When it comes to domestic rat breeds, the first thing you must know is that, technically, they aren’t breeds. All domestic rats are closely related to the wild Brown rat and are variations rather than genetically distinct breeds. Pet rats come in various colors, shapes, and sizes and are curious, intelligent, loving pets. So, If you’re thinking of becoming a pet parent to these cute rodents, take a look at the list of the best domestic rat “breeds” below.
1. Fancy Rats: Popular for Good Reason
The Fancy (or Standard) rat is the first entry on our list and the most common domestic breed. All domestic breeds are Fancy rats because the word “fancy” means hobby (as in, “to fancy” something). Standard rats are the closest relative to Brown rats and are a popular pet to own. They have a short, smooth, glossy coat and come in many colors and markings. The most common colors are black or agouti, and the males are usually larger than females with a coarser coat.
Fancy rats are super intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation and human interaction. They are hardy, confident, and easy to train and handle, making them ideal for first-time owners. Like most pet rats, these creatures live for around two to three years and are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. Rats are among the pets with the shortest lifespans.
2. Dumbo Rats: Rodents with Elephant-Sized Ears!
The adorable Dumbo rat is a favorite among enthusiasts and gets its name from its large, low-set ears, just like the cute elephant from the Disney movie. Their unique ears make their heads and faces stand out, giving them an extra touch of cuteness. They are stocky and robust and come in various colors and markings.
Dumbo rat owners swear that they are the friendliest of all pet rats with calm, curious, and playful personalities. However, a rat’s personality largely depends on its genetics and environment. You must handle and interact with pet rats regularly if you want them to be tame and sociable. You should also give them a stimulating environment with plenty of hiding places and things to climb on and explore.
3. Sphynx Rats: Affectionate, Loyal, and Hairless!
The Sphynx (or Hairless) rat is the most unique entry on our list, and there are several varieties of this domestic rat breed. Some are entirely hairless, while others may have hair around their mouth and cheeks or tufts on their legs. Sphynx rats may or may not have whiskers, depending on the type. They are an excellent choice for people with pet hair allergies.
The downside of Sphynx rats is that they need more care than other breeds. You must monitor their temperature and keep your pets warm and clean. Hairless rats are also more susceptible to illnesses and eye infections because they don’t have protective fur. Because of their unique care needs, they aren’t ideal for beginners.
4. Rex Rats Have Dense, Curly Fur
The Rex rat is like other Rex creatures and is distinctive due to its dense, curly coat, and the males are usually curlier than the females. They are substantial rodents – and come in many colors, including silver, cream, and blue. Their coats are soft and fluffy, and there is even a double Rex variation, which is even curlier. Rex rats are curious and intelligent but independent and may lose their hair as they age.
The Bristle-Coat rat is incredibly similar to the Rex – and it’s easy to confuse them. However, the Bristle Coat has coarse, almost sharp, bristly hair, and curled whiskers and is wirier than a Rex rat.
5. Satin Rats Have Bright, Silky Fur
The Satin rat is the most elegant entry on our list and is distinctive because of its long, silky coat. Satin rats also have lengthy, curled whiskers that flow back toward the body. Satin rats come in many colors, but the most common are fawn or agouti. Their coats are usually brighter and silkier than other rats. The intense color comes from the fact that they have transparent hair shells that let the color shine through.
Satin rats are super intelligent with curious personalities and enjoy human interaction. Like all pet rats, you must keep Satin rats in single-sex pairs; they are super sociable and will be unhappy living alone. Don’t keep opposite-sex pairs unless you want litter after litter!
6. Dwarf Rats Are Smaller Than Standard Rats
Dwarf rats are super cute because they are around a third of the size of standard rats. They have adorable baby faces and usually have longer and thinner tails than standard rats. Dwarf rats are incredibly curious and active and need lots of space. They are also super fast, and beginner owners may struggle to handle them.
Dwarf rats come from selective breeding, but sometimes dwarfism is a genetic mutation. You can find dwarf variations of all the domestic rat breeds on this list. The benefit of keeping Dwarf rats is that they are less likely to develop tumors and have a longer lifespan than other domestic breeds. They also need less space, but like all rats, they need plenty of cage accessories to be entertained.
7. Albino Rats Have a Striking Appearance
The final entry on our list of domestic rat breeds is the distinctive Albino rat, also called the Pink-Eye-White (PEW). Albino rats don’t have pigmentation, so they have a white coat with pink or red eyes. Their genetic variation means they are usually poor-sighted or blind and sensitive to bright lights. They are also more prone to developing tumors.
Albinos were probably the first domesticated rat breed because they stand out in the wild and are easier to spot and catch. They are the original lab rats because they have a uniform genetic makeup, making them perfect for scientific testing. Albino rats are generally calm, docile and easy to train, making them one of the best rodents to keep as pets. Like all rats, they enjoy a varied diet and appreciate regular treats. Hand-feeding treats is a fantastic way to train and bond with your pet rat.
