Houndour Wiki Guide
Introduced in generation two, with the Pokemon Gold and Silver games, Houndour is a dual type dark and fire Pokemon. It is the base evolution of Houndoom and does not evolve from any other Pokemon. Houndour is classified by the Pokedex as the “Dark Pokemon” which indicates its general design. This guide will showcase Houndour’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Houndour.
About Houndour
As a generation two Pokemon, Houndour first appeared in the original series with the episode Hour of the Houndour. This was an episode that featured a pack of Houndour and how they care for the others in their pack. It evolves into Houndoom at level 24 and this is the final evolution in its two stage evolution line. The Pokedex states that Houndour will work together in a pack to hunt down their prey.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Original Series: Hour of the Houndour |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Gold and Silver |
| Region | Johto |
| Evolution | Base evolution of Houndoom, not known to evolve from any other Pokmeon |
| 1st Evo level | 24 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | Houndour hunt as a coordinated pack. They communicate with each other using a variety of cries to corner their prey. This Pokémon's remarkable teamwork is unparalleled. |
Houndour Base Stats
| HP | 45 |
| ATTACK | 60 |
| DEFENCE | 30 |
| SP. ATTACK | 80 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 50 |
| SPEED | 65 |
| TOTAL | 330 |
Appearance
Houndour is a canine-like Pokemon with some bone-like ornaments found all over its body. It has the structure of a real-life dog but it is mostly black and red with two visible pointed fangs found in Houndour’s mouth. There is also a skull-like piece on top of Houndour’s head while on Houndour’s back is what resembles a rib cage and there are gray cuffs around each of its paws. It is a small Pokemon at 2 feet, or 0.6 meters tall.
Behavior
The Pokedex describes Houndour as a social Pokemon as they are often found in groups, hunting together and ensuring each others’ safety. In the anime, a pack of Houndour were trying to take care of a sick Houndour in their pack by stealing food. However, they are often cast in antagonistic roles as the Pokemon that Team Rocket tend to use. Houndour’s Pokedex description states that they can use different cries to communicate with one another.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As a base evolution Pokemon, there are not many strengths regarding Houndour. While its special attack is decent for a base evolution Pokemon, it is very frail and its speed stat is rather poor for an offensive Pokemon. Furthermore, as a dual type fire/dark Pokemon, Houndour is 2x weak to fighting, ground, rock, and water type moves. It is immune to psychic type moves and will resist ghost, steel, fire, grass, ice, and dark type moves.
Best Moveset
As a base evolution Pokemon, Houndour is exclusively limited to LC (Little Cup) brackets of competitive play. In this format it only has to face other base evolution Pokemon which makes its special attack stat seem more impactful. Houndour is typically used as an offensive Pokemon in this format, getting through most defensive Pokemon with ease. Consider running Fire Blast, Dark Pulse, Sucker Punch, and Flame Charge/Pursuit. Fire Blast and Dark Pulse benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), Sucker Punch gives you some outplay potential while Flame Charge/Pursuit are interchangeable as a set up option or to catch your opponent trying to switch out respectively.
| Fire Blast | Dark Pulse |
| Sucker Punch | Flame Charge/Pursuit |
How to Catch Houndour in Pokemon Go
If you would like to obtain a Houndour in Pokemon Go, there are a few ways of doing so. You can find one spawning in the wild at a boosted rate near residential areas, cities, neighborhoods, dry/arid climates, and other dry areas during clear weather. Houndour can also be hatched from 5 km eggs which can increase your chances of obtaining one and they can also be found as a raid boss in tier one raids at Pokemon Gyms. You will need 50 Houndour candies in order to evolve it into Houndoom. There are many different ways to obtain a Houndour, you will just need to take the first opportunity that comes your way.
Trivia
- Despite being introduced in generation two, Houndour can only be found in the Kanto region which makes it a somewhat exclusive Pokemon. It became native to Johto in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
- The inspiration for Houndour’s design is likely based on the myth of hellhounds or even Cerberus.
- The name Houndour is a combination of the words hound and dour (meaning grim or severe)
Explainer Video
FAQ
Is Houndour a good Pokemon?
Houndour is better suited for casual play than competitive play. Its moveset and uses are straightforward and there is not much nuance behind running Houndour. It has a decent special attack and speed for a base evolution Pokemon, but it is best to consider using Houndoom instead of Houndour.
What does a Houndour turn into?
A Houndour will evolve into Houndoom upon reaching level 24 and there are no special conditions to fulfill with evolving Houndour as you will just need to reach this level threshold. Once your Houndour reaches level 24, you will just need to let the evolution animation to play without pressing the “B” button. After that, you will have a Houndoom.
Where do you catch Houndour?
In the generation two games, you can find Houndour on Route 7 during nighttime. With the generation three games you will need to trade to get a Houndour. In Pokemon Pearl, you can obtain a Houndour by breeding Houndoom. If you want a Houndour in Pokemon Black, you can find one on Route 9. With Pokemon X you can find Houndour on Route 10. In the newer generations, you will have to trade for Houndour or it is simply not available.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Dark Pokemon”. While Houndour’s impact on competitive battling is limited, it is still a straightforward offensive Pokemon. Using a Houndour is simple and it functions like a Pokemon that you encounter in the early stages of the game. Reserve a slot on your team for Houndour if you want an offensive fire and dark type Pokemon.
