---
title: "Sandshrew (#0027): Stats, Weaknesses, Moves & Lore | pokee.si"
url: "https://pokee.si/pokemon/sandshrew"
description: "Sandshrew (#0027): Ground-type Mouse Pokémon from Kanto. Base stat total 300. Abilities: Sand Veil, Sand Rush. Stats, matchups, evolutions, moves, every Pokédex entry and lore on pokee.si."
last_updated: "2026-10-21"
publisher: "pokee.si: a Pokédex for families (unofficial fan site)"
last_checked: "2026-10-19"
---

#0027 · Kanto · Generation 1

# Sandshrew

Mouse Pokémon · Ground-type

![Sandshrew official artwork](https://pokee.si/img/art/27.webp)

Sandshrew is a [Ground](https://pokee.si/types/ground)-type Pokémon, the Mouse Pokémon, number 27 (#0027) in the National Pokédex. It was introduced in Generation 1 and comes from the [Kanto](https://pokee.si/guide/regions/kanto) region. It is 0.6 m tall and weighs 12 kg.

Sandshrew is the Mouse Pokémon, though it looks more like an armadillo: it curls into a ball so tight that attacks bounce off, and the Pokédex says it can survive a long fall by rolling and bouncing. In Alola the species fled a volcano for snowy mountains and grew an icy steel shell.

## How to pronounce Sandshrew

Sandshrew is pronounced **SAND-shroo**. The capital letters show the stressed syllable.

Listen to Sandshrew said out loud:

[Listen](https://pokee.si/audio/names/27.mp3)

In Japanese it is サンド (Sand).

Hear every other name on the [Pokémon pronunciation guide](https://pokee.si/pronounce).

## Lore

### Biology

Sandshrew is 0.6 m tall and weighs 12 kg. Its yellow hide is dry, tough and patterned like brickwork, which camouflages it on sand and shields its pale belly and muzzle. It has blue eyes, a pointed snout and long digging claws. One Yellow entry says its hide gets coated in fine dew on cold nights.

### Behaviour

Sandshrew lives in deep burrows in arid country and emerges mainly to hunt. If it gets wet its skin wrinkles, so it lies on warm ground near a volcano to dry out, or bathes in sand. Bulbapedia, citing Pokémon Sleep, says it sometimes naps on its back, leaving its belly bare.

### Habitat

The Pokédex says it lives in deserts and dry places where rain barely falls (habitat category Rough Terrain). In Scarlet and Violet it lives across Kitakami in The Teal Mask, and the Alolan form is in The Indigo Disk's Polar Biome (Violet).

### Diet

It digs holes to trap Bug-type Pokémon and lunges out of its burrow to drag passing ones in.

### Powers

Its Ability is Sand Veil, which raises its evasion in a sandstorm, with Sand Rush hidden to double its Speed there. It uses Rollout, Dig, Earthquake and Swords Dance. Alolan Sandshrew is an Ice and Steel type, 0.7 m and 40 kg; the shell stops it curling, so it slides on its belly, and its Abilities are Snow Cloak and hidden Slush Rush.

### Name origin

Sandshrew combines 'sand' and 'shrew'. The Japanese name is Sand (サンド), which is simply 'sand'.

### Design inspiration

Despite its name, Sandshrew looks more like an armadillo or a pangolin than a shrew: both are scaly, sharp-clawed mammals that can curl into a ball and live in deserts. Alolan Sandshrew may also nod to igloos and curling stones. These are fan readings.

### Evolution notes

Sandshrew evolves at level 22; Alolan Sandshrew instead needs an Ice Stone to become Alolan Sandslash.

### In the games

Bulbapedia lists Sandshrew and its Alolan form as unobtainable in Legends: Z-A; it debuted in Red and Green (Red and Blue outside Japan).

### In the anime

In 'Not Caving Under Pressure!', a group of Alolan Sandshrew defended a cave on Mount Lanakila from a Tyranitar, and their leader evolved after touching an Ice Stone. In Horizons, Ann's Sandshrew later evolves into Sandslash.

### Fun facts

- No Pokémon has a lower base Special Attack than Alolan Sandshrew's 10; Shuckle, Feebas and Bonsly share the record.
- Bulbapedia says Alolan festivals traditionally hold a contest to slide an Alolan Sandshrew as far across ice as possible.
- Alolan Sandshrew and Alolan Vulpix are counterparts: both evolve with an Ice Stone, but each is exclusive to the opposite pair of games, Bulbapedia notes.

Sources: [Bulbapedia: Sandshrew (Pokémon)](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Sandshrew_(Pok%C3%A9mon)) · [Serebii: Sandshrew (Scarlet/Violet Pokédex)](https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/sandshrew/)

## Base stats

- HP: **50**
- Attack: **75**
- Defense: **85**
- Sp. Atk: **20**
- Sp. Def: **30**
- Speed: **40**

Sandshrew’s base stat total is **300**. Its highest stat is Defense.

## Type matchups

### What is Sandshrew weak to?

Sandshrew takes extra damage from [Water](https://pokee.si/types/water) (2×), [Grass](https://pokee.si/types/grass) (2×), [Ice](https://pokee.si/types/ice) (2×) moves.

It resists [Poison](https://pokee.si/types/poison) (½×), [Rock](https://pokee.si/types/rock) (½×).

It is immune to [Electric](https://pokee.si/types/electric) moves.

## Evolution

### How does Sandshrew evolve?

Sandshrew evolves into [Sandslash](https://pokee.si/pokemon/sandslash) (Level 22; Alolan Sandshrew: Ice Stone).

The whole family: **Sandshrew**, [Sandslash](https://pokee.si/pokemon/sandslash).

## Forms

- **Alolan Sandshrew** (Alolan form): [Ice](https://pokee.si/types/ice)/[Steel](https://pokee.si/types/steel)-type, base stat total 300 (HP 50, Attack 75, Defense 90, Sp. Atk 10, Sp. Def 35, Speed 40). Abilities: [Snow Cloak](https://pokee.si/abilities/snow-cloak), [Slush Rush](https://pokee.si/abilities/slush-rush) (hidden).

## Abilities

- [Sand Veil](https://pokee.si/abilities/sand-veil): Increases evasion to 1.25× during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.
- [Sand Rush](https://pokee.si/abilities/sand-rush) (hidden ability): Doubles Speed during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

## Moves

### Moves Sandshrew learns by level up in Scarlet / Violet

| Level | Move | Type | Category | Power |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Scratch](https://pokee.si/moves/scratch) | Normal | Physical | 40 |
| 1 | [Defense Curl](https://pokee.si/moves/defense-curl) | Normal | Status | — |
| 3 | [Poison Sting](https://pokee.si/moves/poison-sting) | Poison | Physical | 15 |
| 6 | [Sand Attack](https://pokee.si/moves/sand-attack) | Ground | Status | — |
| 9 | [Rollout](https://pokee.si/moves/rollout) | Rock | Physical | 30 |
| 12 | [Fury Cutter](https://pokee.si/moves/fury-cutter) | Bug | Physical | 40 |
| 15 | [Rapid Spin](https://pokee.si/moves/rapid-spin) | Normal | Physical | 50 |
| 18 | [Bulldoze](https://pokee.si/moves/bulldoze) | Ground | Physical | 60 |
| 21 | [Swift](https://pokee.si/moves/swift) | Normal | Special | 60 |
| 24 | [Fury Swipes](https://pokee.si/moves/fury-swipes) | Normal | Physical | 18 |
| 27 | [Agility](https://pokee.si/moves/agility) | Psychic | Status | — |
| 30 | [Slash](https://pokee.si/moves/slash) | Normal | Physical | 70 |
| 33 | [Dig](https://pokee.si/moves/dig) | Ground | Physical | 80 |
| 36 | [Gyro Ball](https://pokee.si/moves/gyro-ball) | Steel | Physical | — |
| 39 | [Swords Dance](https://pokee.si/moves/swords-dance) | Normal | Status | — |
| 42 | [Sandstorm](https://pokee.si/moves/sandstorm) | Rock | Status | — |
| 45 | [Earthquake](https://pokee.si/moves/earthquake) | Ground | Physical | 100 |

### TM moves (50)

Sandshrew can learn 50 moves from TMs in Scarlet / Violet: [Take Down](https://pokee.si/moves/take-down), [Agility](https://pokee.si/moves/agility), [Mud-Slap](https://pokee.si/moves/mud-slap), [Protect](https://pokee.si/moves/protect), [Low Kick](https://pokee.si/moves/low-kick), [Thief](https://pokee.si/moves/thief), [Facade](https://pokee.si/moves/facade), [Aerial Ace](https://pokee.si/moves/aerial-ace), [Bulldoze](https://pokee.si/moves/bulldoze), [Metal Claw](https://pokee.si/moves/metal-claw), [Swift](https://pokee.si/moves/swift), [Mud Shot](https://pokee.si/moves/mud-shot), [Rock Tomb](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-tomb), [Fling](https://pokee.si/moves/fling), [Endure](https://pokee.si/moves/endure), [Sunny Day](https://pokee.si/moves/sunny-day), [Sandstorm](https://pokee.si/moves/sandstorm), [Dig](https://pokee.si/moves/dig), [False Swipe](https://pokee.si/moves/false-swipe), [Brick Break](https://pokee.si/moves/brick-break), [Shadow Claw](https://pokee.si/moves/shadow-claw), [Body Slam](https://pokee.si/moves/body-slam), [Sleep Talk](https://pokee.si/moves/sleep-talk), [Poison Jab](https://pokee.si/moves/poison-jab), [Stomping Tantrum](https://pokee.si/moves/stomping-tantrum), [Rest](https://pokee.si/moves/rest), [Rock Slide](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-slide), [Swords Dance](https://pokee.si/moves/swords-dance), [Spikes](https://pokee.si/moves/spikes), [Leech Life](https://pokee.si/moves/leech-life), [Substitute](https://pokee.si/moves/substitute), [X-Scissor](https://pokee.si/moves/x-scissor), [Stealth Rock](https://pokee.si/moves/stealth-rock), [Amnesia](https://pokee.si/moves/amnesia), [Earth Power](https://pokee.si/moves/earth-power), [Earthquake](https://pokee.si/moves/earthquake), [Stone Edge](https://pokee.si/moves/stone-edge), [Tera Blast](https://pokee.si/moves/tera-blast), [Sand Tomb](https://pokee.si/moves/sand-tomb), [Smack Down](https://pokee.si/moves/smack-down), [Gyro Ball](https://pokee.si/moves/gyro-ball), [Knock Off](https://pokee.si/moves/knock-off), [Super Fang](https://pokee.si/moves/super-fang), [High Horsepower](https://pokee.si/moves/high-horsepower), [Focus Punch](https://pokee.si/moves/focus-punch), [Double-Edge](https://pokee.si/moves/double-edge), [Endeavor](https://pokee.si/moves/endeavor), [Scorching Sands](https://pokee.si/moves/scorching-sands), [Throat Chop](https://pokee.si/moves/throat-chop), [Curse](https://pokee.si/moves/curse).

Egg moves (6):[Counter](https://pokee.si/moves/counter), [Flail](https://pokee.si/moves/flail), [Hone Claws](https://pokee.si/moves/hone-claws), [Metal Claw](https://pokee.si/moves/metal-claw), [Mud-Slap](https://pokee.si/moves/mud-slap), [Night Slash](https://pokee.si/moves/night-slash).

## Breeding & training

- Gender: 50% male, 50% female.
- Egg groups: Field.
- Egg cycles: 20 (steps to hatch, Scarlet/Violet: 2,560).
- Catch rate: 255 out of 255.
- Base friendship (Gen 8 onward): 50.
- Growth rate: Medium (1,000,000 experience points to reach level 100).
- Defeating it gives 1 Defense effort value.
- Base experience yield: 60.

## Pokédex entries

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. *(Shield)*

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. *(Sword)*

Its body is dry. When it gets cold at night, its hide is said to become coated with a fine dew. *(Yellow, Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Let’s Go, Eevee!)*

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. *(Ultra Moon)*

It lives in areas of limited rainfall. When danger approaches, it curls up into a ball to protect its soft stomach. *(Ultra Sun)*

It usually makes its home in deserts and arid zones, where rain does not fall. It digs holes to catch Bug-type Pokémon. *(Moon)*

## Names around the world

- **Japanese**: サンド
- **Romaji**: Sand
- **French**: Sabelette
- **German**: Sandan
- **Spanish**: Sandshrew
- **Italian**: Sandshrew
- **Korean**: 모래두지
- **Chinese (Simplified)**: 穿山鼠
- **Chinese (Traditional)**: 穿山鼠

## Trivia

- Taller than 25% of all Pokémon (0.6 m).
- Heavier than 31% of all Pokémon (12 kg).
- Base stat total 300, ranked #856 of 1,025.
- One of 75 Ground-type Pokémon (counting dual types).
- One of 88 yellow Pokémon.
- Number 27 of 151 Pokémon introduced in Generation 1 (Kanto).
- Part of an evolution family of 2 Pokémon.
- Can learn 63 different moves in Scarlet / Violet.
- Catch rate 255: about 33.3% per Poké Ball at full health.
- Has 1 alternate form.
- Appears in 18 distinct Pokédex entries.

## Sources and fact-checking

- Stats, types, abilities, moves, evolutions, forms and Pokédex entries: [PokéAPI](https://pokeapi.co) open game data.
- Lore: written by pokee.si in our own words, researched from [Bulbapedia: Sandshrew (Pokémon)](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Sandshrew_(Pok%C3%A9mon)), [Serebii: Sandshrew (Scarlet/Violet Pokédex)](https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/sandshrew/).
- Pronunciation (SAND-shroo): it follows how the English anime, games or official videos say it.

**Last checked:** 19 October 2026. Every sentence of the lore was checked against Bulbapedia, Serebii and the game data.

## Explore

[Ground-type Pokémon](https://pokee.si/types/ground) · [Kanto region guide](https://pokee.si/guide/regions/kanto) · [Sand Veil ability](https://pokee.si/abilities/sand-veil) · [Sand Rush ability](https://pokee.si/abilities/sand-rush) · [Compare Sandshrew](https://pokee.si/compare?ids=27) · [Full Pokédex](https://pokee.si/pokedex) · [Type chart](https://pokee.si/types) · [All moves](https://pokee.si/moves)

## Browse similar Pokémon

[Gen 1 Ground-type Pokémon](https://pokee.si/types/ground/gen-1) · [Gen 1 Pokémon list](https://pokee.si/pokedex/gen-1) · [Yellow Pokémon list](https://pokee.si/colours/yellow) · [Field egg group](https://pokee.si/egg-groups/field) · [Pokémon that start with S](https://pokee.si/pokemon-names/s) · [What does the Ice Stone evolve?](https://pokee.si/evolution/ice-stone)

← [Raichu](https://pokee.si/pokemon/raichu) | [Sandslash](https://pokee.si/pokemon/sandslash) →

---

Source: https://pokee.si/pokemon/sandshrew (HTML page). pokee.si is an unofficial fan site and is not affiliated with Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK or The Pokémon Company. Pokémon and all related names and images are © their respective owners.