DexDB.io

No. 0027

Sandshrew

Mouse Pokémon

BaseAlolan
Sandshrew official artwork
Official art

Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokémon, 2× weak to Water, Grass and Ice, with a base stat total of 300. It isn’t usable in Pokémon Champions’ Regulation M-C.

Ground
Height
0.6 m 2′00″
Weight
12 kg 26.5 lbs
Base stat total
300 Higher than 14% of Pokémon
Introduced
Gen I Red & Green (JP)
Abilities
Pokédex entryShield
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.
See all 18 entries

Base stats

HP50125–157210–304
Atk7585–139139–273
Def8594–150157–295
SpA2036–7940–152
SpD3045–9058–174
Spe4054–10176–196
Total300Higher than 14% of Pokémon
HP50Atk75Def85Spe40SpD30SpA20

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 1 Def.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature
Calculate damage →

Type matchups

Weak to

2×
GrassIceWater

Resists

½×
PoisonRock

Immune to

0×
Electric
Takes normal damage from 12 types
NormalFightingFlyingGroundBugGhostSteelFirePsychicDragonDarkFairy

Speed tiers

The faster Pokémon moves first each turn, so knowing who you outspeed decides a lot of battles. These are its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 40); Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+101Max92No SP60Min54Scarf151Tailwind202

At max Speed, Sandshrew outspeeds 9 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, and ties 1.

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions: Sandshrew against the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, fastest first
SpeedPokémon
203Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 on Showdown
200Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 on Showdown
190Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 on Showdown
189Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 on Showdown
184WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 on Showdown
178Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 on Showdown
178Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 on Showdown
172SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 on Showdown
169Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 on Showdown
169GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 on Showdown
167Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 on Showdown
167Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 on Showdown
161IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 on Showdown
156Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 on Showdown
150ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 on Showdown
149GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 on Showdown
143BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 on Showdown
128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 on Showdown
120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 on Showdown
105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 on Showdown
101Sandshrew · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 on Showdown
95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 on Showdown
94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 on Showdown
92Sandshrew · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 on Showdown
90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 on Showdown
85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 on Showdown
80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 on Showdown
80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 on Showdown
70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 on Showdown
60Sandshrew · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
60Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 on Showdown

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Abilities

Competitive

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Sep 2026
Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera
SV SinglesLC

0.3% of teams · rank #77 · Singles, first stages at Lv 5 · 1630 weighting · 7,479 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Ability
Nature
Impish
EVs
196 HP / 156 Def / 36 SpD / 116 Spe
Tera Type
Ghost
  1. Earthquake
  2. Rapid Spin
  3. Knock Off
  4. Stealth Rock

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

  • All games0.8%
  • 1500 weighting0.7%
  • 1630 weighting0.3%
  • 1760 weighting0.1%

Usage by month

Oct 20250.3%

Moves

Items

Abilities

  • 97.6%
  • 2.4%

EV spreads

  • Impish 196 HP / 156 Def / 36 SpD / 116 Spe43.3%
  • Adamant 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe21.4%
  • Adamant 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe12.5%
  • Jolly 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe11.7%
  • Jolly 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe4.2%

Tera types

  • Ghost42.9%
  • Bug39.5%
  • Ground6.8%
  • Fairy6.7%

Common teammates

Evolution

  1. #0027SandshrewGround
    1. Level 22
      #0028SandslashGround

Moves

Level up 17

1Defense CurlRaises the user's Defense by 1.NormalStatus——40
1ScratchNo additional effect.NormalPhys40100%35
3Poison Sting30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys15100%35
6Sand AttackLowers the target's accuracy by 1.GroundStatus—100%15
9RolloutPower doubles with each hit. Repeats for 5 turns.RockPhys3090%20
12Fury CutterPower doubles with each hit, up to 160.BugPhys4095%20
15Rapid SpinFree user from hazards/bind/Leech Seed; +1 Spe.NormalPhys50100%40
18Bulldoze100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.GroundPhys60100%20
21SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.NormalSpec60—20
24Fury SwipesHits 2-5 times in one turn.NormalPhys1880%15
27AgilityRaises the user's Speed by 2.PsychicStatus——30
30SlashHigh critical hit ratio.NormalPhys70100%20
33DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.GroundPhys80100%10
36Gyro BallMore power the slower the user than the target.SteelPhys—100%5
39Swords DanceRaises the user's Attack by 2.NormalStatus——20
42SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.RockStatus——10
45EarthquakeHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dig.GroundPhys100100%10

TM / HM / TR 50

TM01Take DownHas 1/4 recoil.NormalPhys9085%20
TM04AgilityRaises the user's Speed by 2.PsychicStatus——30
TM05Mud-Slap100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1.GroundSpec20100%10
TM07ProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM12Low KickMore power the heavier the target.FightingPhys—100%20
TM18ThiefIf the user has no item, it steals the target's.DarkPhys60100%25
TM25FacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.NormalPhys70100%20
TM27Aerial AceThis move does not check accuracy.FlyingPhys60—20
TM28Bulldoze100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.GroundPhys60100%20
TM31Metal Claw10% chance to raise the user's Attack by 1.SteelPhys5095%35
TM32SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.NormalSpec60—20
TM35Mud Shot100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.GroundSpec5595%15
TM36Rock Tomb100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.RockPhys6095%15
TM43FlingFlings the user's item at the target. Power varies.DarkPhys—100%10
TM47EndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.NormalStatus——10
TM49Sunny DayFor 5 turns, intense sunlight powers Fire moves.FireStatus——5
TM51SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.RockStatus——10
TM55DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.GroundPhys80100%10
TM57False SwipeAlways leaves the target with at least 1 HP.NormalPhys40100%40
TM58Brick BreakDestroys screens, unless the target is immune.FightingPhys75100%15
TM61Shadow ClawHigh critical hit ratio.GhostPhys70100%15
TM66Body Slam30% chance to paralyze the target.NormalPhys85100%15
TM70Sleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.NormalStatus——10
TM83Poison Jab30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys80100%20
TM84Stomping TantrumPower doubles if the user's last move failed.GroundPhys75100%10
TM85RestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.PsychicStatus——5
TM86Rock Slide30% chance to make the foe(s) flinch.RockPhys7590%10
TM88Swords DanceRaises the user's Attack by 2.NormalStatus——20
TM90SpikesHurts grounded foes on switch-in. Max 3 layers.GroundStatus——20
TM95Leech LifeUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.BugPhys80100%10
TM103SubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.NormalStatus——10
TM105X-ScissorNo additional effect.BugPhys80100%15
TM116Stealth RockHurts foes on switch-in. Factors Rock weakness.RockStatus——20
TM128AmnesiaRaises the user's Sp. Def by 2.PsychicStatus——20
TM133Earth Power10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.GroundSpec90100%10
TM149EarthquakeHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dig.GroundPhys100100%10
TM150Stone EdgeHigh critical hit ratio.RockPhys10080%5
TM171Tera BlastIf Terastallized: Phys. if Atk > SpA, type = Tera.NormalSpec80100%10
TM176Sand TombTraps and damages the target for 4-5 turns.GroundPhys3585%15
TM179Smack DownRemoves the target's Ground immunity.RockPhys50100%15
TM180Gyro BallMore power the slower the user than the target.SteelPhys—100%5
TM181Knock Off1.5× damage if foe holds an item. Removes item.DarkPhys65100%20
TM183Super FangDoes damage equal to 1/2 target's current HP.NormalPhys—90%10
TM186High HorsepowerNo additional effect.GroundPhys9595%10
TM192Focus PunchFails if the user takes damage before it hits.FightingPhys150100%20
TM204Double-EdgeHas 33% recoil.NormalPhys120100%15
TM205EndeavorLowers the target's HP to the user's HP.NormalPhys—100%5
TM215Scorching Sands30% chance to burn the target. Thaws target.GroundSpec70100%10
TM221Throat ChopFor 2 turns, the target cannot use sound moves.DarkPhys80100%15
TM224CurseCurses if Ghost, else -1 Spe, +1 Atk, +1 Def.GhostStatus——10

Egg moves 6

EggCounterIf hit by physical attack, returns double damage.FightingPhys—100%20
EggFlailMore power the less HP the user has left.NormalPhys—100%15
EggHone ClawsRaises the user's Attack and accuracy by 1.DarkStatus——15
EggMetal Claw10% chance to raise the user's Attack by 1.SteelPhys5095%35
EggMud-Slap100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1.GroundSpec20100%10
EggNight SlashHigh critical hit ratio.DarkPhys70100%15

Biology

Sandshrew is known to curl into a ball to defend itself. It burrows nests into the ground, and only digs back up to look for berries and hunt for bug Pokémon.

Design & origin

Sandshrew is based on the Chinese pangolin.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation VII Pokémon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.

Polls & views

Each line is one source, as it published it. Polls counted every form under its species.

Pokédex entries

Mouse Pokémon
Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color
Yellow
Rough Terrain
Pal Park area
Mountain
Kanto#027Original Johto#048Original Hoenn#112Updated Johto#048Updated Unova#113Mountain Kalos#097New Hoenn#117Original Alola#251Original Ula’ula#123Updated Alola#328Updated Ula’ula#149Let’s Go Kanto#027Isle of Armor#168Kitakami#116Blueberry#155

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. It lives in areas of limited rainfall. When danger approaches, it curls up into a ball to protect its soft stomach.

    Ultra Sun

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

    Moon

  6. It can roll its body into a ball. It moves through the desert by rolling at high speeds.

    Sun

  7. It digs deep burrows to live in. When in danger, it rolls up its body to withstand attacks.

    Black 2 · White 2

  8. To protect itself from attackers, it curls up into a ball. It lives in arid regions with minimal rainfall.

    Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White

  9. Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for prey.

    LeafGreen

  10. It burrows and lives underground. If threatened, it curls itself up into a ball for protection.

    FireRed · X

  11. 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.

    Emerald

  12. 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.

    Sapphire · Alpha Sapphire

  13. 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.

    Ruby · Omega Ruby

  14. It prefers dry, sandy places because it uses the sand to protect itself when threatened.

    Crystal

  15. Disliking water, it lives in deep burrows in arid areas. It can roll itself instantly into a ball.

    Silver · SoulSilver · Y

  16. If it fell from a great height, this Pokémon could save itself by rolling into a ball and bouncing.

    Gold · HeartGold

  17. 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!

  18. Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for food.

    Red · Blue

Names around the world

English
Sandshrew
Japanese
サンド
Japanese (romaji)
Sand
Korean
모래두지
Chinese (Traditional)
穿山鼠
Chinese (Simplified)
穿山鼠
French
Sabelette
German
Sandan
Spanish
Sandshrew
Italian
Sandshrew

Sprites

Artwork and 3D models

Gen IX · Gen VIII · Gen VII · Gen VI

Generation V

Generation IV

Generation III

Generation II

Generation I

Training

1 Def
255 ≈33.3% with a Poké Ball at full HP
70
60
Medium

Breeding

Field
♂ 50%♀ 50%
20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Shield: The Isle of Armor 5 areas
  • Challenge Beach (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Courageous Cavern (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Potbottom Desert (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Stepping-Stone Sea (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Warm-Up TunnelWalking in the overworld · Lv 16–60
Green 6 areas
  • Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
  • Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
  • Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
  • Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
Sword: The Isle of Armor 5 areas
  • Challenge Beach (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Courageous Cavern (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Potbottom Desert (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Stepping-Stone Sea (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Warm-Up TunnelWalking in the overworld · Lv 16–60
Let’s Go, Pikachu! 2 areas
  • Road 3Walking in the overworld · Lv 3–8
  • Road 4Walking in the overworld · Lv 7–12
Alpha Sapphire 1 area
  • Road 111Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 11
Omega Ruby 1 area
  • Road 111Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 11
Y 1 area
  • Friend Safari (Ground)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
X 1 area
  • Friend Safari (Ground)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
White 2 3 areas
  • Desert ResortWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Desert Resort (entrance)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Relic Castle (A)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
Black 2 3 areas
  • Desert ResortWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Desert Resort (entrance)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Relic Castle (A)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
XD 1 area
  • Rock PokespotFinding a Wild Pokemon at any of the three Pokespots in Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. · Lv 10–23
SoulSilver 2 areas
  • Goldenrod City Game CornerReceive as a gift · Lv 15
  • Safari Zone DesertWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 15–17
HeartGold 5 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Mount Moon (2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Safari Zone DesertWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 15–17
  • Union Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6
  • Union Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Platinum 2 areas
  • Wayward Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–18
  • Wayward Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 18–20
Pearl 2 areas
  • Wayward Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16
  • Wayward Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16–17
Diamond 2 areas
  • Wayward Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16
  • Wayward Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16–17
LeafGreen 6 areas
  • Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
  • Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 32–34
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
  • Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
  • Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
Emerald 2 areas
  • Mirage TowerWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 20–24
  • Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21
Sapphire 2 areas
  • Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21
  • Road 113Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 14–16
Ruby 2 areas
  • Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21
  • Road 113Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 14–16
Crystal 2 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Union Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6
Silver 1 area
  • Goldenrod City Game CornerReceive as a gift · Lv 10
Gold 3 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Union Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6
  • Union Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Yellow 3 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12
  • Road 3Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8–10
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8–10
Blue 6 areas
  • Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
  • Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
  • Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
  • Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.