Different Breeds of Rats

The term "rat" is not actually a proper designation for a genus or species; it is used to refer to many rodents that look similar but may not be very closely related at all. For example, kangaroo rats and cotton rats look somewhat similar to Norway rats, though they are only distantly related. Within the actual genus rattus, there are 51 species but no breeds.

  1. Norway Rat

    • What we think of as the common rat is called a Norway rat, also referred to as a brown rat. This is the species that is typically used as a pet. Within this species are many variations that are referred to in terms of their physical characteristics. Over time, it is possible that breeds could be developed along these lines. These rats are referred to as fancy rats and there are standards of varieties for those who wish to show them. Note that if you do wish to show them, you should check the required criteria with your local association.

    Color and Markings

    • The basic categorization of fancy rats is done by color, which can be either solid or marked. A rat may not have any other color markings to be considered a true solid. There are only certain shadings that are acceptable, including Seal Point Siamese, Blue Point Siamese, Himalayan, Merle and Burmese. Each of the shaded varieties have specific criteria that must be adhered to. The accepted show varieties are broken down into color and marking categories.

    Coat

    • Another way that fancy rats can be categorized is according to their coat. A Standard variety will have a smooth short coat; the Satin has a longer and silkier coat with a satin-like sheen to it; a Rex has a curly coat and whiskers; and a Double Rex has patchwork hair. Velveteen rats have wavy coats and whiskers that are wavy or softly curled. There are also Hairless rats that have no fur on the body but can have a bit of fuzz by the whiskers and eyes.

    Other Physical Categorizations

    • The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association lists six varieties as being shown. In addition to the Standard, Satin, Rex and Hairless, there are also the Dumbo and the Tailless rat. The Dumbo rat has ears that are large, round and set lower than normal on the head. These rats are also sometimes stockier than is typical. The Tailless rat, as the name indicates, have no tails. However, they can have a bit of skin sticking out as long as there is no bone protruding.