Rats and mice come in a great variety of colors and coat types. Some of the rainbow of colors that you see are recent developments of fanciers around the world. A few of the more exotic colors and markings in rats are Siamese, Blue, Silvered Black, Cinnamon Pearl, Lynx, Blue Point Siamese, Capped, Variegated, and Blaze. Rex rats have a curly coat, Tail-less rats are born with no tail, and Hairless have no fur!

In mice, some of the fancier colors, markings, and coat types are Orange, Beige, Coffee, Cream, Brindle, Roan, and Dutch in Satin, Long Haired, Frizzy, and Hairless or any combination of the above. Fancy mice, as well as fancy rats are bred to conform to a written standard where it’s coat, color, conformation, size and personality are all taken into account. In other words, the term “fancy” is the equivalent of saying “pure-bred”.

Fanciers and breeders come together to promote and encourage the breeding and exhibitions of fancy rats and mice, to educate the public on the positive qualities as companion animals and provide information on their proper care. They do this often by holding shows.

These shows are very similar to cat, rabbit, cavy, or dog shows. The organization or club that is sponsoring the show has an official standard for each type of rat or mouse, and trains judges to evaluate animals based upon that standard. Fanciers breed animals to conform as closely as possible to these standards, and their best animals compete to win the coveted “Best In Show” title.

Most shows have pet classes for kids and adults, which are open to all animals regardless of their physical qualities. Pet judges have the most difficult job as they have to pick the animal they think is the best pet. Every animal does its best to win the judge’s heart.
For more information on showing or breeding fancy rats and mice, you can contact our club or any one of the many rat and mouse clubs listed on our “Links” page!