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.

What is Growlithe weak to?

In Sword & Shield, Growlithe's biggest threats include Gyarados (Water), Rhydon (Ground), and Golem (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves.

What is the best ability for Growlithe?

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.

What role does Growlithe play in battle?

At base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Growlithe is a mixed attacker with base 70 Attack and 70 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Fragile, can't afford to take many hits.

Should I use Growlithe?

For Sword & Shield, you can run Growlithe through the first few routes without issues. 350 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Arcanine as fast as you can.

Growlithe - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Mixed

Balanced

DTier

60Speed · Below Avg

Stats & Training

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.

Base Stats

Avg

HP55

Attack70

Defense45

Sp. Atk70

Sp. Def50

Speed60

Total350

Details

Catch Rate

Easy190 / 255

Growth Rate

Slow1.25M XP

Height0.7 m

Weight19.0 kg

Base XP70

Abilities

Intimidate

Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.

Flash Fire

Protects against fire moves. Once one has been blocked, the Pokémon's own Fire moves inflict 1.5× damage until it leaves battle.

JustifiedHA

Raises Attack one stage upon taking damage from a dark move.

Flash Fire grants Fire immunity

EV Yield

HPAtk+1DefSpASpDSpe

Attack training source

Pokedex Entries

It has a brave and trustworthy nature. It fearlessly stands up to bigger and stronger foes.

Growlithe Weakness

Type-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 Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
2x (Weak)	Water, Ground, Rock
0.5x (Resist)	Fire, Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, Fairy

Type ChartAvg

3Weak

6Resist

1Immune

Score0

4xCritical

None

2xWeak

Water Ground Rock

½xResist

Fire Grass Ice Bug Steel Fairy

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

Fire

STAB (4)

Grass Ice Bug Steel

How to Beat Growlithe in Sword & Shield (Best Counters)

Toxapex PoisonWater	A
Available Moves Moves LiquidationLv. 35 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Growlithe Liquidation 2x 94-111%KO Mud Shot 2x 34-40% View Toxapex builds →
Seismitoad WaterGround	C
Available Moves Moves DiveTM45 DigTM15 Rock SlideTM22 Bubble BeamLv. 20 Damage vs Growlithe Dive 2x 121-142%KO Dig 2x 121-142%KO Rock Slide 2x 76-90% Bubble Beam 2x 85-101%KO View Seismitoad builds →
Barbaracle RockWater	C
Available Moves Moves DiveTM45 DigTM15 Razor ShellLv. 36 Rock SlideTM22 Damage vs Growlithe Dive 2x 132-155%KO Dig 2x 88-103%KO Razor Shell 2x 122-145%KO Rock Slide 2x 122-145%KO View Barbaracle builds →
Mantine WaterFlying	C
Available Moves Moves DiveTM45 Rock SlideTM22 Bubble BeamLv. 24 Water PulseLv. 12 Damage vs Growlithe Dive 2x 63-75% Rock Slide 2x 41-48% Bubble Beam 2x 81-96% Water Pulse 2x 74-88% View Mantine builds →
Drednaw WaterRock	C
Available Moves Moves DiveTM45 DigTM15 Razor ShellLv. 1 Rock SlideTM22 Damage vs Growlithe Dive 2x 141-166%KO Dig 2x 93-110%KO Razor Shell 2x 132-155%KO Rock Slide 2x 132-155%KO View Drednaw builds →

Sword & Shield Evolution

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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms

#058Growlithe

Fire Stone

#059Arcanine

Stat Comparison 2 Stages

Growlithe

Fire

Arcanine

Fire

90+35

ATK

110+40

DEF

80+35

SP.ATK

100+30

SP.DEF

80+30

SPE

95+35

BST

350D-Tier

555A-Tier+205

ROLE

Balanced

Attacker

TYPE

Mixed

Breeding

Easy

Breed Growlithe easily with 152 breeding partners from the Ground egg group. Pass egg moves like Covet, Double Kick, Double-Edge and 2 more to offspring.

Egg Groups

Ground

Gender

♂75.0%♀25.0%

Hatch Time

20 cycles·5,140 steps

Quick~5 min with Flame Body

Egg Moves

5moves

Breed With (best first)

Sword & Shield Growlithe Best Moveset

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.

Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.

Moves

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.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Ember

D4010025Fire

Lv 1

Leer

D—10030Normal

Lv 4

Howl

D——40Normal

Lv 8

Bite

D6010025Dark

Lv 12

Flame Wheel

C6010025Fire

Lv 16

Helping Hand+5

C——20Normal

Lv 20

Agility

C——30Psychic

Lv 24

Fire Fang

C659515Fire

Lv 28

Retaliate

D701005Normal

Lv 32

Crunch

D8010015Dark

Lv 36

Take Down

D908520Normal

Lv 40

Flamethrower

C9010015Fire

Lv 44

Roar-6

C——20Normal

Lv 48

Play Rough

D909010Fairy

Lv 52

Reversal

D—10015Fighting

Lv 56

Flare Blitz

B12010015Fire

TM Moves

TR12

Agility

C——30Psychic

TM31

Attract

C—10015Normal

TR01

Body Slam

D8510015Normal

TR53

Close Combat

C1201005Fighting

TR32

Crunch

D8010015Dark

TM15

Dig

D8010010Ground

TR26

Endure+4

C——10Normal

TM39

Facade

D7010020Normal

TR15

Fire Blast

C110855Fire

TM68

Fire Fang

C659515Fire

TM13

Fire Spin

D358515Fire

TR02

Flamethrower

C9010015Fire

TR55

Flare Blitz

B12010015Fire

TR36

Heat Wave

C959010Fire

TM41

Helping Hand+5

C——20Normal

TR31

Iron Tail

D1007515Steel

TR24

Outrage

C12010010Dragon

TR43

Overheat

B130905Fire

TR90

Play Rough

D909010Fairy

TM25

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TR97

Psychic Fangs

D8510010Psychic

TM21

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM79

Retaliate

D701005Normal

TR21

Reversal

D—10015Fighting

TM76

Round

D6010015Normal

TM19

Safeguard

C——25Normal

TR27

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TM85

Snarl

D559515Dark

TM24

Snore

—5010015Normal

TR20

Substitute

C——10Normal

TM34

Sunny Day

C——5Fire

TM40

Swift

D60—20Normal

TM23

Thief

D6010025Dark

TR86

Wild Charge

C9010015Electric

TM38

Will-O-Wisp

C—8515Fire

Egg Moves

Egg

Covet

D6010025Normal

Egg

Double Kick

D3010030Fighting

Egg

Double-Edge

C12010015Normal

Egg

Morning Sun

C——5Normal

Egg

Thrash

C12010010Normal

Tutor Moves

Growlithe can't learn any Tutor moves

Sword & Shield Growlithe Locations

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 to Catch Growlithe in Sword & Shield

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.

Rolling Fields

ShieldOverworld Lv.7-10

60%Early

Intense Sun

West Lake Axewell

ShieldGrass Lv.7-11 Cave

40%Early

Intense Sun

Dappled Grove

ShieldGrass Lv.11-15 Forest

40%Early

Intense Sun

West Lake Axewell

ShieldOverworld Lv.8-14 Cave

35%Early

Intense Sun

East Lake Axewell

ShieldGrass Lv.8-12 Cave

30%Early

Intense Sun

South Lake Miloch

ShieldGrass Lv.11-13 Water

30%Early

Intense Sun

Rolling Fields - 2

ShieldOverworld Lv.7-10

25%Early

Intense Sun

East Lake Axewell

ShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Cave

25%Early

Intense Sun

South Lake Miloch

ShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Water

25%Early

Intense Sun

Rolling Fields

ShieldGrass Lv.7-10

20%Early

Intense Sun

Watchtower Ruins

ShieldGrass Lv.11-14 Building

20%Early

Intense Sun

Route 3

ShieldOverworld Lv.10-14 Route

15%Early

All Weather

South Lake Miloch - 2

ShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Water

15%Early

Intense Sun

Dappled Grove

ShieldOverworld Lv.13-15 Forest

2%Early

Intense Sun

Hammerlocke Hills

SwordGrass Lv.28-30

40%Mid

Intense Sun

Watchtower Ruins

ShieldOverworld Lv.26-29 Building

10%Mid

Intense Sun

North Lake Miloch

ShieldOverworld Lv.26-28 Water

5%Mid

Intense Sun

Axew's Eye

ShieldGrass Lv.35-40

40%Late

Intense Sun

Dusty Bowl

SwordOverworld Lv.42-47

30%Late

Intense Sun

Giant's Seat

ShieldOverworld Lv.33-38 Water

5%Late

Intense Sun

Axew's Eye

ShieldOverworld Lv.36-40

5%Late

Intense Sun

Growlithe Guide

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.
In Sword & Shield, Growlithe's biggest threats include Gyarados (Water), Rhydon (Ground), and Golem (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves.
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 a mixed attacker with base 70 Attack and 70 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Fragile, can't afford to take many hits.
For Sword & Shield, you can run Growlithe through the first few routes without issues. 350 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Arcanine as fast as you can.

Game Availability

Since debuting in Red & Blue, Growlithe has appeared in 21 titles over 10 generations. Along the way, it received a Hisuian form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.

Click a game to view version-specific details

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Shuckle BugRock	B
Available Moves Moves Rock ThrowLv. 15 RolloutLv. 5 Rock BlastTM54 Damage vs Growlithe Rock Throw 2x 29-36% Rollout 2x 21-26% Rock Blast 2x 17-21% View Shuckle builds →
Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Rock SlideLv. 20 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Smack DownLv. 4 Rock BlastTM54 Damage vs Growlithe Rock Slide 2x 74-88% Rock Throw 2x 52-62% Smack Down 2x 52-62% Rock Blast 2x 29-36% View Onix builds →
Krabby Water	C
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 20 Mud ShotLv. 12 Water GunLv. 1 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 43-52% Mud Shot 2x 26-31% Water Gun 2x 29-36% View Krabby builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 20 Mud ShotLv. 12 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 74-88% Mud Shot 2x 66-78% View Palpitoad builds →
Lombre WaterGrass	D
Available Move Moves Water GunLv. 1 Damage vs Growlithe Water Gun 2x 48-57% View Lombre builds →

Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Rock SlideLv. 20 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Smack DownLv. 4 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Growlithe Rock Slide 2x 67-81% Rock Throw 2x 49-58% Smack Down 2x 49-58% Sand Tomb 2x 33-40% View Onix builds →
Krabby Water	C
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 20 Mud ShotTM53 Water GunLv. 1 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 42-49% Mud Shot 2x 25-30% Water Gun 2x 25-31% Whirlpool 2x 25-31% View Krabby builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 20 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 72-85% Mud Shot 2x 60-72% View Palpitoad builds →
Lombre WaterGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 24 Mud ShotTM53 Water GunLv. 1 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 67-81% Mud Shot 2x 37-45% Water Gun 2x 45-54% Whirlpool 2x 37-45% View Lombre builds →
Shellos Water	D
Available Moves Moves Water PulseLv. 15 Ancient PowerLv. 20 Mud ShotTM53 Water GunLv. 1 Damage vs Growlithe Water Pulse 2x 60-72% Ancient Power 2x 40-48% Mud Shot 2x 37-45% Water Gun 2x 42-49% View Shellos builds →

Sudowoodo Rock	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeLv. 1 Rock TombLv. 20 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Growlithe Stone Edge 2x 152-180%KO Rock Tomb 2x 95-112%KO Rock Throw 2x 77-92% Sand Tomb 2x 37-45% View Sudowoodo builds →
Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Rock SlideLv. 20 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Smack DownLv. 4 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Growlithe Rock Slide 2x 68-80% Rock Throw 2x 47-56% Smack Down 2x 47-56% Sand Tomb 2x 33-40% View Onix builds →
Krabby Water	C
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 20 Mud ShotTM53 Water GunLv. 1 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 40-48% Mud Shot 2x 23-27% Water Gun 2x 27-32% Whirlpool 2x 23-28% View Krabby builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 20 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 68-80% Mud Shot 2x 57-68% View Palpitoad builds →
Lombre WaterGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Bubble BeamLv. 24 Mud ShotTM53 Water GunLv. 1 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Bubble Beam 2x 64-76% Mud Shot 2x 36-43% Water Gun 2x 40-48% Whirlpool 2x 37-44% View Lombre builds →

Lunatone RockPsychic	A
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeLv. 35 Rock SlideLv. 15 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Growlithe Stone Edge 2x 100-119%KO Rock Slide 2x 76-91% Rock Throw 2x 53-63% Sand Tomb 2x 24-29% View Lunatone builds →
Pelipper WaterFlying	B
Available Moves Moves Water PulseLv. 20 Water GunLv. 1 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Water Pulse 2x 88-103%KO Water Gun 2x 58-69% Whirlpool 2x 53-63% View Pelipper builds →
Cramorant FlyingWater	C
Available Moves Moves DiveLv. 28 Water GunLv. 7 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Dive 2x 114-134%KO Water Gun 2x 53-63% Whirlpool 2x 47-56% View Cramorant builds →
Solrock RockPsychic	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeLv. 35 Rock SlideLv. 15 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Growlithe Stone Edge 2x 153-181%KO Rock Slide 2x 117-138%KO Rock Throw 2x 79-94% Sand Tomb 2x 36-44% View Solrock builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Available Moves Moves Aqua TailLv. 28 Muddy WaterLv. 34 DigTM15 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Growlithe Aqua Tail 2x 127-150%KO Muddy Water 2x 95-113%KO Dig 2x 114-134%KO Mud Shot 2x 58-69% View Quagsire builds →

Lunatone RockPsychic	A
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeLv. 35 Rock SlideLv. 15 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Growlithe Stone Edge 2x 103-122%KO Rock Slide 2x 78-92% Rock Throw 2x 52-62% Sand Tomb 2x 25-30% View Lunatone builds →
Pelipper WaterFlying	B
Available Moves Moves Water PulseLv. 20 Water GunLv. 1 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Water Pulse 2x 88-104%KO Water Gun 2x 60-71% Whirlpool 2x 52-62% View Pelipper builds →
Cramorant FlyingWater	C
Available Moves Moves DiveLv. 28 Water GunLv. 7 WhirlpoolTM36 Damage vs Growlithe Dive 2x 116-137%KO Water Gun 2x 55-65% Whirlpool 2x 48-56% View Cramorant builds →
Solrock RockPsychic	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeLv. 35 Rock SlideLv. 15 Rock ThrowLv. 1 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Growlithe Stone Edge 2x 153-181%KO Rock Slide 2x 116-137%KO Rock Throw 2x 78-92% Sand Tomb 2x 37-44% View Solrock builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Available Moves Moves Aqua TailLv. 28 Muddy WaterLv. 34 DigTM15 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Growlithe Aqua Tail 2x 129-151%KO Muddy Water 2x 98-116%KO Dig 2x 116-137%KO Mud Shot 2x 60-71% View Quagsire builds →

Tyranitar RockDark	A
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves CrunchSTAB Stone Edge Earthquake Stealth Rock Damage vs Growlithe Crunch 165-194%KO Stone Edge 2x 410-483%KO Earthquake 2x 273-322%KO View Tyranitar builds →
Excadrill GroundSteel	A
Recommended Build AbilityMold Breaker ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves EarthquakeSTAB Rapid Spin Iron Head Swords Dance Damage vs Growlithe Earthquake 2x 252-296%KO Rapid Spin 42-50% View Excadrill builds →
Krookodile GroundDark	B
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves EarthquakeSTAB Knock Off Stealth Rock TauntUtility Damage vs Growlithe Earthquake 2x 214-252%KO Knock Off 70-82% View Krookodile builds →
Slowbro WaterPsychic	B
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureRelaxed Moves TeleportUtility Future Sight ScaldSTAB Slack Off Damage vs Growlithe Scald 2x 120-141%KO View Slowbro builds →