Sandshrew taking dust baths are famously adorable. They frolic in coarse, abrasive sand, smoothing their armor for faster rolling and slipping out of foes’ grip. Domestic Sandshrew seek out litterboxes or childrens’ sandboxes if not provided with sand to their liking.

Sandslash ambush prey by popping out of the earth or rolling down hills at great speed. Their shed plates are traditionally used to smooth wood, scour kitchenware, and polish stone.

The Alolan variant adapted its natural minimal water requirements to survive in freezing temperatures. Grooming its shell not only keeps it clean and smooth, but provides Sandshrew with all the water it needs.

Buildings at the foot of Mt. Lanakila pay out the nose for insurance, as Sandslash that slip build enough momentum down the mountainside to pulverize cinderblocks.