A Look at the Most Popular Pet Rat Varieties

There are quite a large variety of pet rats out there to choose from, each one has its own unique physical characteristics and personalities. Some may have different colors, markings, their fur may be straight, curly or they may have no fur at all. Many have tails but some do not, they may have large ears or their ears may be lower set on the side of their heads. Before adopting a pet rat it's good to know learn as much as you can about the different types of rats and how they may differ in terms of care.

The first thing a new rat owner should consider when picking out a new rat to adopt is health and the second is personality. While examining your potential pet, check that his eyes are bright and alert and feel all over his body for tumors or lumps. He should be curious about you and friendly, not scared or ready to bite you. While I have had great success in taming scared, shy or otherwise unfriendly rats, I would not suggest adopting one with this type of personality unless you are alright with a shy or scared rat or have experience with this type of problem.

Next thing to consider are the colors and hair type of your potential companion.

Standard Fancy Rat

The standard breed of rat is what most people see in pet stores, shelters and what most people are going to think of when they hear the word pet rat. They have a short even coat that lies smooth on their bodies.

Hairless Rat

Hairless Rats are...hairless. Hairless rats are a bit more complicated to take care of because their skin is a little more sensitive and you have to check to make sure they don't have any cuts or scratches that need to be taken care of.

Dumbo Rat

Dumbo Rats are called Dumbo's because their ears are on the side of their heads and are slightly bigger than that of standard rats.

Rex Rat

The Rex variety of rat has a thick curly coat covering their body. Even their whiskers are curly.

Tailless Rat

Tailless Rats are not very common and they are born without tails. They may be smaller and shorter with more rounded ears than their fancy rat cousins.

Dwarf Rats

Dwarf Rats are about 1/3 the size of a standard rat.

Satin Rats

Satin refers to the type of coat the rat has, with satin rats their coats are thinner, smoother and much shinier. Lighter colored coats tend to have a yellow tint to them.

Sources:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/image/948025/index.html?cat=5

http://www.aquatica.ltd.uk/images/Hairless-Rat.jpg

http://www.itsmymarket.com/photos/view.php?photocomp=26&photo=14358

http://www.afrma.org/rexrat.htm

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jPD1useOWIg/TFjWWBXWVuI/AAAAAAAAAKg/9n3qFhy8b-g/s1600/manx.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPqOp_MCvwk/SqsPCGOXD5I/AAAAAAAAAYc/epQB81k0Ch8/s1600-h/drats2.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beautifulwolf/3293415857/