15 Adorable Rat Breeds That Will Make You Fall In Love

The Fancy Rat is a domesticated variety of brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) that has been selectively bred for its friendly and docile nature. These pet rats are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and social nature, making them popular companions for rat enthusiasts worldwide.

Fancy Rats come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and coat types. They can have smooth, curly, or even hairless coats. Common coat colors include black, white, brown, gray, and various shades of tan.

Some Fancy Rats have striking markings, such as hooded or capped heads, dalmatian-like spots, or even striking rosettes.

The Dumbo Rat is a domesticated breed of the Norway Rat. It is named after the character Dumbo from Disney due to its distinctive large and round ears. In terms of appearance, these rats have a stocky body with a sleek and smooth coat that comes in a wide range of colors. 

Dumbo Rats come in various colors and patterns, making them even more captivating. Some common colors include black, white, brown, gray, and combinations of these.

They can also have markings such as hooded, capped, or Berkshire. Additionally, there are also dumbo rex rats, which have curly or wavy fur.

The Hairless Rat is also known as the Sphynx Rat or the Bald Rat. It is a genetically engineered breed that was intentionally bred to have little to no hair. The hairless trait in rats is caused by a recessive gene, which means that both parents must carry the gene for it to be expressed in their offspring.

The Hairless Rat was first developed in the 1970s by crossing a normal-haired rat with a hairless rat mutation. These rats have a higher metabolic rate, so they require more food to maintain body temperature.

They also have more sensitive skin, which requires special care to prevent dryness and irritation.

The Rex Rat is a unique pet rat breed known for its curly and velvety coat. It is a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurred in standard pet rats, causing their fur to have a distinct texture.

The Rex Rat's fur is dense, short, and curly, giving it a crimped appearance that sets it apart from other rat breeds. Aside from their striking appearance, they are popular as pets due to their friendly and sociable nature.

With proper socialization and care, they can develop a strong bond with their owners and adapt well to their environment.

The Blue Rat is adored for its stunning coat color, which is a beautiful shade of blue-gray. This color is not commonly found in other rat breeds, making it instantly recognizable and sought after by rat enthusiasts.

Blue Rats have a calm and gentle temperament, which makes them great pets for families and individuals alike. They are generally docile and rarely exhibit aggressive behavior.

Furthermore, they are generally healthy and have a longer lifespan compared to other rat breeds.

The Siamese Rat is a domesticated breed of rat with a slender body and a pointed snout. They are often larger in size compared to other rat breeds, and their bodies are typically long and muscular. Their eyes are large and bright, which adds to their striking appearance.

One of the most distinctive features of the Siamese Rat is its coloration. Their fur is short and smooth, displaying a beautiful color pattern known as "points." The points are characterized by a light cream or beige color on the rat's belly, paws, and face, while the rest of the body is a darker shade.

The Black Hooded Rat is a distinct variety of domesticated rat. Unlike other pet rats, which may exhibit a variety of coat colors and patterns, the breed is primarily characterized by its coat coloration and distinctive markings.

The most prominent feature of the Black Hooded Rat is the presence of a solid black coat covering most of its body, with a distinct hood-like marking on its head and shoulders.

This hood is typically white or a lighter color, contrasting sharply with the black fur. The coloration of the coat is usually uniform, without any other markings or patterns. This simplicity adds to its elegance and charm.

The Berkshire Rat is a popular rat breed known for its distinctive markings and friendly demeanor. It is named after the county of Berkshire in England, where it is believed to have originated.

This breed was first recognized in the 19th century and has since gained popularity among rodent lovers worldwide.

Berkshire rats have a unique coat pattern characterized by a solid base color with a white belly and a white blaze on their face, extending from the nose to the forehead.

The rest of their body showcases the base color, which can vary from black, brown, or gray to more exotic colors like blue or lilac. This distinctive marking is one of the defining features of the Berkshire rat.

The Agouti Rat, also known as the Norwegian Brown Rat, is a medium-sized rodent. It typically measures around 9-11 inches in length, excluding its tail, which can add an additional 7-9 inches. 

This rat species has a cylindrical body with a rounded head and a blunt snout. Its fur is coarse and dense, usually ranging from dark brown to reddish-brown in color.

The Agouti Rat has a lighter underbelly, often cream or gray in color, and the fur on its back is typically peppered with black, giving it a speckled appearance.

The Hooded Rat can make wonderful pets for the right individual or family. They are highly social and intelligent creatures, which makes them interactive and entertaining companions. With proper care and attention, this breed can form strong bonds with their owners and even learn tricks.

One advantage of hooded rats as pets is their relatively low maintenance. They are clean animals and can be easily litter-trained. Additionally, they do not require large living spaces and can be kept in a well-sized cage.

The Albino Rat has a genetic mutation causing a lack of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This mutation results in a rat with a pale white or pinkish appearance, with red or pink eyes.

Albino rats are commonly used in laboratories for research purposes, but they can also be kept as pets. Their lack of pigment gives them a unique and striking appearance, which some people find appealing. Additionally, their red or pink eyes add to their distinctive look.

The Russian Blue Rat is a breed of domesticated rat known for its unique coat color and appearance. While commonly referred to as the Russian Blue Rat, this name is not officially recognized. The breed is often referred to as the Russian Blue Rat Varieties or Russian Blue Agouti.

These rats have a distinct blue-gray coat with a silver sheen that gives them an elegant and refined appearance. Their fur is dense, short, and soft to the touch.

Moreover, they have a slim and athletic build with a long and slender body. Their eyes are dark and prominent, adding to their overall charming and intelligent expression.

The Silvermane Rat, scientifically known as the Rattus argentum, is a captivating rodent species native to the remote regions of Southeast Asia. What sets this rat apart from its counterparts is its striking silver-colored fur, which shimmers in the sunlight.

With an average length of 20 centimeters and a weight of around 200 grams, the Silvermane Rat is relatively small in size. Its slender body is covered in a dense coat of soft, silver-gray fur, which extends to its long tail.

Its large, round eyes shine with a bright silver hue, enhancing its enchanting charm.

The Cinnamon Rat is a specific color variation within the domestic pet rat breed. These rats have beautiful warm cinnamon-colored fur, often described as having a reddish-brown or rusty coat with a glossy sheen. Their fur coloration is uniform throughout their body, including their tail.

Cinnamon Rats are a popular choice among rat enthusiasts and pet owners due to their striking appearance. They are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions.

They are also highly adaptable, which makes them suitable for various living environments.

The Marten Rat is a small rodent species that can be found in certain regions of Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive and unique appearance that sets it apart from other rats.

Measuring around 15-20 centimeters in length, the Marten Rat is larger than the common house rat but smaller than some other rat species. Its body is slender and elongated, with a long tail that is roughly the same length as its body.

The fur is dense and soft, typically colored in shades of brown or gray, with a lighter underbelly.