Growlithe

Growlithe sniffs out eighth place with 350 base stats, 13% less than #7 Charmeleon, but its Speed of 60 allows it to outpace slower tanks. This loyal pre-evolution trades power for accessibility, sporting a 45% chance to land burns with Ember. With 55 HP and 40 Defense, Growlithe is 30% bulkier than the typical unevolved Fire-type, ensuring early-game reliability against Normal and Ice opponents.