Fancy rats are domesticated rats that are bred for their unique and interesting appearances. These rats are not only intelligent and social, but they also come in a variety of colors, patterns, and coat types. In this article, we will explore the different breeds of fancy rats that are available.
One of the most popular breeds of fancy rat is the Dumbo rat. These rats have large, round ears that are located lower on their head than the ears of a standard rat.
Dumbo rats come in a variety of colors and patterns, including black, white, brown, and gray. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, making them a popular choice as pets.
Another popular breed of fancy rat is the Hairless rat. As the name suggests, these rats are born without fur and have a wrinkled, pink skin. Hairless rats require special care to keep their skin healthy and protected from the sun. They are known for their unique appearance and friendly personalities.
Standard Breeds
There are several breeds of fancy rats, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common standard breeds:
Dumbo
This breed is known for its unique ears that are set lower on the head than other rats. They are friendly and social, making them a popular choice for pets.
Hooded
These rats have a distinct marking on their head that resembles a hood. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their playful and curious nature.
Berkshire
This breed has a white belly and colored fur on its back. They are known for being easy to handle and make great pets for children.
Agouti
These rats have a wild-type coloring that resembles a wild rat. They are active and playful, but can be shy around strangers.
Siamese
This breed has a pointed coloring similar to a Siamese cat. They are known for being intelligent and curious, but can be more high-strung than other breeds.
When choosing a fancy rat, it’s important to consider the breed’s temperament, activity level, and grooming needs. With proper care and attention, any of these standard breeds can make a great addition to your family.
Tailless Breeds
There are several breeds of fancy rats that have either no tail or a very short tail. These rats are often referred to as tailless or bobtail rats. Here are some of the most popular tailless breeds:
Manx Rat
The Manx rat is a breed that is completely tailless. It is believed that this breed originated from a genetic mutation that occurred in the early 20th century. Manx rats are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities.
Japanese Rat
The Japanese rat has a very short tail that is often only a few millimeters long. This breed is known for being very active and playful.
Rumpy Rat
The Rumpy rat is another breed that is completely tailless. Like the Manx rat, this breed is thought to have originated from a genetic mutation. Rumpy rats are known for being intelligent and curious.
While tailless rats may look a bit different from their tailed counterparts, they are still just as loving and make great pets for rat enthusiasts. Sadly, tailless rats are slightly more prone to certain health issues, such as spinal problems, due to their lack of a tail. As with any pet, it is important to do your research and make sure you are prepared to provide the proper care for your rat.
Rex Breeds
Rex rats are a popular breed of fancy rats that are known for their curly, soft fur. They are a result of a genetic mutation that affects the rat’s coat, causing it to curl and become denser. There are several types of rex breeds, each with its unique characteristics and traits.
Standard Rex
The Standard Rex is the most common type of rex breed. They have a curly, plush coat that feels like velvet. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, and cinnamon. Standard rex rats have a friendly and affectionate personality, making them great pets for families with children.
Double Rex
Double Rex rats, also known as hairless rats, are a result of breeding two rex rats together. They have curly, thin fur that is prone to bald spots. Their skin is often visible through their fur, and they are susceptible to skin issues.
Double rex rats require extra care and attention to keep their skin healthy. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and pink.
Velveteen Rex
Velveteen Rex rats have a coat that is a mix between the Standard Rex and the Double Rex. Their fur is curly and dense, but not as plush as the Standard Rex.
They come in a variety of colors, including blue, chocolate, and fawn. Velveteen Rex rats are known for their playful and curious personalities, making them great pets for those who want an active and engaging pet.
In conclusion, the rex breed of fancy rats is a popular choice for those who want a unique and cuddly pet. Each type of rex breed has its unique characteristics and traits, making it important to research and choose the best fit for your lifestyle and personality.
Hairless Breeds
Hairless rats are unique in appearance and are known for their soft, smooth skin. They are popular pets and are often bred for their unique looks. Here are some of the most popular hairless breeds:
Sphynx Rat
The Sphynx Rat is one of the most popular hairless breeds. They are completely hairless and have a wrinkled appearance. They are also known for their large ears and long tails.
Devon Rex Rat
The Devon Rex Rat is a hairless breed that has a curly coat. They are known for their playful and friendly personalities.
Dumbo Rat
The Dumbo Rat is a hairless breed that has large, round ears. They are known for their calm and gentle nature.
When caring for hairless rats, their lack of fur means they lack the insulation other rats have, so it’s important to keep them warm. They also require regular grooming to keep their skin healthy and free of oil buildup.
Overall, hairless rats are unique and interesting pets that require special care. If you are considering getting a hairless rat, be sure to do your research and make sure you are prepared for the responsibility.
Dumbo Breeds
Dumbo rats are a unique breed of fancy rats that have distinctively large and low-set ears. These rats are named after the famous Disney character, Dumbo, who also had large ears.
Dumbo rats come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. There are several different breeds of Dumbo rats, including:
Dumbo Rex
This breed has curly or wavy fur and is known for its soft and velvety coat.
Dumbo Siamese: This breed has a distinctive color pattern with dark points on the nose, ears, feet, and tail.
Dumbo Hairless
As the name suggests, this breed has little to no fur and is known for its wrinkly skin.
Dumbo Double Rex: This breed has a curly or wavy coat, but it is even more pronounced than the Dumbo Rex breed.
Dumbo rats make great pets for both children and adults. They are social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners. Dumbo rats are also easy to care for and require minimal grooming. They are known for their intelligence and can be trained to do tricks and respond to their names.
Marked Breeds
Marked rats are characterized by a solid base color with distinct markings on their bodies. These markings can take various forms, such as stripes, spots, or patches. Below are some of the most popular marked breeds of fancy rats:
Berkshire
This breed has a white belly and feet, with a solid-colored body and a white blaze on its face.
Hooded
The hooded rat has a solid-colored body with a white head and shoulders, and a stripe of color down its back.
Capped
Capped rats have a solid-colored body with a white head and shoulders, but with a colored “cap” on top of their head.
Irish
The Irish rat has a solid-colored body with a white blaze on its face and a white belly, but with colored feet and a colored tail.
Bareback
This breed has a solid-colored body with a white belly and feet, but with a colored stripe down its back and no fur on its back.
Marked rats are a popular choice for pet owners due to their unique and eye-catching patterns. However, it’s important to note that their markings can vary greatly within each breed, and not all rats of the same breed will look exactly alike.
As you can see, there are a huge amount breeds of fancy rats available for pet owners. Each breed has its own unique characteristics and traits, making them an interesting and fun addition to any household.
From the intelligent and curious Dumbo rat to the affectionate and playful Rex rat, there is a breed to suit every personality and preference. It is important to consider factors such as temperament, size, and care requirements when choosing a fancy rat as a pet.
Overall, fancy rats make excellent pets for those who are willing to provide them with the proper care and attention they require. With their social nature and playful personalities, they can provide endless hours of entertainment and companionship.
