Sandshrew
Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokémon known for its burrowing and defensive abilities. It evolves into Sandslash and is recognized by its mouse-like appearance.
| National Pokedex No: 0027 |
| Type: |
| Category: Mouse Pokémon |
| Height: 0.6 m (2′00″) |
| Weight : 12.0 kg (26.5 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities:Sand Veil/Sand Rush |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Sandshrew, a Ground-type Pokémon, is characterized by its compact, mammalian form. Its body is covered in golden-yellow fur, resembling the texture of sand. This fur not only provides camouflage in desert environments but also serves as a protective layer against abrasive conditions.
Sandshrew has a rounded snout, equipped with sharp claws on its front paws for digging and burrowing. Its ears are large and expressive, allowing for acute auditory awareness. The Pokémon’s eyes are small and black, contributing to its keen sense of sight.
One distinctive feature is Sandshrew’s ability to curl into a ball, utilizing its tough hide as a defensive mechanism. This rolling posture not only shields it from external threats but also aids in its efficient movement through sand or soil.
The short tail of Sandshrew complements its overall compact build. These adaptations collectively make Sandshrew well-suited for survival in arid terrains, showcasing the intricate balance between its physical attributes and its natural habitat.
Alolan form
Alolan Sandshrew is a regional variant of the original Sandshrew species, adapted to the unique environment of the Alola region. It has Snow Cloak ability and Slush Rush hidden ability.
Alolan Sandshrew undergoes a type change compared to the original Ground-type Sandshrew. It becomes an Ice/Steel-type Pokémon in its Alolan form.
Alolan Sandshrew has a snowy, icy appearance, with a white fur coat and ice crystals forming on its back.
The cold environment of Alola has influenced its physical characteristics.
The Ice/Steel typing reflects its adaptation to the colder climate of Alola. The steel typing suggests increased resilience and defensive capabilities.
Alolan Sandshrew may have access to moves that are typical of Ice-type Pokémon, adding new strategic options in battles.
Alolan forms showcase the diversity of Pokémon species in different regions. These variants often result from Pokémon adapting to local conditions, introducing new elements to their biology and appearance.
Behaviour
Sandshrew exhibits various behaviors shaped by its natural habitat and survival instincts.
Sandshrew is known for its exceptional digging skills. It uses its sharp claws to burrow into the ground, creating tunnels and nests for shelter and protection. This behavior helps it avoid predators and extreme weather conditions. Sandshrew is primarily nocturnal, being more active during the night. This behavior allows it to avoid the intense heat of the day in its natural desert habitat.
Sandshrew can be territorial, especially when it comes to its burrows. It may fiercely defend its nest from potential threats, showcasing a protective side. When threatened, Sandshrew instinctively curls into a tight ball, covering its vulnerable underside with its tough hide. This defensive posture helps shield it from attacks and reduces its overall surface area, making it a challenging target for predators.
Sandshrew forages for food, including insects and plant roots, in the soil. Its sharp claws are not only used for digging but also aid in capturing prey. The Pokémon’s diet is well-adapted to its desert environment.
While not strictly social, Sandshrew may form loose groups or communities in areas with favorable conditions. These groups could involve cooperation in burrow maintenance or protection against common threats.
Understanding these behaviors provides insight into how Sandshrew has evolved to thrive in its specific ecological niche, showcasing a range of adaptations tailored to its desert lifestyle.
Evolution
Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash, and the process involves a single evolution stage. Here’s a detailed look at the evolution of Sandshrew.
Sandshrew is the basic, unevolved form of this Pokémon. It is a ground-type Pokémon known for its burrowing abilities, sharp claws, and defensive curling posture.
Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash when it reaches a certain level. In most Pokémon games, the specific level at which Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash is level 22.
Upon evolving, Sandshrew undergoes significant physical changes to become Sandslash. Sandslash is larger, gains longer claws, and develops a more formidable appearance compared to its pre-evolution.
Both Sandshrew and Sandslash belong to the ground type. Therefore, there is no change in the primary type during evolution. The basic abilities and characteristics of Sandshrew, such as burrowing and defensive curling, are likely to be retained and possibly enhanced in Sandslash.
Sandslash may gain access to new moves upon evolution. This could include ground-type moves, normal-type moves, and potentially some TM or HM moves that Sandslash is capable of learning.
The evolution from Sandshrew to Sandslash signifies an adaptation to a more mature and robust form, enhancing its survival capabilities, offensive strength, and overall effectiveness in its environment.
Alolan Sandshrew evolves into Alolan Sandslash using Ice Stone. Similar to the original evolutionary line, the process usually involves reaching a certain level to trigger evolution.
Understanding the evolutionary process provides trainers with insights into the life cycle and growth of Sandshrew, as well as the strategic advantages that Sandslash may offer in battles.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
These are samo of Sandshrew’s major appearences:
A.J.’s Devotion: A loyal Sandshrew trained under A.J., showing resilience despite seemingly tough methods in the ”The Path to the Pokémon League”.
”Pikachu’s PikaBoo”: Engaged in hide-and-seek, a Sandshrew cleverly camouflaged against a brick wall.
Lost and Found: Mira seeks Ash’s aid to rescue her Sandshrew from the depths of an artificial lake in the ”Sandshrew’s Locker!”.
Cave Defender: In the ”Not Caving Under Pressure!” Alolan Sandshrew faces peril from Tyranitar; leader evolves into Alolan Sandslash using an Ice Stone.
Ann’s Capture: Ann reveals capturing a Sandshrew in the 21st episode of ”Pokémon Horizons: The Series” – HZ021, adding a new Pokémon to her team.
Anime Minor Appearances
Sandshrew first appeared in ”Pokémon – I Choose You!”, where Ash and Pikachu encountered three while being pursued by wild Spearow. In ”Clefairy and the Moon Stone”, an ailing Sandshrew was found weak due to increased light inside Mt. Moon. ”Pokémon Fashion Flash” featured a Sandshrew on Scissor Street. In ”Sparks Fly for Magnemite”, a Sandshrew was located at Gringey City’s Pokémon Center.
Additional appearances include a Sandshrew in The Breeding Center Secret and at the Pokémon Theme Park in ”Pikachu’s Vacation”. At Professor Oak‘s Laboratory in ”Showdown at the Po-ké Corral”, another Sandshrew was observed. In ”The Power of One”, a Sandshrew sensed the disruption caused by Lawrence III. ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure” featured two wild Sandshrew helping Trainers’ Pokémon save Exeggcute nests and Togepi during a storm. In ”The Fortune Hunters”, a Sandshrew was stolen by Butch and Cassidy.
Other notable appearances include a Pokémon Breeder’s Sandshrew in a breeding competition in ”Beauty and the Breeder”, and a Sandshrew in the Pokémon-exclusive oasis in ”Got Miltank? ”. In ”The Legend of Thunder!”, Sandshrew was among the Electric Pokémon lured by Attila and Hun. ”Gonna Rule The School!” featured the Pokémon Trainers’ School lending a Sandshrew to its students for lessons.
In ”Destiny Deoxys”, a brief cameo was made by a Sandshrew. Sandshrew also participated in the Hoenn Grand Festival in episodes like ”Hi Ho Silver Wind!” and ”Deceit and Assist”. In ”Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”, Sandshrew appeared in the opening sequence and lived in the Tree of Beginning. A Coordinator’s Sandshrew appeared in ”The Saffron Con and Once More With Reeling!”, participating in the Terracotta Contest.
In ”Not on MY Watch Ya Don’t!”, Team Rocket hypnotized a Sandshrew. Marnie fed a Sandshrew in ”Drifloon On the Wind!”. ”Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 1)” featured a Sandshrew, with two more appearing in the subsequent episode. ”Giratina and the Sky Warrior” included a brief cameo of a Sandshrew. ”Camping It Up!” showcased a Sandshrew. Shelter Town’s Pokémon Center had a Sandshrew in ”Battling a Cute Drama!”. ”Lumiose City Pursuit!” also featured a Sandshrew.
In ”Allearth Forest in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction”, a Sandshrew was seen. ”Pikachu and the Pokémon Music Squad” showed a Sandshrew residing in a forest. ”Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel” featured a Sandshrew. ”This Could be the Start of Something Big!” included a Sandshrew. ”The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!” also showcased a Sandshrew.
Multiple Sandshrew were seen in these episodes:
- ”Tanks a Lot!”
- ”Celebi: The Voice of the Forest”
- ”Throwing in the Noctowl” (two of them)
- ”Arceus and the Jewel of Life”
- ”Showdown at the Oak Corral” (two of them living at Professor Oak’s Laboratory)
- ”I Choose You!” (two of them)
- ”Getting a Jump on the Competition!” (two Alolan Sandshrew)
A Trainer’s Sandshrew appeared in these episodes:
- ”Electric Shock Showdown”
- ”Mewtwo Strikes Back”
- ”The Lost Lapras” (at the Pokémon Center)
- ”The Joy of Pokémon” (treated by the Nurse Joy)
- ”Lost at the League!”
- ”Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare!”
- ”The First Day of the Rest of Your Life!”
- ”Battling Besties!”
- ”Aim For The Eight!” (Alolan Sandshrew)
Manga Appearances
“The Electric Tale of Pikachu,”
In the episode ”Clefairy in Space”, Professor Oak’s Sandshrew played a crucial role in quelling the mischief caused by a wild Clefairy.
Pokémon Adventures
Sandshrew first appeared in the episode “Onix is On!”, battling Red’s Bulbasaur as part of a Pewter Gym Trainer’s team. Red later caught a Sandshrew prior to “Make Way for Magmar!” and used it in a battle against a pair of Magmar.
In “Murkrow Row,” a Sandshrew was shown as one of the residents of Gold’s house. It also made an appearance in “The Last Battle XIII” as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.
Additionally, a Trainer’s Sandshrew was featured in both “Plugging Past Electrike I” and “Deprogramming Porygon-Z.”
Alolan Sandshrew made its debut in “Shock!! Father in the Pendant!” with one seen on Mount Lanakila.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
Owned by a contestant, a Sandscrew appears in GDZ45, the 45th chapter of the Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All manga.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red | Trade |
| Pokémon Blue | Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23 |
| Pokémon Yellow | Routes 3 and 4, Mt. Moon |
| Pokémon Gold | Union Cave, Mt. Moon |
| Pokémon Silver | Goldenrod Game Corner |
| Pokémon Crystal | Route 3, 4, Mt. Moon, Union Cave |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Routes 111 and 113 |
| Pokémon FireRed | Trade |
| Pokémon LeafGreen | Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23 |
| Pokémon Emerald | Route 111, Mirage Tower |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Rock Poké Spot |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Wayward Cave |
| Pokémon Platinum | Wayward Cave |
| Pokémon HeartGold | Mt. Moon, Union Cave |
| Pokémon SoulSilver | Goldenrod City |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Breed Sandslash |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Desert Resort, Relic Castle |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Friend Safari |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Routes 111 and 113 |
| Pokémon Sun | Trade |
| Pokémon Moon | Mount Lanakila, Tapu Village (Alolan Form), Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form) |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | Trade |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | Mount Lanakila, Tapu Village (Alolan Form), Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form) |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | Route 3, 4, Celadon City |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Trade |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Warm-Up Tunnel |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond | Trade |
| Pokémon Shining Pearl | Spacious Cave, Rocky Cave, Sandsear Cave, Big Bluff Cavern |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade |
Sandshrew's origin name
Sandshrew’s names across different languages often incorporate elements related to sand, burrowing, or small mammals to capture the essence of Sandshrew’s characteristics and habitat.
English: The English name “Sandshrew” is a combination of two words:
- ”Sand”: Referring to the habitat of this Pokémon, as it is often found in arid, sandy areas.
- “Shrew”: This part of the name might be inspired by the shrew, a small, burrowing mammal known for its active behavior and adaptation to different environments.
Japanese: The Japanese name for Sandshrew is “サンド (Sando).” It is a phonetic approximation of the English word “sand,” reflecting its habitat. The addition of “ド (do)” is a common suffix in Japanese Pokémon names.
French: In French, Sandshrew is known as “Sabelette,” a combination of “sable” (sand) and the diminutive suffix “-ette.” The name reflects its sandy habitat.
German: The German name for Sandshrew is “Sandan,” combining “Sand” and the common German suffix “-an.”
Spanish: In Spanish, Sandshrew is called “Sandshrew,” maintaining the English name but adapted to Spanish pronunciation.
Italian:The Italian name for Sandshrew is “Sandshrew,” again retaining the English name but adjusted for Italian pronunciation.
Korean: The Korean name is “모래쥐 (Moraejwi),” where “모래 (morae)” means sand, and “쥐 (jwi)” means mouse or shrew.
Chinese (Simplified): The Simplified Chinese name is “穿山鼠 (Chuānshānshǔ),” where “穿山 (chuānshān)” means burrowing or tunneling through mountains, and “鼠 (shǔ)” means mouse.
Chinese (Traditional): The Traditional Chinese name is also “穿山鼠 (Chuānshānshǔ),” mirroring the Simplified Chinese name.