Berries, disrupting strategies reliant on berry-based healing or stat restoration, though this is generally considered less impactful than its standard abilities in most competitive formats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Houndoom
What type is Houndoom?
Houndoom is a dark and fire type Pokemon.
What does Houndoom evolve from?
Houndoom evolved from houndour.
What are Houndoom's weaknesses?
Houndoom is weak to fighting, ground, rock and water type moves.
Where can I find Houndoom?
Houndoom can be found in sinnoh route 214 (sinnoh), sinnoh route 215 (sinnoh) and alola route 12 (alola).
Houndoom Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Houndoom has maintained substantial cultural prominence throughout the Pokémon franchise since its introduction in Generation II, appearing prominently in the anime series as Harrison's ace Pokémon during the Johto League tournament, establishing the species as a serious competitive threat in the narrative. The creature's fearsome reputation and dark aesthetic have made it a fan-favorite among players who gravitate toward darker, more malevolent Pokémon designs, contributing to its consistent appearance across multiple games and merchandise lines. Its Mega Evolution introduction in Generation VI reinforced its cultural relevance by demonstrating that classic Generation II Pokémon could receive contemporary power upgrades, attracting both nostalgic players and newer audiences. The design's influence extends beyond the Pokémon series itself, inspiring similar demonic canine designs in other media and serving as a reference point for dark fire-type aesthetics in game design discussions. Houndoom's appearance in competitive formats across multiple generations has cemented its status as a legitimate strategic choice rather than a novelty pick, contributing to its representation in esports tournaments and competitive communities worldwide.
Where to Find Houndoom in Every Pokémon Game
Houndoom's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon games and regions, with its distribution spanning from its introduction in Gold and Silver through modern entries like Scarlet and Violet. In the Generation II games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal), Houndoom appears as local Pokédex entry 0210, reflecting its prominence in the Johto region's late-game encounters. Subsequent generations have maintained accessibility to the species, though with varying methods—Platinum lists it as local entry 0177, while HeartGold and SoulSilver position it as 0215, enabling players in the remakes to capture either Houndour for evolution or potentially find evolved Houndoom in post-game areas. More recent generations including X and Y (as local entry 0076 in Coastal Kalos), Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (entry 0290 in the Alola dex), and Scarlet and Violet (entry 0026) continue to provide access to the species, ensuring modern players can experience Houndoom without extensive trading requirements. The announced Legends: Z-A includes Houndoom as entry 0092, confirming its continued relevance in upcoming generations. Wild encounters typically occur in volcanic regions, caves, and darkened areas appropriate to its dark fire-type nature, while trainers can alternatively breed Houndour obtained through gameplay to obtain Houndoom at level 24.