Sandshrew (Pokémon)

← #026: Raichu

Pokémon

#028: Sandslash →

Sandshrew サンド Sand #027
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Ground ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Mouse Pokémon
Ability Sand Veil Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #027 Johto #048 Hoenn #112 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R-194 Oblivia R-180 N-010
Height 2'00" Imperial 0.6 m Metric 2'00"/0.6 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 26.5 lbs. Imperial 12.0 kg Metric 26.5 lbs./12.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Yellow	Catch rate 255 (33.3%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Ground group 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 1 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 93 Battle Exp.: 931*
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 Template:Type2 Pokémon.

It evolves into Sandslash starting at level 22.

Biology

Physiology

Sandshrew is a ground-dwelling pholidote notable for its defensive capabilities. Its body is mostly covered in a dry, tough hide which is colored to blend in with the sands of the desert. It can curl into a tight ball about the same size as a basketball to protect its soft underbelly. Its primary weapon is the small but sharp claws on its paws, which are also useful for burrowing and can sometimes be poisoned.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Sandshrew's special abilities are extremely limited compared to other Pokémon. It has a greater control over the ground and sand than the average Pokémon, mostly derived from adaptation to its habitat.

Behavior

In the wild, Sandshrew are mostly defensive by nature. They spend much of their time hidden underground in their burrows and will kick up sand or curl into a ball to escape predators. They may venture out to hunt, taking advantage of the desert sands to hide themselves.

However, with the help of a Trainer, a Sandshrew can become bolder and much more daring, and can even be trained to swim despite the fact that they are weakened by the water. They are still fond of curling up, though, even if not for defense. Although Sandshrew are usually bipedal, they are able to run on all fours.

Habitat

File:Roughterrain.gif

Rough-terrain Pokémon

Sandshrew are adapted to dry, arid areas. Thus, they can be commonly found in deserts and grasslands, and sometimes in river valleys or the upper levels of caves as well. Wherever they are, they live underground in burrows. It can be found in Kanto, Johto and Hoenn, but it is hardy enough to survive in Orre and can occasionally be found in Sinnoh as well.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Sandshrew do not require a lot of water, due to a very efficient system of staying hydrated with minimal moisture. They hunt for prey in the wild.

In the anime

Sandshrew in the anime

Major appearances

Sandshrew was first featured in The Path to the Pokémon League. It was owned by a Pokémon Trainer named A.J.. Despite A.J.'s seemly barbaric training methods (e.g. using a whip, training in a pool), it was very loyal to him.

Mira enlisted Ash and his friends to help her retrieve her Sandshrew that is lost at the bottom of an artificial lake created by a dammed river in Sandshrew's Locker!.

Minor appearances

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu pass three Sandshrew in Pokémon, I Choose You! while being chased by a flock of wild Spearow.

An ailing Sandshrew is seen briefly near the beginning of Clefairy and the Moon Stone.

A Sandshrew was one of the Pokémon that played Hide-n-Seek in Pikachu's PikaBoo. Sandshrew hid in front of a brick wall.

A Sandshrew was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.

A Sandshrew appeared under the possession of a Coordinator in Hi Ho Silver Wind!

It also appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Part One.

A Sandshrew appeared in Camping It Up!.

A Sandshrew was also seen at the Shelter Town's Pokémon Center in Battling a Cute Drama!.

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.

In the manga

Professor Oak had a Sandshrew in the Electric Tale of Pikachu.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Sandshrew makes a cameo in Onix is On!, part of the Red, Green & Blue arc, battling against Red's Bulbasaur as a Pewter Gym Trainer's Pokémon.

Red also had a Sandshrew he uses to fight Template:Type2s.

In the TCG

Main article: Sandshrew (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red 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 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 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 Diamond To protect itself from attackers, it curls up into a ball. It lives in arid regions with minimal rainfall. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} 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 Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Common Routes 4, 11, and 23 (Blue only) Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow Uncommon Routes 3 and 4, Mt. Moon
Generation II Gold Silver Uncommon (Gold) Prize (Silver) Routes 4, 32, Union Cave, Mt. Moon (Gold) Goldenrod Game Corner (Silver) Crystal Uncommon Routes 3, 4, Union Cave, Mt. Moon
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Uncommon Routes 111, 113 Emerald Common Routes 111, 113, Mirage Tower FireRed LeafGreen Uncommon Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 22, 23 (LeafGreen only) Colosseum None Trade XD Common Rock Poké Spot
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Dongle Wayward Cave (LeafGreen) Platinum Dongle Wayward Cave (LeafGreen) HeartGold SoulSilver Uncommon (Both) Prize (SoulSilver) Union Cave, Mt. Moon (HeartGold) Goldenrod Game Corner (SoulSilver) Safari Zone (Both) Pal Park Mountain Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Snap	Valley
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Hatch from egg
Pokémon Trozei!	Secret Storage 2 Huge Storage 3 Endless Level 9 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Magma Cavern (1F-6F) Buried Relic (36F-59F) Desert Region (1F-6F) Joyous Tower (68F-73F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Northern Desert (1F-15F) Shimmer Desert (1F-9F)
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Chroma Ruins
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Asahi Ruins Milonda Highway
Pokémon Rumble	Rocky Cave

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Ruby	Sapphire	Quick Claw (5%)
Emerald
Pokémon XD		Quick Claw (5%)
Diamond	Pearl	Quick Claw (5%)
Platinum

Stats

Base stats

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.

Pokéathlon stats

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

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, 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× 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× 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× 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× None

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | ground | style="background:#915121" |  ground 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Sandshrew | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By tutoring

|- style="background:#B88E6F" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an Evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available. |} |}

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball     Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Pinball RS     Acquisition: Hatch		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 027.png 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! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. 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 Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Ground  Poké Assist: ( Ground ) Field move: (Tunnel ×1) Browser entry   It hurls lumps of sand to attack.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Ground  ( Ground ) Past ( Normal ) (Crush ×1) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Unevolved Sandshrew  Ground

Level 22 →

First Evolution Sandslash  Ground

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

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

Trivia

• Sandshrew is the first Template:Type2 Pokémon in National Pokédex order.
• Sandshrew and Sandslash share the same species 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.
  • It should be noted however that neither shrews, armadillos nor pangolins (all of which Sandshrew has been based on) are actually rodents.
  • It should also be noted that some species of shrew are venomous, and both Sandshrew and Sandslash are mentioned to have poisonous claws.
• Although Sandshrew was introduced in Generation I as a pure Template:Type2, it could not learn any Ground-type attacks via level-up until Generation III.
• Sandshrew gets Rock Slide and Swords Dance as egg moves, despite it being compatible with the TMs for aforementioned moves.
  • Presumably this is because neither move was a TM in Generation III, and both moves were on Sandshrew's egg move list in Generation III.

Origin

Though its design appears to be inspired by armadillos, its actual inspiration was the pangolin, which is a scaly-anteater by another name. It curls up into a ball, has sharp claws, and lives in desert regions.

Name origin

Sandshrew's name is a combination of sand and shrew, a small rodent-like mammal. Its Japanese name simply refers to sand.

In other languages

• German: Sandan - Corruption of Sand.
• French: Sabelette - From sable (sand) and belette (weasel).
• Korean: 모래두지 Moraeduji
• Chinese (Taiwan and Hong Kong): 穿山鼠 Chuān Shān Shǔ - A portmanteau of 穿山甲 Chuān Shān Jiá (pangolin) and 鼠 (mouse). Literally means "mouse that passes through mountains".

Notes

← #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.