Growlithe sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Arcanine as fast as possible. Only weak to Water, Ground, and Rock. Known as the Puppy Pokemon.
The stat budget goes to damage. Attack and Sp. Atk carry the offense, Defense doesn't even come close. A Puppy Pokemon on a slow 1.25M XP grind, worth 1 Attack EV per KO.
It has a brave and trustworthy nature. It fearlessly stands up to bigger and stronger foes.
It’s very friendly and faithful to people. It will try to repel enemies by barking and biting.
Growlithe Weakness
AvgType-wise, Growlithe takes extra damage from Water, Ground, and Rock. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Flash Fire grants an additional Fire immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
Growlithe doesn't evolve by leveling. You'll need an evolution item to push it forward to Arcanine. Evolving adds up to 205 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Growlithe easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
Don't let the NFE status fool you. Growlithe with Eviolite hits bulk numbers that compete with final forms. A spread EV build EVs and Bold nature maximize that, and Intimidate handles the rest.
Best Build
Best Growlithe Moveset
- Morning Sun
- Will O Wisp
- Wild Charge
- Flare Blitz
Recommended Teammates
TMs carry this one. Growlithe learns Overheat and Flare Blitz naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Dark and Normal and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A solid spread overall. Growlithe gets Flare Blitz and Flamethrower for same-type damage alongside coverage across 9 types. It won't blow anyone away, but it doesn't leave you stuck either.
The egg pool carries weight here. Body Slam and Burn Up aren't available any other way for Growlithe, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Overheat and Burn Up for solid options.
The egg pool carries weight here. Covet and Double Kick aren't available any other way for Growlithe, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Overheat and Flare Blitz for solid options.
moderate rates across 10 locations for Growlithe in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Best Locations
Growlithe appears in 10 walking locations at Lv. 17-65 across Scarlet and Violet. Not all encounters show up in every version, so check which ones match your game.
Growlithe starts showing up in mid-game routes at decent spawn rates across 2 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
Growlithe appears at moderate rates across 4 spots in endgame routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Walking encounters at Lv. 58-63 across 4 spots for Growlithe. Sorted by progression so you can see what's reachable at your current point in the game.
Growlithe is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 21 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Best Locations
Growlithe's encounter pool splits between Shield and Sword. You've got 21 walking spots at Lv. 7-47 total, but your version determines which ones actually show up.
Growlithe is meant to evolve into Arcanine. At 350 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Growlithe can evolve into Arcanine and Hisuian Arcanine depending on the method. Growlithe is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Intimidate is what you want on Growlithe. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Flash Fire, Justified) work on paper but Intimidate is what makes Growlithe worth using.
At base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Growlithe is leaning toward the physical side (base 70 Attack). Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Growlithe appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Growlithe has appeared in 21 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Hisuian form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLAHisuian
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A