Sandshrew (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #026: Raichu	Pokémon	#028: Sandslash →

Sandshrew Mouse Pokémon サンド Sand #027 Kantonian Sandshrew Alolan Sandshrew Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Types Ground Unknown Kantonian Sandshrew Ice Steel Alolan Sandshrew Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Sand Veil Kantonian Sandshrew Snow Cloak Alolan Sandshrew Cacophony Sand Rush Kantonian Sandshrew Hidden Ability Slush Rush Alolan Sandshrew Hidden Ability Cacophony Alolan Sandshrew Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 255 (43.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Field Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 2'00" 0.6 m Kantonian Sandshrew 2'04" 0.7 m Alolan Sandshrew 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 26.5 lbs. 12.0 kg Kantonian Sandshrew 88.2 lbs. 40.0 kg Alolan Sandshrew 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 93 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 60 V+	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 1 Kantonian Sandshrew 0 HP 0 Atk 1 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed Alolan Sandshrew 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint Alolan Sandshrew
Pokédex color   Yellow Other forms may have other colors.	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Sandshrew (Japanese: サンド Sand) is a Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Sandslash starting at level 22.

In Alola, Sandshrew has a Ice/Steel-type regional form. It evolves into Alolan Sandslash when exposed to an Ice Stone.

Biology

Sandshrew blending in with its surroundings

Sandshrew is a bipedal mammalian Pokémon, but runs on all fours in the anime. Its brick-patterned yellow hide is dry, tough, blends in with desert sand, and protects its soft white underbelly and muzzle. Sandshrew has blue, almond-shaped eyes, a pointed snout, and triangular ears with white insides. Its tail is thick and conical. It has two long claws on each foot and three sharp claws on its forepaws, which are used to burrow.

Sandshrew spends much of its time hidden underground in deep burrows. It only emerges to lunge and drag in passing Bug-type Pokémon. Sandshrew can quickly curl into a tight ball to protect itself from great falls and opponents, but may also throw sand at attackers. While its body can efficiently absorb water to facilitate life in the desert, Sandshrew has been found in caves as well. It also lives deep underground in nests it has created from digging tunnels. Should hard rocks get in the way of digging, Sandshrew will use its sharp claws to remove them before continuing to dig. If it is too wet, its skin becomes wrinkly. It dries itself out by using the geothermal heat near a volcano.

In the Alola region, Sandshrew migrated to snowy mountains due to the volcanic activity near the desert areas. Its body is a light, icy blue, with a cream-colored belly and muzzle. This results in Sandshrew developing a body of ice that is as hard as steel. Thicker plates form a dome around its head and its ears resemble an igloo's entrances. In adapting to this cold climate, its body became larger and heavier with a shell of ice covering its hide. This steel-like covering grants it extra defense from predators like Sneasel, but it is unable to curl into a ball like its desert counterpart. It can burrow itself in the snow to avoid being blown away by blizzards. Predators, such as Weavile, exploit of its soft underbelly. Alolan Sandshrew's claws allow it to move without slipping on icy surfaces, but it slides on its stomach when it needs to move quickly.

In the anime

In the main series

Sandshrew in the anime

Alolan Sandshrew in the anime

Major appearances

Sandshrew debuted in The Path to the Pokémon League, under the ownership of A.J. Despite A.J.'s seemingly harsh and barbaric training methods, like using a whip on it and training in a pool, it was very loyal to him.

In Pikachu's PikaBoo, a Sandshrew was one of the Pokémon that played hide-and-seek. Sandshrew hid by camouflaging itself in front of a brick wall.

In Sandshrew's Locker!, Mira enlisted Ash and his friends to help retrieve her Sandshrew after it was lost at the bottom of an artificial lake created by a dammed river.

In Not Caving Under Pressure!, multiple Alolan Sandshrew were menaced by a Tyranitar that wanted to take over their home inside a cave at Mount Lanakila. The group's leader, a giant Sandshrew, later evolved into an Alolan Sandslash after touching an Ice Stone.

Minor appearances

A Sandshrew Egg in the anime

In Pokémon - I Choose You!, Ash and Pikachu passed three Sandshrew while being chased by a flock of wild Spearow.

Near the beginning of Clefairy and the Moon Stone, an ailing Sandshrew was seen lying down. Seymour described as it "drying out" because of the significant increase of light sources inside Mt. Moon.

A Trainer's Sandshrew appeared in Electric Shock Showdown.

In Pokémon Fashion Flash, a Sandshrew was on Scissor Street.

In Sparks Fly for Magnemite, a Sandshrew was in Gringey City's Pokémon Center.

A Sandshrew appeared in The Breeding Center Secret.

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, a Trainer's Sandshrew was defeated by Mewtwo while it was serving for Giovanni.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Sandshrew was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, a Sandshrew was living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In The Lost Lapras, a Trainer's Sandshrew was brought to the Pokémon Center.

In The Joy of Pokémon, a Trainer's Sandshrew was treated by the Nurse Joy of an unnamed island.

In The Power of One, a Sandshrew sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

Two wild Sandshrew appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure. One of them helped the Trainers' Pokémon and Elekid save the Exeggcute nests and Togepi during a storm.

In Tanks a Lot!, multiple Sandshrew fled from Team Rocket's rampaging Arbotank.

In The Fortune Hunters, a Sandshrew was stolen by Butch and Cassidy.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a Pokémon Breeder's Sandshrew participated in a Pokémon breeding competition.

Multiple Sandshrew appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.

In Got Miltank?, a Sandshrew was an inhabitant of a Pokémon-exclusive oasis.

In Throwing in the Noctowl, two Sandshrew were living at Wings Alexander's barn.

A Sandshrew appeared in The Legend of Thunder!.

In A Tyrogue Full of Trouble, a Sandshrew received an apple from a Tyrogue.

In Showdown at the Oak Corral, two Sandshrew were living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Gonna Rule The School!, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Sandshrew to the school's underage students for use in lessons.

A Sandshrew made a brief cameo in Destiny Deoxys.

In Hi Ho Silver Wind! and Deceit and Assist, a Coordinator's Sandshrew participated in the Hoenn Grand Festival.

In Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a Sandshrew appeared during the opening sequence, while another was living in the Tree of Beginning.

A Coordinator's Sandshrew appeared in The Saffron Con.

In Once More With Reeling!, a Coordinator's Sandshrew participated in the Terracotta Contest.

In Not on MY Watch Ya Don't!, a Sandshrew was hypnotized by Team Rocket.

In Drifloon On the Wind!, Marnie fed a Sandshrew.

A Sandshrew appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 1). Two additional Sandshrew appeared in the follow-up episode.

A Sandshrew made a brief cameo in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

A Sandshrew appeared in Camping It Up!.

In Battling a Cute Drama!, a Sandshrew was at the Shelter Town's Pokémon Center.

Multiple Sandshrew made a cameo in Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

A Trainer's Sandshrew appeared in Lost at the League!.

A Sandshrew appeared in Lumiose City Pursuit!.

In Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, a Sandshrew was a resident of Allearth Forest.

In Pikachu and the Pokémon Music Squad, a Sandshrew was residing in a forest.

A Sandshrew appeared in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel.

A Trainer's Sandshrew appeared in Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare!.

A Trainer's Sandshrew appeared in The First Day of the Rest of Your Life!.

Two Sandshrew appeared in I Choose You!. One was among the Pokémon taking shelter from the rain in a cave alongside Entei.

In Getting a Jump on the Competition!, two Alolan Sandshrew were on Mount Lanakila.

A Trainer's Alolan Sandshrew appeared in Battling Besties!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP047 Sandshrew Dawn's Pokédex Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon. Sandshrew hates moisture and lives in holes it digs in dry places. It protects itself by curling into a ball.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry SM060 Sandshrew Rotom Pokédex Sandshrew, Alola Form. The Mouse Pokémon. An Ice and Steel type. Their outer armor is like steel, which prevents them from rolling up into a ball.

In Pokémon Origins

Sandshrew in Pokémon Origins

In File 1: Red, a Sandshrew was one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

A Sandshrew appeared in a flashback in File 2: Cubone.

In File 3: Giovanni, a Sandshrew was at Silph Co.

In the manga

Sandshrew in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Alolan Sandshrew in Pokémon Adventures

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Professor Oak owns a Sandshrew in The Electric Tale of Pikachu. He uses it in Clefairy in Space to stop a wild Clefairy from causing mischief.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Sandshrew makes a cameo in Onix is On!, battling Red's Bulbasaur as a Pewter Gym Trainer's Pokémon.

Red caught a Sandshrew prior to Make Way for Magmar!, which he uses to fight Fire-types such as Magmar.

A Sandshrew appeared in Murkrow Row as one of the residents of Gold's house.

A Sandshrew appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Trainer's Sandshrew appeared in Plugging Past Electrike I.

A Trainer's Sandshrew appeared in Deprogramming Porygon-Z.

An Alolan Sandshrew debuted in the Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc, where it was seen on Mount Lanakila.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

A Sandshrew appeared in GDZ45, under the ownership of a contestant.

In the TCG

Main article: Sandshrew (TCG)

Other Appearances

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Sandshrew appears as a Spirit.

Game data

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto #027 Red(ENG) Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for food. Blue Yellow Its body is dry. When it gets cold at night, its hide is said to become coated with a fine dew. Stadium When hunting, it hides at the lip of its burrow. If prey comes close, it lunges out and drags in the prey instantly.

Generation II Johto #048 Gold If it fell from a great height, this Pokémon could save itself by rolling into a ball and bouncing. Silver Disliking water, it lives in deep burrows in arid areas. It can roll itself instantly into a ball. Crystal It prefers dry, sandy places because it uses the sand to protect itself when threatened. Stadium 2 If it fell from a great height, this Pokémon could save itself by rolling into a ball and bouncing.

Generation III Hoenn #112 Kanto #027 Ruby Sandshrew's body is configured to absorb water without waste, enabling it to survive in an arid desert. This Pokémon curls up to protect itself from its enemies. Sapphire Sandshrew has a very dry hide that is extremely tough. The Pokémon can roll into a ball that repels any attack. At night, it burrows into the desert sand to sleep. Emerald When it curls up in a ball, it can make any attack bounce off harmlessly. Its hide has turned tough and solid as a result of living in the desert. FireRed It burrows and lives underground. If threatened, it curls itself up into a ball for protection. LeafGreen Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for food.

Generation IV Sinnoh #— Johto #048 Diamond To protect itself from attackers, it curls up into a ball. It lives in arid regions with minimal rainfall. Pearl Platinum HeartGold If it fell from a great height, this Pokémon could save itself by rolling into a ball and bouncing. SoulSilver Disliking water, it lives in deep burrows in arid areas. It can roll itself instantly into a ball.

Generation V Unova B2W2: #113 Black To protect itself from attackers, it curls up into a ball. It lives in arid regions with minimal rainfall. White Black 2 It digs deep burrows to live in. When in danger, it rolls up its body to withstand attacks. White 2

Generation VI Kalos Mountain #097 Hoenn #117 X It burrows and lives underground. If threatened, it curls itself up into a ball for protection. Y Disliking water, it lives in deep burrows in arid areas. It can roll itself instantly into a ball. Omega Ruby Sandshrew's body is configured to absorb water without waste, enabling it to survive in an arid desert. This Pokémon curls up to protect itself from its enemies. Alpha Sapphire Sandshrew has a very dry hide that is extremely tough. The Pokémon can roll into a ball that repels any attack. At night, it burrows into the desert to sleep.

Generation VII Alola SM: #251 Alola USUM: #328 Kanto #027 Kantonian Sandshrew Sun It can roll its body into a ball. It moves through the desert by rolling at high speeds. Moon It usually makes its home in deserts and arid zones, where rain does not fall. It digs holes to catch Bug-type Pokémon. Ultra Sun It lives in areas of limited rainfall. When danger approaches, it curls up into a ball to protect its soft stomach. Ultra Moon When its skin gets wrinkled from moisture, it heads for a volcano. It lies flat on a spot with a lot of geothermal heat and dries itself out. Let's Go Pikachu Its body is dry. When it gets cold at night, its hide is said to become coated with a fine dew. Let's Go Eevee Alolan Sandshrew Sun It lives on snowy mountains. Its steel shell is very hard—so much so, it can't roll its body up into a ball. Moon An ancient tradition of Alolan festivals, still carried on to this day, is a competition to slide Sandshrew across ice as far as one can. Ultra Sun After fleeing a volcanic eruption, it ended up moving to an area of snowy mountains. Its ice shell is as hard as steel. Ultra Moon The skin on its back is as hard as steel. Predators go after its soft belly, so it clings to the ground desperately. Let's Go Pikachu Its ice-covered body lets it slide across the ground with bullet-like speed, sending its enemies flying when it hits them. Let's Go Eevee

Generation VIII Galar Isle of Armor #168 Kantonian Sandshrew Sword It loves to bathe in the grit of dry, sandy areas. By sand bathing, this Pokémon rids itself of dirt and moisture clinging to its body. Shield It burrows into the ground to create its nest. If hard stones impede its tunneling, it uses its sharp claws to scatter them and then carries on digging. Alolan Sandshrew Sword Life on mountains covered with deep snow has granted this Pokémon a body of ice that's as hard as steel. Shield It lives in snowy mountains on southern islands. When a blizzard rolls in, this Pokémon hunkers down in the snow to avoid getting blown away.

Game locations

Generation I Red Trade Blue Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23 Blue (Japan) Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23 Yellow Routes 3 and 4, Mt. Moon

Generation II Gold Union Cave, Mt. Moon Silver Goldenrod Game Corner Crystal Routes 3 and 4, Union Cave, Mt. MoonMorningDay

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Routes 111 and 113 Emerald Route 111, Mirage Tower FireRed Trade, Event LeafGreen Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23 Colosseum Trade XD Rock Poké Spot

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Wayward Cave (LeafGreen) Platinum Wayward Cave (LeafGreen) HeartGold Union Cave, Mt. Moon, Safari Zone SoulSilver Safari Zone, Goldenrod Game Corner Pal Park Mountain

Generation V Black White Breed Sandslash Black 2 White 2 Desert Resort, Relic Castle Dream World Icy Cave

Generation VI X Y Friend Safari (Ground) Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Routes 111 and 113

Generation VII Sun Trade Moon Mount Lanakila, Tapu Village Ultra Sun Trade Ultra Moon Mount Lanakila, Tapu Village Let's Go Pikachu Routes 3 and 4 Kanto Form Trade Sandshrew in Celadon City Alolan Form Let's Go Eevee Trade

Generation VIII Sword Shield TradeVersion 1.2.0+ Expansion Pass Warm-Up Tunnel Kantonian Form Reward for finding 30 Alolan Diglett Alolan Form

In side games

Generation I Snap Valley Pinball Blue Field: Mt. Moon, Vermilion City Streets, Rock Mountain, Saffron City, Indigo Plateau

Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.

Generation III Pinball: R&S Hatch from Egg Trozei! Secret Storage 2, Huge Storage 3, Endless Level 9, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Magma Cavern (B1F-B6F), Buried Relic (B36F-B59F), Desert Region (1F-6F), Joyous Tower (68F-73F)

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Northern Desert (1F-15F), Shimmer Desert (1F-9F) MD Sky Northern Desert (1F-15F), Shimmer Desert (1F-9F) Ranger: SoA Chroma Ruins Rumble Rocky Cave (Normal Mode B( Ranger: GS Daybreak Ruins, Mitonga Road, Forest Temple

Generation V Rumble Blast Desert: Rugged Flats Rumble U Variety Battle: It's Drill Time!

Generation VI Battle Trozei Safari Jungle: Stage 1Tu Shuffle Marron Trail: Stage 661 Event: Pokémon Safari (14th release) Event: The Daily Pokémon (#8) (Alola Form) Rumble World Ruby Volcano: Dusty Desert (All Areas), Fairy Land: Heat-Wave Desert (All Areas)

Generation VII Rumble Rush Charizard Sea2019, Zapdos Sea, Entei Sea, Lugia Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal, Entei SeaFinal Kantonian Form Jirachi SeaFinal Alolan Form

In events

Sandshrew

Games	Event	Language/Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
FRLG	Pokémon Trade and Battle Day Sandshrew	English	United States	12	September 25, 2004

Alolan Sandshrew

Games	Event	Language/Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
SM	Pokémon Sun & Moon Alolan Sandshrew	Korean region	Online	10	May 9 to June 30, 2017

Held items

Sandshrew

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Ruby	Sapphire	Quick Claw (5%)
Emerald
Pokémon XD		Quick Claw (100%)
Diamond	Pearl	Quick Claw (5%)
Platinum
HeartGold	SoulSilver	Quick Claw (5%)
Black 2	White 2	Quick Claw (5%)
X	Y	Quick Claw (5%)
Omega Ruby	Alpha Sapphire	Grip Claw (5%)
Sword	Shield	Grip Claw (5%)

Alolan Sandshrew

Game		Held Item(s)
Sun	Moon	Grip Claw (5%)
Ultra Sun	Ultra Moon	Grip Claw (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Kantonian Sandshrew

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 50		110 - 157	210 - 304
Attack: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Defense: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Atk: 20		22 - 79	40 - 152
Sp. Def: 30		31 - 90	58 - 174
Speed: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Total: 300	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 30.

Alolan Sandshrew

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 50		110 - 157	210 - 304
Attack: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Defense: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp. Atk: 10		13 - 68	22 - 130
Sp. Def: 35		36 - 95	67 - 185
Speed: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Total: 300	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 3/4 ★★★☆	Power 3/3 ★★★
Skill 3/5 ★★★☆☆	Stamina 2/3 ★★☆
Jump 2/3 ★★☆	Total 13/18 ★★☆

Type effectiveness

Sandshrew

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 2× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 2× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 2× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 2× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Electric-type  moves is 1×.

Alolan Sandshrew

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal ½× Fighting 4× Flying ½× Poison 0× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 4× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice ¼× Dragon ½× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Weak to: Normal ½× Fighting 4× Flying ½× Poison 0× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 4× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice ¼× Dragon ½× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Immune to: Normal ½× Fighting 4× Flying ½× Poison 0× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 4× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice ¼× Dragon ½× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Resistant to: Normal ½× Fighting 4× Flying ½× Poison 0× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 4× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice ¼× Dragon ½× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Notes: If this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Poison-type  moves is 1×.

Learnset

By leveling up

Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Scratch Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35 011 Defense Curl Normal Status 0000— 00——% 40 033 Poison Sting Poison Physical 01515 100100% 35 066 Sand Attack Ground Status 0000— 100100% 15 099 Rollout Rock Physical 03030 09090% 20 1212 Fury Cutter Bug Physical 04040 09595% 20 1515 Rapid Spin Normal Physical 05050 100100% 40 1818 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100100% 20 2121 Swift Normal Special 06060 00——% 20 2424 Fury Swipes Normal Physical 01818 08080% 15 2727 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 30 3030 Slash Normal Physical 07070 100100% 20 3333 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100100% 10 3636 Gyro Ball Steel Physical 0000— 100100% 5 3939 Swords Dance Normal Status 0000— 00——% 20 4242 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— 00——% 10 4545 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100100% 10

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

Alolan Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: VII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Scratch Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35 011 Defense Curl Normal Status 0000— 00——% 40 033 Mist Ice Status 0000— 00——% 30 066 Powder Snow Ice Special 04040 100100% 25 099 Rollout Rock Physical 03030 09090% 20 1212 Fury Cutter Bug Physical 04040 09595% 20 1515 Rapid Spin Normal Physical 05050 100100% 40 1818 Metal Claw Steel Physical 05050 09595% 35 2121 Swift Normal Special 06060 00——% 20 2424 Fury Swipes Normal Physical 01818 08080% 15 2727 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000— 00——% 15 3030 Slash Normal Physical 07070 100100% 20 3333 Iron Head Steel Physical 08080 100100% 15 3636 Gyro Ball Steel Physical 0000— 100100% 5 3939 Swords Dance Normal Status 0000— 00——% 20 4242 Hail Ice Status 0000— 00——% 10 4545 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 07070% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew

By TM/TR

Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM15 TM15 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 TM19 TM19 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 25 TM21 TM21 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM22 TM22 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10 TM23 TM23 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM24 TM24 Snore Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 15 TM25 TM25 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM31 TM31 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM32 TM32 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM34 TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM39 TM39 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM40 TM40 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM43 TM43 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM48 TM48 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 06060 095}}95% 15 TM49 TM49 Sand Tomb Ground Physical 03535 085}}85% 15 TM53 TM53 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM59 TM59 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM65 TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM76 TM76 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM81 TM81 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 TM98 TM98 Stomping Tantrum Ground Physical 07575 100}}100% 10 TR00 TR00 Swords Dance Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR01 TR01 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TR10 TR10 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10 TR12 TR12 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TR17 TR17 Amnesia Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR18 TR18 Leech Life Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 TR20 TR20 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR26 TR26 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR27 TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR31 TR31 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100100 075}}75% 15 TR52 TR52 Gyro Ball Steel Physical 0000— 100}}100% 5 TR57 TR57 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 TR60 TR60 X-Scissor Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TR67 TR67 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR76 TR76 Stealth Rock Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR85 TR85 Work Up Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TR95 TR95 Throat Chop Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

Alolan Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: VII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM04 TM04 Ice Punch Ice Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM15 TM15 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 TM19 TM19 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 25 TM21 TM21 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM22 TM22 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10 TM23 TM23 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM24 TM24 Snore Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 15 TM25 TM25 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM27 TM27 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM31 TM31 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM34 TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM35 TM35 Hail Ice Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM39 TM39 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM40 TM40 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM43 TM43 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM48 TM48 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 06060 095}}95% 15 TM51 TM51 Icicle Spear Ice Physical 02525 100}}100% 30 TM59 TM59 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM64 TM64 Avalanche Ice Physical 06060 100}}100% 10 TM65 TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM76 TM76 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM81 TM81 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 TR00 TR00 Swords Dance Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR01 TR01 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TR06 TR06 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5 TR10 TR10 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10 TR17 TR17 Amnesia Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR18 TR18 Leech Life Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 TR20 TR20 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR26 TR26 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR27 TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR31 TR31 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100100 075}}75% 15 TR46 TR46 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 TR52 TR52 Gyro Ball Steel Physical 0000— 100}}100% 5 TR57 TR57 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 TR60 TR60 X-Scissor Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TR74 TR74 Iron Head Steel Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TR76 TR76 Stealth Rock Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR85 TR85 Work Up Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TR95 TR95 Throat Chop Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew

By breeding

Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Counter Fighting Physical — 100% 20 Flail Normal Physical — 100% 15 Hone Claws Dark Status — —% 15 Metal Claw Steel Physical 50 95% 35 Mud-Slap Ground Special 20 100% 10 Night Slash Dark Physical 70 100% 15

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Sandshrew in Generation VIII Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Sandshrew in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

Alolan Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: VII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Counter Fighting Physical — 100% 20 Crush Claw Normal Physical 75 95% 10 Curse Ghost Status — —% 10 Flail Normal Physical — 100% 15 Hone Claws Dark Status — —% 15 Night Slash Dark Physical 70 100% 15

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Sandshrew in Generation VIII Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Sandshrew in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew

By tutoring

Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Sw Sh EP BD SP Scorching Sands Ground Special 70 100% 10 Sw Sh EP BD SP Steel Roller Steel Physical 130 100% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

Alolan Sandshrew

Generation VIII Other generations: VII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Sw Sh EP BD SP Steel Beam Steel Special 140 95% 5 Sw Sh EP BD SP Steel Roller Steel Physical 130 100% 5 Sw Sh EP BD SP Triple Axel Ice Physical 20 90% 10

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandshrew Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandshrew Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Sandshrew

Move	Card
Slam	Sandshrew (McDonald Pack 16)

Side game data

Sandshrew

Pokémon Pinball   Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Pinball RS   Acquisition: Hatch		Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 10.4% Friend Area: Furnace Desert Phrases 51%-100% HP Defense Curl makes me better protected! 26%-50% HP I have only half my HP left... 1%-25% HP I'm close to fainting... Can I just curl up somewhere? Level up Yeah! I leveled!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.2% IQ group: D
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group: Ground Poké Assist: Ground Field move: (Tunnel ×1) Browser entry R-194 It hurls lumps of sand to attack.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Ground Poké Assist: (present) Ground Field move: (present) (Crush ×1) Poké Assist: (past) Ground Field move: (past) (Crush ×1) Browser entry R-180/N-010 It triggers tremors and opens fissures that make Pokémon Paused.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.97 seconds Base HP: 48 Base Attack: 69 Base Defense: 50 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei Ground Attack Power: ★★★★★
Pokémon Shuffle Ground Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #680 Damage Streak Increases damage when it is triggered in a row. Swappable Skill(s): Three Force
Pokémon GO Base HP: 137 Base Attack: 126 Base Defense: 120 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 50 Fast Attacks: Scratch, Mud Shot Charged Attacks: Dig, Rock Slide, Sand Tomb*, Rock Tomb†, Frustration‡, Return‡

Alolan Sandshrew

Pokémon Shuffle Ice Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #680 Rock Break+ Sometimes destroys three breakable-rock disruptions.

Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.97 seconds Base HP: 48 Base Attack: 69 Base Defense: 51 Base Speed: 60

Pokémon GO Base HP: 137 Base Attack: 125 Base Defense: 129 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 50 Fast Attacks: Metal Claw, Powder Snow Charged Attacks: Blizzard, Gyro Ball, Night Slash

Evolution

Sandshrew

Unevolved Sandshrew  Ground

Level 22 →

First Evolution Sandslash  Ground

Alolan Sandshrew

Unevolved Sandshrew  Ice  Steel

Ice Stone →

First Evolution Sandslash  Ice  Steel

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back

For other sprites and images, please see Sandshrew images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Alolan Sandshrew and its Alolan evolved form.
• Sandshrew and its evolved form both share their category name with Rattata, Raticate, Pikachu, and Raichu. They are all known as the Mouse Pokémon, though Rattata and Raticate have also been called the Rat Pokémon.
  • They all have at least one family member with a regional form in Alola.
• Alolan Sandshrew is the first Steel-type Pokémon in National Pokédex order.
• Alolan Sandshrew has the lowest base Special Attack stat of any Pokémon, tied with Shuckle, Feebas, and Bonsly.
  • Sandshrew has the lowest base Special Attack stat of all Ground-type Pokémon.
• Both Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew have Abilities that boost evasion in certain weather (Sandstorm for Sandshrew and Hail for Alolan Sandshrew) and Hidden Abilities that boost Speed in those same weather conditions.
• Alolan Sandshrew can be seen as a parallel to Alolan Vulpix. Both were initially introduced in Generation I and got Alolans in Sun and Moon. Both Pokémon are Ice-type with Vulpix being exclusive to Sun and Sandshrew being exclusive to Moon. Furthermore, both Pokémon evolve when exposed to an Ice Stone.

Origin

Sandshrew may be based on the armadillo, a mammal that curls up into a ball, has sharp claws, and lives in desert regions. Both Sandshrew and Sandslash are mentioned to have poisonous claws, similar to how some species of the shrew are poisonous. Sandshrew also closely resembles a pangolin.

Alolan Sandshrew seems to also be based on an igloo and a curling stone.

Name origin

Sandshrew is a combination of sand and shrew.

Sand is simply sand.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese サンド Sand From sand French Sabelette From sable and belette Spanish Sandshrew Same as English name German Sandan From Sand Italian Sandshrew Same as English name Korean 모래두지 Moreduji From 모래 morae and 두더지 dudeoji Mandarin Chinese 穿山鼠 Chuānshānshǔ A portmanteau of 穿山甲 and 鼠. Literally "Mouse that passes through mountains" Cantonese Chinese 穿山鼠 Chyūnsāansyú A portmanteau of 穿山甲 and 鼠. Literally "Mouse that passes through mountains"

More languages Hebrew סנדרשרו Sendshroo Transcription of English name Hindi सांडश्रु Sandshrew Transcription of English name Lithuanian Smėlius Translation of English name Russian Сэндшрю Sendshryu Transcription of English name Thai แซนด์ Sand Transcription of trademarked Japanese name

Related articles

• Regional form

External links

← #026: Raichu

Pokémon

#028: Sandslash →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.