'''Houndoom''' ([[List of Japanese Pokémon names|Japanese]]: '''ヘルガー''' ''Hellgar'') is a dual-type {{2t|Dark|Fire}} Pokémon.
'''Houndoom''' ([[List of Japanese Pokémon names|Japanese]]: '''ヘルガー''' ''Hellgar'') is a dual-type {{2t|Dark|Fire}} Pokémon.
It [[Evolution|evolve]]s from {{p|Houndour}} starting at [[level]] 24. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into '''Mega Houndoom''' using the [[Mega Stone|Houndoomite]].
It [[Evolution|evolve]]s from {{p|Houndour}} starting at [[level]] 24. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into '''Mega Houndoom''' using the [[Mega Stone|Houndoominite]].
Houndoom is a quadruped, canine Pokémon that is mainly black with a long orange snout and an orange underbelly. It has small, red eyes and a black nose. On top of its head is a pair of long, curved gray horns. These horns are smaller on the female than the male. In a Houndoom pack, the one with its horns raked sharply towards the back serves a leadership role. Leadership is determined by fights within the pack. Around its neck is a white band with a small skull-shaped pendant on its throat. There are two white bands on each of its ankles, as well as three rib-like ridges on its back. Houndoom has a long, skinny tail with a triangular tip and three clawed toes on each paw. Its gut is full of toxins, which are used to create fire. This gives Houndoom's fire a foul odor and the wounds it inflicts will never heal. Houndoom appears near volcanic areas. Its howling induces shivering in other Pokémon, and often sends them scurrying back to their nests.
A group of Houndoom first appeared in Slick Slowking, used by Carl to prevent Gold and Crystal from attacking with their Roar attack.
Maxie is revealed to have five Houndoom in his arsenal, one of which he used to kill Norman to prevent him from using Rayquaza to interrupt Kyogre and Groudon's fight again.
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.
Houndoom has three different sprites in each Generation II game. It also shares this same trait in Generation IV games. This makes it one of the few Pokémon with this distinction.
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.