Rats are often misunderstood creatures, unfairly associated with dirt and disease. However, domesticated rats, often referred to as fancy rats, are gentle, intelligent, and make wonderful pets. One of the most intriguing aspects of fancy rats is their wide variety of colors and patterns. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the diverse world of fancy rat varieties and colors.
Understanding Fancy Rats
Before delving into the fascinating array of colors and patterns, let’s first understand what makes a rat “fancy.” Fancy rats are domesticated descendants of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). Over centuries of selective breeding, these rats have been transformed into lovable pets with charming personalities. They are characterized by their gentle disposition, sociability, and intelligence, making them delightful companions.
Fancy Rat Coat Types
Fancy rats come in various coat types, which add to their uniqueness and charm:
1. Standard Coat
The standard coat is the most common and familiar type. It’s short, dense, and smooth, with hairs lying flat against the body. This coat type serves as a canvas for the remarkable variety of colors and patterns found in fancy rats.
2. Rex Coat
Rex-coated rats have a wavy or curly coat, often described as “rexed.” This unique texture results from a genetic mutation that affects the hair shaft. Rex rats are beloved for their soft and velvety fur, which gives them a distinctive appearance and a delightful feel.
3. Satin Coat
Satin-coated rats have a glossy and reflective sheen to their fur, thanks to a genetic mutation that affects the hair’s structure. This coat type enhances the vibrancy of their colors, making them appear even more striking.
Fancy Rat Colors and Patterns
Now, let’s explore the captivating world of fancy rat colors and patterns:
Solid Colors
- Black: Black rats have a uniformly black coat, and their eyes are typically black or very dark.
- Blue: Blue rats possess a solid, slate-blue coat, with dark eyes that may appear ruby-like in certain lighting.
- Chocolate: These rats showcase a rich, chocolate-brown color all over their bodies.
- Beige/Fawn: Beige or fawn rats have a light, sandy coloration that’s uniform across their fur.
Agouti-based Colors
Agouti-based rats have a particular type of coat coloration characterized by bands of color along the individual hair shafts. These bands create a ticking or brindled appearance. Common agouti-based colors include:
- Agouti: Agouti rats have a wild appearance with a salt-and-pepper effect on their fur.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon rats feature a warm reddish-brown agouti coat.
- Golden: Golden rats are characterized by a deep gold or reddish-brown agouti coloration.
Self Colors
Self colors are characterized by their uniform color across the entire body, lacking the agouti bands found in agouti-based rats:
- Himalayan: Himalayan rats have a cream or fawn body with darker points on their nose, ears, paws, and tail.
- Siamese: Siamese rats have a cream-colored body with dark points on their nose, ears, paws, and tail, similar to Siamese cats.
Hooded and Capped Patterns
- Hooded: Hooded rats have a solid-colored body with a white “hood” or blaze on their heads, extending down to their necks and shoulders.
- Capped: Capped rats have a solid-colored body with a white “cap” on their heads.
Berkshire and Irish Patterns
- Berkshire: Berkshire rats have a solid-colored body with a white belly and legs, similar to a tuxedo pattern.
- Irish: Irish rats have a solid-colored body with a white stripe or “Irish” pattern on their bellies and sometimes extending up to their chests.
Dalmatian and Variegated Patterns
- Dalmatian: Dalmatian rats have a white coat with scattered spots of color, resembling the famous Dalmatian dog pattern.
- Variegated: Variegated rats have a primarily white coat with random patches of color.
Combining Colors and Patterns
The world of fancy rats becomes even more intricate when you consider that these colors and patterns can be combined in various ways. For example, you might have a Siamese Hooded rat or a Dalmatian Berkshire rat, each with its own unique and charming appearance.
Conclusion: Celebrating Diversity in Fancy Rats
Fancy rats come in a stunning array of colors and patterns, making them some of the most visually captivating small pets. Beyond their appearances, they are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and strong bonds with their human companions. So, whether you’re drawn to the sleek black coat of a Self rat or the velvety rex fur of a Rex Capped rat, you’re sure to find a fancy rat that steals your heart and enriches your life with their companionship.
