Houndoom (Pokémon)

← #228: Houndour	Pokémon	#230: Kingdra →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Houndoom (disambiguation).

Houndoom ヘルガー Hellgar #229 Houndoom Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Dark Fire Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Early Bird or Flash Fire Houndoom Cacophony Cacophony Unnerve Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Solar Power Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 45 (11.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Field Hatch time 21 cycles
Height 4'07" 1.4 m Houndoom 6'03" 1.9 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 77.2 lbs. 35.0 kg Houndoom 109.1 lbs. 49.5 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone Houndoominite [[|]]
Base experience yield 204 Gen. II-IV Unknown IV 175 V+	Leveling rate Slow
EV yield Total: 2 Houndoom 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 2 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Black	Base friendship 35
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Houndoom (Japanese: ヘルガー Hellgar) is a dual-type Dark/Fire Pokémon.

It evolves from Houndour starting at level 24. It can Mega Evolve into Mega Houndoom using the Houndoominite.

Biology

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. 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. On top of its head is a pair of long, curved gray horns. These horns are smaller on the female than the male.

As Mega Houndoom, the ridges on its back thicken, and it gains additional, bone-like rings around the base of its tail. The rings on its tail have small spikes on top, causing them to resemble vertebrae. The ridge at the base of Mega Houndoom's neck is longer and curves forward towards its shoulders. Instead of a band with a skull pendant, there is a large, toothed structure around its neck. This bone-like formation has two large spikes on either side and three pointed teeth on the bottom. Mega Houndoom's horns now point straight up with a small, outward curve in the middle. The two bands on its hind legs have vanished, and those on its forelegs are broken in the front. Its claws are a dark red due to its ability to generate more heat. Finally, the tip of its tail is now split down the middle.

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. 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.

In the anime

Houndoom in the anime

Major appearances

Harrison's Houndoom

Harrison used a Houndoom during the Silver Conference, where it helped to recover the flame of Ho-Oh and defeated Ash's Snorlax in their battle. However, it lost to Ash's Bayleef and was Harrison's final Pokémon in the Semi-Finals, in which it lost to a Rhyhorn.

Other

Houndoom first appeared in Houndoom's Special Delivery. When Misty's Togepi got separated from Ash and his friends, it came across a Houndoom that was delivering a package. Houndoom took Togepi back to Ash, Misty and Brock.

A Pokémon poacher was using a Houndoom alongside a Scyther to chase Celebi at the beginning of Celebi: Voice of the Forest.

Joshua used a Houndoom in the Pacifidlog Town Contest during Mean With Envy and Pacifidlog Jam.

Another Houndoom appeared in Flint Sparks the Fire! and The Fleeing Tower of Sunyshore! under the ownership of the Proprietor.

A Houndoom also appeared in Genesect and the Legend Awakened battling the Genesect Army at Pokémon Hills.

Minor appearances

A Houndoom appeared in The Screen Actor's Guilt in Vidso's fantasy.

Two Houndoom were among the Pokémon resting in some hot springs in Entei at Your Own Risk.

In A Ruin with a View they were used by Team Magma in Oldale Town. They reappeared in a flashback in A Tree Team Scheme!.

A Houndoom was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.

Dr. Yung used a mirage Houndoom in The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon.

A Houndoom made a cameo appearence in a vizualization in Hi Ho Silver Wind!.

Multiple Houndoom appeared in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew as part of the feuding armies. Three of them attacked Lucario.

A Houndoom appeared in May, We Harley Drew'd Ya!.

A Houndoom appeared in a flashback in Duels of the Jungle!.

A Houndoom appeared in Playing the Performance Encore! under the ownership of a coordinator.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP180 Houndoom Ash's Pokédex Houndoom, the Dark Pokémon. The evolved form of Houndour. Houndoom's eerie howl is said to cause those who hear it to shudder in fear.

In the manga

Houndoom in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

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 Showdown with Houndoom, Pearl comes across a Houndoom that attacked him and Rayler.

Darach has a Houndoom which was used in his battle against Platinum in VS Gallade II.

In the TCG

Main article: Houndoom (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation I Red {{{redbluedex}}} Blue Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away. Silver Upon hearing its eerie howls, other Pokémon get the shivers and head straight back to their nests. Crystal The pungent-smelling flame that shoots from its mouth results from toxins burning in its body. Stadium 2 If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away.
Generation III Ruby 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. Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald In a Houndoom pack, the one with its horns raked sharply back serves a leadership role. They choose their leader by fighting among themselves. FireRed Upon hearing its eerie howls, other Pokémon get the shivers and head straight back to their nests. LeafGreen If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away.
Generation IV Diamond Long ago, people imagined its eerie howls to be the call of the grim reaper. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever. HeartGold If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away. SoulSilver Upon hearing its eerie howls, other Pokémon get the shivers and head straight back to their nests.
Generation V Black The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever. White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Long ago, people imagined its eerie howls to be the call of the grim reaper. Y The flames it breathes when angry contain toxins. If they cause a burn, it will hurt forever.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver None Evolve Houndour Crystal None Evolve Houndour
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Evolve Houndour FireRed LeafGreen None Evolve Houndour Colosseum One Tower Colosseum (Shadow) XD None Evolve Houndour
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Rare Routes 214 and 215 (Poké Radar) (Pearl only) Platinum None Evolve Houndour HeartGold SoulSilver Common Safari Zone Pal Park Mountain Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Evolve Houndour (Black only) Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Evolve Houndour (X only)

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 63 Forever Level 13 Pair Trozei Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve from Houndour
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Treeshroud Forest (1F-10F)
Pokémon Ranger	Jungle Relic
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Oil Field Hideout
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Sky Fortress Dark Temple
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Lake: Sunny Seashore (Post-ending)

Stats

Base stats

Houndoom

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 75		135 - 182	260 - 354
Attack: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Defense: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Atk: 110		103 - 178	202 - 350
Sp. Def: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Speed: 95		90 - 161	175 - 317
Total: 500	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Mega Houndoom

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 75		135 - 182	260 - 354
Attack: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Defense: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp. Atk: 140		130 - 211	256 - 416
Sp. Def: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Speed: 115		108 - 183	211 - 361
Total: 600	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 4/4 ★★★★	Power 3/3 ★★★
Skill 2/2 ★★	Stamina 3/4 ★★★☆
Jump 3/4 ★★★☆	Total 15/17 ★★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost ½× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost ½× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost ½× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost ½× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If Miracle Eye is used by an opponent or this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Psychic-type  moves is 1×. If this Pokémon has Flash Fire, the effectiveness of  Fire-type  moves is 0×.

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation VI Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  00Start Inferno Fire Special 100100 05050% 5 00Start Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— ——% 20 00Start Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 09595% 15 00Start Leer Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 00Start Ember Fire Special 04040 100100% 25 00Start Howl Normal Status 0000— ——% 40 00Start Smog Poison Special 03030 07070% 20 044 Howl Normal Status 0000— ——% 40 088 Smog Poison Special 03030 07070% 20 1313 Roar Normal Status 0000— ——% 20 1616 Bite Dark Physical 06060 100100% 25 2020 Odor Sleuth Normal Status 0000— ——% 40 2626 Beat Up Dark Physical 0000— 100100% 10 3030 Fire Fang Fire Physical 06565 09595% 15 3535 Feint Attack Dark Physical 06060 ——% 20 4141 Embargo Dark Status 0000— 100100% 15 4545 Foul Play Dark Physical 09595 100100% 15 5050 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100100% 15 5656 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100100% 15 6060 Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— ——% 20 6565 Inferno Fire Special 100100 05050% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Houndoom Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Houndoom Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation VI Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM12 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM22 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 TM35 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM36 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM38 Fire Blast Fire Special 110110 085}}85% 5 TM41 Torment Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM43 Flame Charge Fire Physical 05050 100}}100% 20 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM50 Overheat Fire Special 130130 090}}90% 5 TM59 Incinerate Fire Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM61 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM63 Embargo Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM66 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100}}100% 10 TM67 Retaliate Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 5 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 090}}90% 15 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 TM95 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM97 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Houndoom Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Houndoom Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation VI Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  Beat Up Dark Physical — 100% 10 Counter Fighting Physical — 100% 20 Destiny Bond* Ghost Status — —% 5 Feint Normal Physical 30 100% 10 Fire Fang Fire Physical 65 95% 15 Fire Spin Fire Special 35 85% 15 Nasty Plot Dark Status — —% 20 Punishment Dark Physical — 100% 5 Pursuit Dark Physical 40 100% 20 Rage Normal Physical 20 100% 20 Reversal Fighting Physical — 100% 15 Spite Ghost Status — 100% 10 Sucker Punch Dark Physical 80 100% 5 Thunder Fang Electric Physical 65 95% 15

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Houndoom in Generation VI Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Houndoom in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Houndoom Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Houndoom Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VI Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.

A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Houndoom can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Houndoom cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Houndoom Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Houndoom Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior Evolutions.
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Houndoom Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Houndoom Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 229.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Ravaged Field Phrases 51%-100% HP My Howl leaves foes shaking with fear! 26%-50% HP Darn... My remaining HP's down to half... 1%-25% HP It's all over for me... I don't have the energy to even bark... Level up I've leveled up! I will howl with greater authority! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I've leveled up! I will howl with greater authority!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -4.5% IQ group: C
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Dark  Poké Assist: ( Dark ) Field move: (Burn ×2) Loops: 6 Min. exp.: 60 Max. exp.: 80 Browser entry   Houndoom blows out a big ball of fire. It has no trouble torching a Fallen Log.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Dark  Poké Assist: ( Dark ) Field move: (Burn ×2) Browser entry   It spits blobs of fire and lets loose dark pulses to attack.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Dark  ( Dark ) Past ( Normal ) (Burn ×2) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   It releases a dark pulse around itself that makes Pokémon Tired.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Unevolved Houndour  Dark  Fire

Level 24 →

First Evolution Houndoom  Dark  Fire

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Houndoom images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Houndoom and its pre-evolution.
• 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.

Origin

Houndoom may have been based on the Cerberus of Greek and Roman mythology, or other legends of hellhounds. Houndoom is also similar in appearance to Dobermanns.

Name origin

Houndoom is a combination of hound and doom.

Hellgar is a combination of hell (alluding to its dark and fiery nature, as a hellhound) and gar (a sound that dogs make).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ヘルガー Hellgar From hell and gar French Démolosse From démon and molosse. Spanish Houndoom Same as English name German Hundemon From Hund and Dämon Italian Houndoom Same as English name Korean 헬가 Helga Transliteration of its Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 黑魯加 / 黑鲁加 Hēilǔjiā Transliteration of its Japanese name. Cantonese Chinese

More languages

External links

← #228: Houndour

Pokémon

#230: Kingdra →

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.