Houndoom (Pokémon)

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

Houndoom Dark Pokémon ヘルガー Hellgar #229 Houndoom Mega Houndoom Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Dark Fire Unknown Unknown Mega Houndoom Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Early Bird or Flash Fire Houndoom Cacophony Mega Houndoom Cacophony Unnerve Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Solar Power Mega Houndoom Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 45 (11.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Field Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 4'07" 1.4 m Houndoom 6'03" 1.9 m Mega Houndoom 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 77.2 lbs. 35.0 kg Houndoom 109.1 lbs. 49.5 kg Mega Houndoom 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 Mega Houndoom 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 Mega Houndoom
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 introduced in Generation II.

It evolves from Houndour starting at level 24.

Houndoom can Mega Evolve into Mega Houndoom using the Houndoominite.

Biology

Houndoom is a quadrupedal, canine Pokémon that is mainly colored 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.

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 unique fire mixed with poison. This gives Houndoom's fire a foul odor and the wounds it inflicts will never heal. After finishing off the prey, Houndoom divides it evenly among its pack. Houndoom appears near rough terrain areas. Its howling induces shivering in other Pokémon, and often sends them scurrying back to their nests. This resulted in people referring to Houndoom's howl as the Grim Reaper.

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, which themselves cause pain to Mega Houndoom.^[1] Finally, the tip of its tail is now split down the middle. When it Mega Evolves, its entire body generates heat. Its fiery breath is now powerful enough to burn foes into ashes.

In the anime

Main series

Houndoom in the anime

Mega Houndoom in the anime

Major appearances

Harrison's Houndoom

Harrison used a Houndoom during the Silver Conference, where it helped in recovering 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 semifinals, where it lost to a Rhyhorn. It was often seen outside of its Poké Ball.

Other

Houndoom debuted in Houndoom's Special Delivery, under the ownership of a Mareep farmer, who nicknamed it Doomy. When Misty's Togepi got separated from Ash and his friends, it came across Doomy as it was delivering a package. Doomy then took Togepi to its home, where they were reunited with Ash's group.

In the beginning of Celebi: The Voice of the Forest, a Pokémon poacher used a Houndoom and a Scyther to chase a Celebi.

In A Ruin with a View, Team Magma Grunts used multiple Houndoom during the takeover of the Oldale Town Pokémon Center. They reappeared in a flashback in A Three Team Scheme!.

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

In Flint Sparks the Fire! and The Fleeing Tower of Sunyshore!, the Proprietor owns a Houndoom that is his loyal companion.

In Mega Evolution Special IV, Malva owns a Houndoom that can Mega Evolve. She was one of the ten Mega Evolved Pokémon that Alain and his Charizard had to defeat, and she was eventually defeated after a battle. In The Right Hero for the Right Job!, Rocking Kalos Defenses!, and Forming a More Perfect Union!, she helped fight Lysandre and later the Giant Rock.

In From A to Z!, Mable's Houndoom pursued Z2 in Terminus Cave, but it was defeated by Land's Wrath.

In A Festival of Decisions!, the ninja army used a Houndoom during the attack on Ninja Village.

In Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, a Houndoom that can Mega Evolve was under the control of Levi and Cherie's Mega Wave. Houndoom was used to battle Ash's Pikachu, Clemont's Chespin, and Volcanion. It was later freed from their control when Alva's Mega Wave Crystal was destroyed, and it escaped.

In The Right Hero for the Right Job!, Team Flare Grunts used multiple Houndoom to battle Steven and Serena at Lysandre Labs.

In The Power of Us, a Pokémon hunter's Houndoom and another hunter's Sneasel searched for Zeraora, but targeted a Teddiursa and Ditto instead. This forced Zeraora and soon Ash and his friends to intervene, eventually leaving Sneasel defeated.

In JN053, the boss of a group of Pokémon hunters used a Houndoom to battle Goh, after the latter's newly caught Drowzee began causing trouble. After defeating Drowzee, Houndoom battled Suicune, only to be defeated.

Minor appearances

In The Screen Actor's Guilt, Vitzo's fantasy featured a Houndoom.

In Entei at Your Own Risk, two Houndoom were resting in some hot springs.

In Gonna Rule The School!, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Houndoom to the school's underage students for use in lessons.

In The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, Dr. Yung created a Mirage Houndoom.

A Houndoom appeared in a visualization in Hi Ho Silver Wind!.

In Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, multiple Houndoom were part of the feuding armies that were eventually placated by Sir Aaron in the past. Three of them attacked Lucario just before.

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

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

In Playing the Performance Encore!, a Coordinator's Houndoom was used alongside a Mightyena in the Battle Stage of the Daybreak Contest.

In Genesect and the Legend Awakened, a Houndoom living in Pokémon Hills participated in the battle against the Genesect Army.

A Houndoom that can Mega Evolve into Mega Houndoom appeared in the opening of Mega Evolution Special I.

In A Crowning Moment of Truth!, two Trainers' Houndoom attended the Wela Fire Festival‎.

In a flashback in Battling the Beast Within!, the Ultra Rangers' Houndoom attempted to stop the Guzzlord that was wreaking havoc at the Ultra Ruin.

Pokédex entries

Pokémon Generations

Houndoom in Pokémon Generations

A Houndoom appeared in The Lake of Rage, under the ownership of a Team Rocket Grunt. Along with Grimer, Magnemite, Raticate, and Golbat, it was defeated by Lance's Dragonite during Lance and Ethan's infiltration of the Team Rocket HQ.

GOTCHA!

A Houndoom briefly appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of Karen.

In the manga

Houndoom in Pokémon Adventures

Ash & Pikachu

A Houndoom appeared in After The Missing Rucksack!!.

Movie adaptations

A Pokémon hunter owned a Houndoom in Celebi: a Timeless Encounter.

Phantom Thief Pokémon 7

A Houndoom appeared in Breaking Into The Enemy's Lair!.

Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon

A Houndoom appeared in Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

A Houndoom appeared in JBA4, under the ownership of Archer.

Pokémon Adventures

In Slick Slowking, multiple Houndoom were used by Carl to prevent Gold and Crystal from attacking with their Roar attack.

Maxie has 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. They first appeared in It All Ends Now V.

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

Darach has a Houndoom, which was used in his battle against Platinum in Getting the Drop on Gallade II.

A Houndoom appeared in Out-Odding Oddish, under the ownership of a Pokéathlon participant.

Karen's Houndoom was seen in Attaway, Aipom!, prior to her Elite Four colleagues challenging Gold in the Pokéathlon.

Archer's Houndoom appeared in a flashback and was used to threaten Petrel in All About Arceus III.

Team Plasma liberated a Houndoom from a Trainer. It was left behind at N's Castle in A Difficult Parting.

In PS550, Team Flare Scientist Mable owns a Houndoom.

A Houndoom belonging to an Aether Foundation Employee first appeared in Play the Melody That Echoes in the Altar.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Houndoom appeared in GDZ47, under the ownership of a thief.

Asuka is revealed to have a Houndoom, which first appeared in GDZ59.

Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission

A Houndoom appeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Two as one of the Pokémon that Solana captured with her Capture Styler. It reappeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Four and was released in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Five.

In the TCG

Main article: Houndoom (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Houndoom appears as a Spirit.

Game data

Pokédex entries

Houndoom

Game locations

In side games

In events

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Events*		Houndoominite (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Houndoom

Mega Houndoom

Pokéathlon stats

Type effectiveness

Learnset

TCG-only moves

Side game data

Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team 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!

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 R-161 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 R-154 It spits blobs of fire and lets loose dark pulses to attack.

Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Dark Poké Assist: (present) Dark Field move: (present) (Burn ×2) Poké Assist: (past) Dark Field move: (past) (Burn ×1) Browser entry R-267/N-084 It releases a dark pulse around itself that makes Pokémon Tired.

Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●

Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.25 seconds Base HP: 54 Base Attack: 79 Base Defense: 52 Base Speed: 60

Pokémon Battle Trozei Dark Attack Power: ★★★★★

Pokémon Shuffle Fire Attack Power: 70 - 110 5 #490 Risk-Taker Increases damage randomly. Mega Effects 7 Removes barrier-covered Pokémon / disruptions (max 10) and damages the foe.

Pokémon GO Base HP: 181 Base Attack: 224 Base Defense: 144 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 200/40 Fast Attacks: Snarl, Fire Fang Charged Attacks: Crunch, Fire Blast, Foul Play, Flamethrower*, Frustration‡, Return‡

Mega Houndoom

Pokémon GO Base HP: 181 Base Attack: 289 Base Defense: 194 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Snarl, Fire Fang Charged Attacks: Crunch, Fire Blast, Foul Play, Flamethrower*, Return‡

Evolution

Unevolved Houndour  Dark  Fire

Level 24 →

First evolution Houndoom  Dark  Fire

Forms

Mega Evolution

Default Houndoom Houndoom  Dark  Fire

Houndoominite ↔

Held Houndoominite Mega Houndoom Houndoom  Dark  Fire

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back
Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back

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

Trivia

• 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 seems to be based on the legends of hellhounds, black dogs, and possibly Cerberus of Greek mythology. Its horns and pointed tail resemble common depictions of the devil. Its skeletal adornments may be inspired by the Grim Reaper, and the bands around its ankles resemble shackles. Its build and coloration are similar to a Dobermann, and it also somewhat resembles the extinct Tasmanian wolf due to the stripe-like bony ridges on its back. Its pack-hunting behavior and eerie howling are reminiscent of wolves.

Name origin

Houndoom may be a combination of hound and doom (death or a terrible fate).

Hellgar may be a combination of hell and gar (Old English for spear; referring to its tail.)

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 Hebrew האונדום Hawndum Transcription of English name Hindi हनडूम Houndoom Transcription of English name Russian Хандум Khandum Transcription of English name Thai เฮลการ์ Henka Transcription of Japanese name

Related articles

• Harrison's Houndoom
• Mega Evolution

Notes

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 as a species.