27: Sandshrew

Essentials

Sandshrew

Mouse Pokémon

Abilities

Sand Veil: Increases evasion to 1.25× during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

Hidden Ability

Sand Rush: Doubles Speed during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

Damage Taken

Pokédex Numbers

Introduced in
National: 27
Kanto: 27
Original Johto: 48
Original Hoenn: 112
Updated Johto: 48
Updated Unova: 113
Mountain Kalos: 97
New Hoenn: 117
Original Alola: 251
Updated Alola: 328
Let’s Go Kanto: 27
Isle of Armor: 168

Names

Japanese: サンド (sando)
: サンド
Official roomaji: Sand
Korean: 모래두지
Chinese: 穿山鼠
: 穿山鼠
French: Sabelette
German: Sandan
Spanish: Sandshrew
Italian: Sandshrew

Breeding

Gender

½ male, ½ female

Egg groups

Field

Hatch counter

Steps to hatch

5355 / 2805

Compatibility

Training

Base EXP

Effort points

1 Defense

Capture rate

255

Base happiness

Growth rate

medium

Wild held items

	5%	Quick Claw
		nothing
	5%	Quick Claw
	5%	Quick Claw
	5%	Quick Claw
	5%	Grip Claw
	5%	Grip Claw
		nothing
		nothing

Evolution

Compare this family

Baby	Basic	Stage 1	Stage 2
	Sandshrew	Sandslash Level up, starting at level 22

Sandshrew Forms

Stats

			Level
			Effort
		Pctile	Min IVs	Max IVs
HP	50	22.4	273	304
Attack	75	47.7	218	249
Defense	85	68.0	238	269
Special Attack	20	1.3	108	139
Special Defense	30	3.1	128	159
Speed	40	17.8	148	179
Total	300	13.6

Pokéathlon Performance

Minimum; Base; Maximum

Speed
Power
Skill
Stamina
Jump
Total: 7/13/18

Flavor

Detailed flavor page covering all versions

Flavor Text

: It can roll its body into a ball. It moves through the desert by rolling at high speeds.
: It usually makes its home in deserts and arid zones, where rain does not fall. It digs holes to catch Bug-type Pokémon.
: It lives in areas of limited rainfall. When danger approaches, it curls up into a ball to protect its soft stomach.
: 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.
: Its body is dry. When it gets cold at night, its hide is said to become coated with a fine dew.

: It loves to bathe in the grit of dry, sandy areas. By sand bathing, the Pokémon rids itself of dirt and moisture clinging to its body.
: It burrows into the ground to create its nest. If hard stones impede its tunneling, it uses its sharp claws to shatter them and then carries on digging.

Sprites

Miscellany

Species: Mouse Pokémon
Color: Yellow
Cry
Habitat: rough terrain
Footprint
Shape: Sciurine

Height

1'11.6"
0.6 m

Weight

120

26.5 lb
12.0 kg

Locations

Ridiculously detailed breakdown

Blue

Yellow

Gold

Crystal

Ruby

Sapphire

Emerald

LeafGreen

Diamond

Pearl

Platinum

HeartGold

Black 2

White 2

Pal Park

Area: Mountain
Score: 50
Rate: 30

Moves

Ground moves get STAB, and have their type highlighted in green.

Physical moves better suit Sandshrew's higher Attack, and have their class highlighted in green.

														Move	Type	Class	PP	Power	Acc	Pri	Effect
Level up: Learned when a Pokémon reaches a certain level.
—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Scratch			35	40	100%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
	6	6	6	3	3	3	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Defense Curl			40	—	—		Raises user's Defense by one stage.
10	11	11	11	7	7	7	3	3	3	3	3			Sand Attack			15	—	100%		Lowers the target's accuracy by one stage.
	17	17	17	9	9	9	5	5	5	5	5	4	3	Poison Sting			35	15	100%		Has a 30% chance to poison the target.
							7	7	7	7	7			Rollout			20	30	90%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, resetting after five turns.
17	23	23	23											Slash			20	70	100%		Has an increased chance for a critical hit.
24														Poison Sting			35	15	100%		Has a 30% chance to poison the target.
				13	13	13	9	9	9	9	9			Rapid Spin			40	50	100%		Frees the user from binding moves, removes Leech Seed, and blows away Spikes.
												8	6	Sand Attack			15	—	100%		Lowers the target's accuracy by one stage.
													9	Rollout			20	30	90%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, resetting after five turns.
31	30	30	30	15	15	15	11	11				12		Swift			20	60	—		Never misses.
38	37	37	37	19	19	19						16		Fury Swipes			15	18	80%		Hits 2-5 times in one turn.
				21	21	21								Rollout			20	30	90%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, resetting after five turns.
												20		Dig			10	80	100%		User digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.
												24		Protect			10	—	—	4	Prevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.
												28		Swords Dance			20	—	—		Raises the user's Attack by two stages.
				25	25	25	14	14	11	11	11		12	Fury Cutter			20	40	95%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, maxing out after five turns.
													15	Rapid Spin			40	50	100%		Frees the user from binding moves, removes Leech Seed, and blows away Spikes.
													18	Bulldoze			20	60	100%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's Speed by one stage.
							17	17	14	14	14			Magnitude			30	*	100%		Power varies randomly from 10 to 150.
									17	17	17		21	Swift			20	60	—		Never misses.
							20	20	20	20	20		24	Fury Swipes			15	18	80%		Hits 2-5 times in one turn.
													27	Agility			30	—	—		Raises the user's Speed by two stages.
			45	27	27	27	23	23	23	23	23			Sand Tomb			15	35	85%		Prevents the target from fleeing and inflicts damage for 2-5 turns.
				31	31	31	26	26	26	26	26	32	30	Slash			20	70	100%		Has an increased chance for a critical hit.
							30	30	30	30	30		33	Dig			10	80	100%		User digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.
				33	33	33	34	34	34	34	34		36	Gyro Ball			5	*	100%		Power raises when the user has lower Speed, up to a maximum of 150.
							38	38	38	38	38		39	Swords Dance			20	—	—		Raises the user's Attack by two stages.
	45	45	53	37	37	37	42	42	42	42	42		42	Sandstorm			10	—	—		Changes the weather to a sandstorm for five turns.
							46	46	46	46	46	36	45	Earthquake			10	100	100%		Inflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.
														Move	Type	Class	PP	Power	Acc	Pri	Effect
Egg: Appears on a newly-hatched Pokémon, if the father had the same move.
														Chip Away			20	70	100%		Ignores the target's stat modifiers.
														Counter			20	*	100%	-5	Inflicts twice the damage the user received from the last physical hit it took.
														Crush Claw			10	75	95%		Has a 50% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage.
														Endure			10	—	—	4	Prevents the user's HP from lowering below 1 this turn.
														Flail			15	*	100%		Inflicts more damage when the user has less HP remaining, with a maximum of 200 power.
														Hone Claws			15	—	—		Raises the user's Attack and accuracy by one stage.
														Metal Claw			35	50	95%		Has a 10% chance to raise the user's Attack by one stage.
														Mud Shot			15	55	95%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's Speed by one stage.
														Mud-Slap			10	20	100%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by one stage.
														Night Slash			15	70	100%		Has an increased chance for a critical hit.
														Rapid Spin			40	50	100%		Frees the user from binding moves, removes Leech Seed, and blows away Spikes.
														Rock Climb			20	90	85%		Has a 20% chance to confuse the target.
														Rock Slide			10	75	90%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
														Rototiller			10	—	—		Raises the Attack and Special Attack of all Grass Pokémon in battle.
														Safeguard			25	—	—		Protects the user's field from major status ailments and confusion for five turns.
														Swords Dance			20	—	—		Raises the user's Attack by two stages.
														Move	Type	Class	PP	Power	Acc	Pri	Effect
Tutor: Can be taught at any time by an NPC.
														Body Slam			15	85	100%		Has a 30% chance to paralyze the target.
														Counter			20	*	100%	-5	Inflicts twice the damage the user received from the last physical hit it took.
														Covet			25	60	100%		Takes the target's item.
														Defense Curl			40	—	—		Raises user's Defense by one stage.
														Double-Edge			15	120	100%		User receives 1/3 the damage inflicted in recoil.
														Dynamic Punch			5	100	50%		Has a 100% chance to confuse the target.
														Earth Power			10	90	100%		Has a 10% chance to lower the target's Special Defense by one stage.
														Endure			10	—	—	4	Prevents the user's HP from lowering below 1 this turn.
														Focus Punch			20	150	100%	-3	If the user takes damage before attacking, the attack is canceled.
														Fury Cutter			20	40	95%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, maxing out after five turns.
														Headbutt			15	70	100%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
														Iron Tail			15	100	75%		Has a 30% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage.
														Knock Off			20	65	100%		Target drops its held item.
														Mimic			10	—	—		Copies the target's last used move.
														Mud-Slap			10	20	100%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by one stage.
														Rock Slide			10	75	90%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
														Rollout			20	30	90%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, resetting after five turns.
														Scorching Sands			10	70	100%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
														Seismic Toss			20	*	100%		Inflicts damage equal to the user's level.
														Sleep Talk			10	—	—		Randomly uses one of the user's other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.
														Snore			15	50	100%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch. Only works if the user is sleeping.
														Stealth Rock			20	—	—		Causes damage when opposing Pokémon switch in.
														Steel Roller			5	130	100%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
														Stomping Tantrum			10	75	100%		Has double power if the user's last move failed.
														Substitute			10	—	—		Transfers 1/4 of the user's max HP into a doll, protecting the user from further damage or status changes until it breaks.
														Super Fang			10	*	90%		Inflicts damage equal to half the target's HP.
														Swagger			15	—	85%		Raises the target's Attack by two stages and confuses the target.
														Swift			20	60	—		Never misses.
														Swords Dance			20	—	—		Raises the user's Attack by two stages.
														Move	Type	Class	PP	Power	Acc	Pri	Effect
Machine: Can be taught at any time by using a TM or HM.
03														Swords Dance			20	—	—		Raises the user's Attack by two stages.
						01	01	01	01					Hone Claws			15	—	—		Raises the user's Attack and accuracy by one stage.
			01	01	01									Focus Punch			20	150	100%	-3	If the user takes damage before attacking, the attack is canceled.
	01	01												Dynamic Punch			5	100	50%		Has a 100% chance to confuse the target.
	02	02										01		Headbutt			15	70	100%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
												05		Rest			10	—	—		User sleeps for two turns, completely healing itself.
												07		Protect			10	—	—	4	Prevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.
												08		Substitute			10	—	—		Transfers 1/4 of the user's max HP into a doll, protecting the user from further damage or status changes until it breaks.
												10	15	Dig			10	80	100%		User digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.
												12		Facade			20	70	100%		Power doubles if user is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned.
												13		Brick Break			15	75	100%		Destroys Reflect and Light Screen.
	03	03												Curse			10	—	—		Ghosts pay half their max HP to hurt the target every turn. Others decrease Speed but raise Attack and Defense.
	04	04												Rollout			20	30	90%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, resetting after five turns.
06	06	06	06	06	06	06	06	06	06	06	06			Toxic			10	—	90%		Badly poisons the target, inflicting more damage every turn.
	08	08												Rock Smash			15	40	100%		Has a 50% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage.
	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10			Hidden Power			15	60	100%		Power and type depend upon user's IVs. Power can range from 30 to 70.
	11	11	11	11	11	11	11	11	11	11	11			Sunny Day			5	—	—		Changes the weather to sunny for five turns.
	13	13												Snore			15	50	100%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch. Only works if the user is sleeping.
	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17			Protect			10	—	—	4	Prevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.
	20	20												Endure			10	—	—	4	Prevents the user's HP from lowering below 1 this turn.
						20	20	20	20	20	20		19	Safeguard			25	—	—		Protects the user's field from major status ailments and confusion for five turns.
													21	Rest			10	—	—		User sleeps for two turns, completely healing itself.
08														Body Slam			15	85	100%		Has a 30% chance to paralyze the target.
	21	21	21	21	21	21	21	21	21	21	21			Frustration			20	*	100%		Power increases as happiness decreases, up to a maximum of 102.
09														Take Down			20	90	85%		User receives 1/4 the damage it inflicts in recoil.
10														Double-Edge			15	120	100%		User receives 1/3 the damage inflicted in recoil.
17														Submission			20	80	80%		User receives 1/4 the damage it inflicts in recoil.
19												15		Seismic Toss			20	*	100%		Inflicts damage equal to the user's level.
20														Rage			20	20	100%		If the user is hit after using this move, its Attack rises by one stage.
	23	23	23	23	23							19		Iron Tail			15	100	75%		Has a 30% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage.
												22	22	Rock Slide			10	75	90%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
26	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	26			Earthquake			10	100	100%		Inflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.
	27	27	27	27	27	27	27	27	27	27	27			Return			20	*	100%		Power increases with happiness, up to a maximum of 102.
27														Fissure			5	*	30%		Causes a one-hit KO.
28	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	28					Dig			10	80	100%		User digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.
			31	31	31	31	31	31	31	31	31			Brick Break			15	75	100%		Destroys Reflect and Light Screen.
	31	31												Mud-Slap			10	20	100%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by one stage.
31														Mimic			10	—	—		Copies the target's last used move.
32	32	32	32	32	32	32	32	32	32	32	32			Double Team			15	—	—		Raises the user's evasion by one stage.
	34	34												Swagger			15	—	85%		Raises the target's Attack by two stages and confuses the target.
	35	35												Sleep Talk			10	—	—		Randomly uses one of the user's other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.
34														Bide			10	*	—	1	User waits for two turns, then hits back for twice the damage it took.
												24		X-Scissor			15	80	100%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
												26		Poison Jab			20	80	100%		Has a 30% chance to poison the target.
												27		Toxic			10	—	90%		Badly poisons the target, inflicting more damage every turn.
												41		Earthquake			10	100	100%		Inflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.
													23	Thief			25	60	100%		Takes the target's item.
													24	Snore			15	50	100%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch. Only works if the user is sleeping.
													25	Protect			10	—	—	4	Prevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.
													31	Attract			15	—	100%		Target falls in love if it has the opposite gender, and has a 50% chance to refuse attacking the user.
	37	37	37	37	37	37	37	37	37	37	37		32	Sandstorm			10	—	—		Changes the weather to a sandstorm for five turns.
			39	39	39	39	39	39	39	39	39			Rock Tomb			15	60	95%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's Speed by one stage.
			40	40	40	40	40	40	40	40	40			Aerial Ace			20	60	—		Never misses.
													34	Sunny Day			5	—	—		Changes the weather to sunny for five turns.
			42	42	42	42	42	42	42	42	42		39	Facade			20	70	100%		Power doubles if user is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned.
			43	43	43									Secret Power			20	70	100%		Has a 30% chance to inflict a status effect which depends upon the terrain.
39	39	39											40	Swift			20	60	—		Never misses.
													43	Brick Break			15	75	100%		Destroys Reflect and Light Screen.
													48	Rock Tomb			15	60	95%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's Speed by one stage.
													49	Sand Tomb			15	35	85%		Prevents the target from fleeing and inflicts damage for 2-5 turns.
													53	Mud Shot			15	55	95%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's Speed by one stage.
	40	40												Defense Curl			40	—	—		Raises user's Defense by one stage.
	43	43												Detect			5	—	—	4	Prevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.
40														Skull Bash			10	130	100%		Raises the user's Defense by one stage. User charges for one turn before attacking.
44	44	44	44	44	44	44	44	44	44	44	44			Rest			10	—	—		User sleeps for two turns, completely healing itself.
48														Rock Slide			10	75	90%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
	45	45	45	45	45	45	45	45	45	45	45			Attract			15	—	100%		Target falls in love if it has the opposite gender, and has a 50% chance to refuse attacking the user.
	46	46	46	46	46	46	46	46	46	46	46			Thief			25	60	100%		Takes the target's item.
	49	49												Fury Cutter			20	40	95%		Power doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, maxing out after five turns.
						48	48	48	48	48	48			Round			15	60	100%		Has double power if it's used more than once per turn.
				56	56	56	56	56	56	56	56		59	Fling			10	*	100%		Throws held item at the target; power depends on the item.
				58	58									Endure			10	—	—	4	Prevents the user's HP from lowering below 1 this turn.
				65	65	65	65	65	65	65	65		65	Shadow Claw			15	70	100%		Has an increased chance for a critical hit.
													76	Round			15	60	100%		Has double power if it's used more than once per turn.
				74	74	74	74	74	74	74	74			Gyro Ball			5	*	100%		Power raises when the user has lower Speed, up to a maximum of 150.
				75	75	75	75	75	75	75	75			Swords Dance			20	—	—		Raises the user's Attack by two stages.
						78	78	78	78	78	78		81	Bulldoze			20	60	100%		Has a 100% chance to lower the target's Speed by one stage.
													98	Stomping Tantrum			10	75	100%		Has double power if the user's last move failed.
													R00	Swords Dance			20	—	—		Raises the user's Attack by two stages.
													R01	Body Slam			15	85	100%		Has a 30% chance to paralyze the target.
													R10	Earthquake			10	100	100%		Inflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.
													R12	Agility			30	—	—		Raises the user's Speed by two stages.
													R17	Amnesia			20	—	—		Raises the user's Special Defense by two stages.
													R18	Leech Life			10	80	100%		Drains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.
				76	76							56		Stealth Rock			20	—	—		Causes damage when opposing Pokémon switch in.
				78	78									Captivate			20	—	100%		Lowers the target's Special Attack by two stages if it's the opposite gender.
				80	80	80	80	80	80	80	80			Rock Slide			10	75	90%		Has a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
				81	81	81	81	81	81	81	81			X-Scissor			15	80	100%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
				82	82									Sleep Talk			10	—	—		Randomly uses one of the user's other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.
				83	83									Natural Gift			15	*	100%		Power and type depend on the held berry.
				84	84	84	84	84	84	84	84			Poison Jab			20	80	100%		Has a 30% chance to poison the target.
				87	87	87	87	87	87	87	87			Swagger			15	—	85%		Raises the target's Attack by two stages and confuses the target.
								88	88	88	88			Sleep Talk			10	—	—		Randomly uses one of the user's other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.
50				90	90	90	90	90	90	90	90		R20	Substitute			10	—	—		Transfers 1/4 of the user's max HP into a doll, protecting the user from further damage or status changes until it breaks.
													R26	Endure			10	—	—	4	Prevents the user's HP from lowering below 1 this turn.
													R27	Sleep Talk			10	—	—		Randomly uses one of the user's other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.
													R31	Iron Tail			15	100	75%		Has a 30% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage.
													R52	Gyro Ball			5	*	100%		Power raises when the user has lower Speed, up to a maximum of 150.
													R57	Poison Jab			20	80	100%		Has a 30% chance to poison the target.
													R60	X-Scissor			15	80	100%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
													R67	Earth Power			10	90	100%		Has a 10% chance to lower the target's Special Defense by one stage.
													R76	Stealth Rock			20	—	—		Causes damage when opposing Pokémon switch in.
													R85	Work Up			30	—	—		Raises the user's Attack and Special Attack by one stage each.
													R95	Throat Chop			15	80	100%		Prevents the target from using sound-based moves for two turns.
									94					Secret Power			20	70	100%		Has a 30% chance to inflict a status effect which depends upon the terrain.
						94	94	94						Rock Smash			15	40	100%		Has a 50% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage.
								100	100	100	100			Confide			20	—	—		Lowers the target's Special Attack by one stage.
H1	H1	H1	H1	H1	H1	H1	H1	H1	H1					Cut			30	50	95%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
H4	H4	H4	H4	H4	H4	H4	H4	H4	H4					Strength			15	80	100%		Inflicts regular damage with no additional effect.
			H6	H6	H6				H6					Rock Smash			15	40	100%		Has a 50% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage.
				H8	H8									Rock Climb			20	90	85%		Has a 20% chance to confuse the target.