Role: Bulky Pivot
Growlithe @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Def / 196 SpD / 76 Spe
Calm Nature
- Snarl
- Morning Sun
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp/Toxic
Growlithe's decent SpD and Def makes it a mon that can tank hits and switch into checks in time. Its ability Intimidate makes stalling easier as it weakens physical mons, allowing Growlithe to survive a hit and bring the sweeper in safely. Since Intimidate lowers the Atk stat, if the opponent is a Special attacker like Abra and Magnemite, Snarl would be a good option as it lowers their SpA, weakening them. Will-o-wisp is to cripple the opponent, halving the power of its moves and taking damage. Toxic is another alternative as it damages the opponent and in order to stall out opponents. Flamethrower is STAB and because of Growlithe’s high SpA stat and to KO Pokemon like Ferroseed and Pawniard.
Heavy-Duty Boots to prevent Growlithe taking Stealth Rock damage, as it deals A LOT of damage to Growlithe, in addition to other hazards such as Spikes or Toxic Spikes. Morning Sun for quick recovery, making Growlithe a good pivot and check to many Pokemon such as Honedge and Bronzor. Some threats to Growlithe are Baltoy and Popplio, although Baltoy can be taken care of with a super-effective Snarl that will also lower its SpA. Growlithe can still survive to Will-o-wisp or Snarl Popplio and cripple it. Pokemon like Rowlet and Bulbasaur appreciates Growlithe’s help as it resists Fire type and Ice type moves.
A good teammate for Growlithe would be Azurill or Arrokuda, as Azurill traps the intended opponent’s Pokemon with the STAB move Whirlpool and start stalling with Toxic. Arrokuda is another option as it has access to a variety of coverage moves and can set up one turn with Agility because the opponent will either switch the Pokemon or keep it in the battle for specific reasons such as hazard setting, hazard removing or even using Toxic against Arrokuda. Both options are good, as Arrokuda and Azumarill can switch into Growlithe in order to avoid Grass type attacks, or especially physical ones like Grookey and special ones such as Oddish.
Hope this helps :).
