Sandshrew #027

Sandshrew overview

Listed as #27 in the National Pokédex, Sandshrew is a Ground type Mouse Pokémon.

It stands 0.6 m tall and weighs 12 kg, and it was first introduced in Generation I where it is typically found in Rough Terrain habitats.

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. 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. Its body is dry. When it gets cold at night, its hide is said to become coated with a fine dew.

Sandshrew base stats

Across six base stats Sandshrew totals 300 points, led by Defense at 85.

Low Speed means it usually moves second, so it relies on bulk and physical power rather than outpacing opponents.

Sandshrew base stats

Stat	Base value	Relative
HP	50
Attack	75
Defense	85
Sp. Attack	20
Sp. Defense	30
Speed	40
Total	300

Sandshrew abilities

Sandshrew's standard ability is Sand Veil.

Its hidden ability, Sand Rush, is only available from special encounters and breeding.

Sandshrew type matchups

Defensively, Sandshrew takes super-effective damage from Water, Grass and Ice moves.

It resists Poison and Rock attacks and is completely immune to Electric moves.

Attacking type	Damage taken
Water	×2
Grass	×2
Ice	×2
Poison	×0.5
Rock	×0.5
Electric	×0 (immune)

Sandshrew evolution

Sandshrew belongs to a 2-stage evolution line: Sandshrew → Sandslash (Level 22).

Sandshrew training and breeding

With a capture rate of 255, Sandshrew is easy to catch and levels on the Medium experience curve.

For breeding it belongs to the Ground egg group.

Early level-up moves include Defense Curl, Scratch and Poison Sting, and it can learn 99 moves in total across all methods.

Level-up moves

Level	Move
1	Defense Curl
1	Scratch
3	Poison Sting
3	Sand Attack
7	Rollout
9	Rapid Spin
11	Fury Cutter
11	Swift
14	Magnitude
16	Fury Swipes
17	Slash
18	Bulldoze

Frequently asked questions about Sandshrew