Rhyhorn is a rhinoceros-like Pokémon with a body covered in gray, rocky plates. Its underside and rear are smooth, and it has four short legs with two claws on each foot. It has a triangular head with narrow, red eyes, two fangs protruding from its upper jaw, small, triangular openings on the upper sides, and a short horn on the tip of its snout. A female will have a shorter horn than a male. A spiked ridge runs along its back. In addition to its rocky hide, its bones are a thousand times harder than human bones.
Rhyhorn's brain is very small, giving it a one-track mind. When it runs, it forgets why it started and continues until it falls asleep. However, it may recall the reason upon demolishing something. Due to its short legs, it is inept at turning and can only run in straight lines. It does not care if obstacles get in the way, merely smashing through them or sending them flying. However, it may feel pain the day after a collision. Rhyhorn lives in rough terrain.
In the main series
Major appearances
A Rhyhorn appeared in Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden, under the ownership of a Hiker. It was used in a battle against Ash but was defeated by Bulbasaur.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back, under the ownership of Corey. It was one of the Pokémon that was captured and cloned by Mewtwo. The Rhyhorn clone reappeared in Mewtwo Returns, having by this point bred a baby Rhyhorn with the clone of Fergus's Nidoqueen. Corey's Rhyhorn reappeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, a remake of Mewtwo Strikes Back, where it played the same role.
A pink Rhyhorn appeared in In the Pink as the first Pokémon that Ash and his friends saw at Pinkan Island. Although it was initially unaware of the trio, Ash rushed up to it and antagonized it. It then cornered the gang at the edge of a cliff, and attempted to charge at them, but the group was saved by Togepi using Teleport via Metronome, causing Rhyhorn to charge over the cliff. It was then rescued by Ash and his friends with the help of the resident Officer Jenny.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Odd Pokémon Out as residents of Camomile Island. They charged at Ash's Donphan after believing it was threatening their children, when in fact it was only trying to play with them.
A Rhyhorn debuted in Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!, under the ownership of Grace. It was used in many races when Grace was younger. Rhyhorn was used by Serena as part of her Rhyhorn training before she left home. Rhyhorn later reappeared in A Race for Home! alongside Grace before reappearing in a flashback in A Showcase Debut!. Rhyhorn was later seen watching Serena's performances in Performing with Fiery Charm! and Master Class is in Session!.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Giving Chase at the Rhyhorn Race!, where they participated in a Rhyhorn race. They included one that belonged to Ian. The Rhyhorn were targeted by Team Rocket, but they were ultimately rescued by Ash and his friends.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction. It was borrowed from the Rhyhorn racing track of Orsay City by Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Diancie, who used it to escape from Merilyn and Riot. Rhyhorn quickly ran past the racers on the track, before going off-track and riding inside a forest. After the group got to safety, Serena thanked Rhyhorn for its help and it went back to the racing track.
A Rhyhorn appeared in A Race for Home!, where Serena hijacked it to chase after Team Rocket when they stole a supply of cheese.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Master Class Choices!, where they were used as part of the Theme Performance of the Fleurrh City Pokémon Showcase. The Performers had to attract the most Rhyhorn is a certain period of time. Serena found that most of the Rhyhorn were attracted to her, allowing her to advance to the next performance. Amelia had her Shiny Dragonair and Espeon use Attract to bring them over.
Minor appearances
Multiple Rhyhorn debuted in The Flame Pokémon-athon!, where they were seen at the Laramie Ranch. One was later seen among the Pokémon participating in the Big P Pokémon Race. Rhyhorn jumped onto a stone with its Trainer, but they sank due to Rhyhorn's weight, and both of them were eliminated from the race.
Two Rhyhorn appeared in the banned episode EP035. Ash attempted to catch one in the Safari Zone, but it got away. The second appeared in a flashback.
A Rhyhorn appeared in A Chansey Operation, where it was one of the injured Pokémon brought to the clinic.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, where they were among the Pokémon living at Professor Oak's Laboratory. They reappeared in The Rivalry Revival.
A Rhyhorn appeared in The Power of One.
Two Rhyhorn appeared in A Tent Situation, where they were seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Tricks of the Trade as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.
A Rhyhorn appeared in The Legend of Thunder!.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest and Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Johto Photo Finish, under the ownership of Jon Dickson. It defeated Harrison's Houndoom, thus knocking Harrison out of the Silver Conference.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Destiny Deoxys.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Beg, Burrow and Steal.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Numero Uno Articuno, under the ownership of Noland. It was among the Pokémon residing at the Battle Factory.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew as part of the feuding armies.
A Coordinator's Rhyhorn appeared in Harley Rides Again.
A Coordinator's Rhyhorn appeared in May, We Harley Drew'd Ya!.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 2), under the ownership of J's client's henchmen. It was used to attack Dawn, Brock, Officer Jenny, and Solana.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Camping It Up!.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (Part One), where they were captured by the Pokémon Pinchers.
A Rhyhorn appeared in the opening sequence of Giratina and the Sky Warrior.
A Rhyhorn appeared in the opening sequence of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in a flashback in A Showcase Debut!.
A Rhyhorn appeared in I Choose You!, where it was among the Pokémon that were under the control of Marshadow.
Pokédex entries
Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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EP035
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Rhyhorn
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Ash's Pokédex
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Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon. It's covered in a tough armor, giving its Tackle attack an extraordinarily destructive power.
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Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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EP088
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Rhyhorn
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Ash's Pokédex
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Rhyhorn, the Spiked Pokémon. Rhyhorn is known for its physical power and its considerable offensive and defensive battle skills.
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Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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XY007
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Rhyhorn
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Ash's Pokédex
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Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon. Rhyhorn recklessly charges straight ahead, trampling over anything that gets in its way.
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In Pokémon Origins
A Rhyhorn appeared in File 3: Giovanni, where Giovanni sent it out for his Gym battle against Red. It took out most of his team and tied against his Hitmonlee.
In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
Drake's Rhyhorn was only seen in a flashback. It is currently unknown whether or not he still has it.
In the movie adaptations
A Rhyhorn appeared in Celebi: a Timeless Encounter. It was only seen in a Pokémon hunter's camp.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
Rhyhorn debuts in Raging Rhydon, under the ownership of Koga. After getting defeated by Red's Pikachu, Pika, it was forced to evolve with a mysterious injection, and knocks out Misty with its increased power.
In Long Live the Nidoqueen!?, a Rhyhorn is seen in possession of Giovanni. It is one of his main fighters, who knocked out Red's Aerodactyl with a simple Tail Whip. He also later uses him in the battle with Lance to generate a sandstorm by crushing rocks.
A Rhyhorn appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.
In Interesting Interactions Involving Illumise, Rhyhorn was one of the rental Pokémon used by Emerald in his Battle Factory challenge.
The Battle Factory rented a Rhyhorn, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in Skirting Around Surskit I.
The Battle Factory rented a Rhyhorn, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in Lemme at 'Em, Lapras!.
A Rhyhorn belonging to Y debuted in An X-cuse to Come Out and Play. He was originally owned by Grace. He often carries X around while he sits inside a tent attached to his back. Much later, Y decides to officially keep Rhyhorn on her team, and nicknames him Rhyrhy.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in Shooting Frogadier.
A Rhyhorn appeared in Gathering Klefki, under the ownership of a Rhyhorn racer.
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
A Rhyhorn appeared in PMHGSS04.
A Rhyhorn appeared in PMHGSS11.
In the Pokémon Zensho manga
Shigeru has a Rhyhorn, which he caught in the Safari Zone.