Gumshoos is a long-bodied Pokémon similar to a mongoose. While it moves on all fours, it is capable of standing on its hind legs with its hands locked behind its back, similar to a human. Most of its coat is brown with a yellow underside that extends over the top of its tail. It has an additional yellow stripe that starts on its forehead and ends between its shoulders. There are tufts of fur near its shoulders, hips, and around the base of its tail. These tufts in combination with its yellow underside create the impression of an open trenchcoat. Its ears are rounded with a small notch and are located on the sides of its head. It has a short snout with a pink nose, a large mouth full of pointed teeth, eyes nearly hidden under its yellow stripe, and tufts of yellow fur on its chin. There are three black claws on each of its four short legs. Despite its length, Gumshoos is thick-bodied and has a wide, flat tail with longer fur on the tip.
Gumshoos hunts by patiently waiting along its prey's known travel routes and pouncing when the unsuspecting prey comes along. Due to its tenacious personality and ability to withstand intense hunger, it is able to wait for its prey for long periods without eating.[1] Its favorite prey are Rattata and Raticate, but since Gumshoos is diurnal, it rarely encounters them. It is also known to prey on Skwovet. Once the sun sets, this Pokémon's stamina is depleted and it will fall asleep where it stands. It is not originally from Alola, and was brought over to take care of Rattata outbreaks.
A special Gumshoos in Alola acts as the Totem Pokémon for Ilima's trial in Verdant Cavern. This Gumshoos possesses Z-Power, an energy that originates from Ultra Wormholes and takes the form of a golden, flaring aura. The reward for defeating Totem Gumshoos and completing the trial is a Normalium Z.
Prior to Generation VIII, Gumshoos and its pre-evolved form, Yungoos, were the only known Pokémon that could have Stakeout as an Ability.
Evolution
Gumshoos evolves from Yungoos.
(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)
- Of all Totem Pokémon that can be battled in Alola, Totem Gumshoos is one of the only two Totem Pokémon that is battled in only one game out of the two versions — in this case, Sun and Ultra Sun. The other is Totem Raticate.
- Gumshoos and its pre-evolved form are the only Pokémon that have Stakeout as a standard Ability instead of a Hidden Ability.
Origin
Gumshoos appears to be based on a mongoose or honey badger with detective motifs, reflected in how it stakes out Rattata nests. The fur atop its head resembles a flat cap or a combover hairstyle.
Gumshoos's Ultra Sun Pokédex entry seems to reference how the small Indian mongoose was introduced to Hawaii in order to counter rat problems on sugar cane plantations, although the mongoose later became an invasive species.
In an interview with Game Informer published on October 19, 2016, Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori of GAME FREAK stated that the similarities between Gumshoos and Donald Trump were not intentional.[2]
Name origin
Gumshoos may be a combination of gumshoe (detective) and mongoose. It may also involve gumption.
Dekagoose may be a combination of でか deka (slang term for detective) and mongoose.