Growlithe

Growlithe carves out a small niche as a defensive Fire-type due to its respectable bulk, ability Intimidate, and access to Will-O-Wisp letting it check most physical attackers. Unfortunately, Growlithe is largely outclassed by Ponyta and Larvesta due to their more useful movepools and access to Flame Body to passively spread burns. Growlithe also has issues as a check to physical attackers, as Morning Sun's low PP can leave it overwhelmed by very strong attackers, and Growlithe is unable to effectively check Pawniard due to Intimidate activating Defiant. In addition, Flare Blitz and Wild Charge recoil quickly chips away at Growlithe's HP, and its weakness to Stealth Rock necessitates entry hazard removal support for Growlithe to perform its role over the course of a game.