I have been leading with Houndoom the past couple of weeks. I didn't like the set in the analysis so I tried one myself. It has been amazingly succesful, not only as a lead but also as midgame heavy hitter:
Houndoom @ focus sash/ rash/ flash fire
EV's:
20 Atk, 236 Spe, 252 SAtk
- Overheat
- Sucker Punch
- Hidden Power (grass)
- Magic Coat
This set allows me to let Houndoom act as a decent anti-lead. Most People expect him to have Taunt so they go for an attack move anyway. This will preven set up of entry hazzards most of the time. Faster leads (Scarf Venusaur, Jumpluff, sometimes even Uxie) can be put to sleep with their own Sleep Powder thank to Magic Coat. Since the lead Houndoom set on the strategydex has Counter, most opponents try to status him instead, which is where Magic Coat comes in handy again. Overheat is a STAB move and with max special attack it is sure to dent anything. Hidden Power (grass) comes in handy against Omastar, Kabutops and Rhyperior leads. and with Sucker Punch I can take down Sash leads. (most notable Aqua Jet Kabutops).
The speed EV's lets Houndoom outspeed all max speed base 80's (Venusaur). Max SAtk to do more damage and the leftover EV's are there to boost the power of Sucker Punch (which still does about 70% to Dugtrio).
This is how it fairs against common leads:
Spiritomb: Overheat + Sucker Punch KO's it and because I'm immune to Will-o-wisp, I'm pretty safe.
Kabutops: Hidden Power (grass) + Sucker Punch will deal with it, I shall live thanks to Focus Sash.
Omastar: OHKO'ed by Hidden Power (grass).
Cloyster: Most versions are OHKO'ed by Overheat.
Rhyperior: Hidden Power (grass) does 88.9% - 105.2% so it's a definite 2HKO.
Ambipom: I need to switch unfortunatly.
Moltres: I need to switch as well.
Venusaur: Magic Coat back the Sleep Powder and threaten it with Overheat. Otherwise take the Earthquake and OHKO back with Overheat.
Jumpluff: Magic Coat back the Sleep Powderand threaten it with Overheat.
Uxie: I trie to get as much damage on it with Overheat and Sucker Punch on the predicted U-turn. Magic Coat against the Thunderwave users and take the Trick (Scarf) so I can 2HKO with Overheat.