You know, when you think about it, Alolan Sandshrew really stands out in the world of Pokémon, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Alolan Sandshrew brings a fresh take on the classic Sandshrew we all remember, especially with its striking icy appearance and unique typing. Introduced in the seventh generation of games and making appearances in the Sun and Moon anime series, this Ground- and Steel-type Pokémon hails from the Alola region, which gives it a completely different vibe compared to its original counterpart.

One of the first things you notice about Alolan Sandshrew is its arctic-inspired look—icy blue skin, thick white fur, and those impressively large claws that make it look like it’s ready for anything. And let’s not forget, it evolves into Alolan Sandslash, which carries on the same cool, frosty aesthetic. But beyond just looks, Alolan Sandshrew has a personality that really makes it memorable.

In the anime, Alolan Sandshrew shows up in Episode 10 of Sun and Moon: Ultra Adventures. Lillie stumbles upon it in the forest, and right away, you can tell something’s off—it’s clearly struggling with the warm climate of Alola. Being used to colder environments, this little guy just doesn’t fit in. So, what do Lillie and Ash do? They step in to help, building an igloo and bringing ice to create a more comfortable space. It’s actually kind of heartwarming, and throughout the episode, Alolan Sandshrew’s quirky side comes through in the funniest ways—like constantly trying to steal Lillie’s attention in these adorable, stubborn little moments.

Now, battle-wise, Alolan Sandshrew is no joke. The addition of the Steel type makes it way more resilient than the original version. With those tough claws and high defense, it becomes a real challenge in fights. One of its go-to moves is “Iron Defense,” which ramps up its durability dramatically. We even get to see it in action during a gym battle against Ash’s Pikachu, where Alolan Sandshrew dominates with sharp, relentless attacks, keeping Pikachu on the back foot the whole time. It’s clear that Alolan Sandshrew isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving in combat thanks to its strategic use of abilities and typing.

So, when you put it all together, Alolan Sandshrew adds such a cool (pun intended) twist to the franchise. Its design, behavior, and battle style make it a standout character. And speaking of character, if we dive deeper into its personality, there’s a strong case to be made that Alolan Sandshrew fits the ISTJ MBTI type—Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging.

Think about it: Alolan Sandshrew is super practical. When threatened, it freezes solid as a defense mechanism—smart, efficient, and totally logical. It also keeps to itself, rarely seeking out interaction, which screams introversion and independence. This Pokémon observes its environment carefully before acting, relying heavily on sensory input rather than abstract ideas—classic Sensing traits. Plus, its decision-making feels objective and unemotional, leaning into Thinking rather than Feeling.

And then there’s the Judging aspect. Alolan Sandshrew likes structure. It wants predictability. Whether it’s adapting to a new habitat or preparing for battle, it approaches everything in a methodical, organized way. No chaos, no improvisation—just careful planning. All of this points to a deeply grounded, disciplined nature, which is exactly what you’d expect from an ISTJ.

On top of that, from an Enneagram perspective, Alolan Sandshrew seems to align closely with Type 6—the Loyalist. This type is all about security, loyalty, and vigilance. Alolan Sandshrew is cautious by nature, always aware of potential threats in its surroundings. It seeks safety and stability, which explains why it struggled so much in the warm Alolan climate. Once it starts trusting someone—like Lillie—it shows a quiet but deep loyalty. However, when its sense of security is shaken, anxiety kicks in, and it becomes more defensive or withdrawn.

Of course, personality types aren’t set in stone, especially for fictional characters, but the evidence is pretty compelling. Between its ISTJ tendencies and possible Enneagram Type 6 traits, Alolan Sandshrew emerges as a thoughtful, dependable, and resilient Pokémon. It may not be the flashiest or loudest character, but its quiet strength and steadfast nature leave a lasting impression.

All in all, whether you’re looking at its role in the games, its moments in the anime, or even its psychological profile, Alolan Sandshrew proves to be much more than just a regional variant. It’s a well-rounded, intriguing character who brings depth, charm, and a bit of frosty flair to the Pokémon universe. And honestly, once you’ve seen Alolan Sandshrew in action, you can’t help but appreciate just how much thought went into reimagining this classic creature.