Here's why:
* Starter Choice: In Pokemon HeartGold, you choose between Cyndaquil, Totodile, or Chikorita as your starting Pokemon.
* Regional Exclusives: Charmander is a Kanto Pokemon, and it's not available in the Johto region where HeartGold takes place.
To get a Charmander, you'd need to:
* Trade: Find someone willing to trade a Charmander for one of your Pokemon.
* Breed: Obtain a Charmeleon or Charizard and breed them with a Pokemon that can learn Flame Body.
* Use a cheat device: This is a common method for obtaining Pokemon that aren't normally available in the game.
Hope this helps!