AFRMA Fancy Rats

AFRMA FANCY RATS

Marked

Note: The pictures on this page are not meant to be true representatives of the animal’s color. Because of differences in monitors (CRT/LCD) and how the monitor is adjusted, the colors may be different.

Section:
Marked

Return to
Fancy
Rats/Mice
page

ENGLISH IRISH - White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle on chest to be of good size, clear and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but occupying all the space between the front legs. The body color shall conform to a recognized color. (English, N.F.R.S.)

IRISH - Irish rats may be shown in any recognized color. The top color is to be judged as to the respective color. Distinctive markings are the white underside, with four white feet and a white tail tip. The under marking should be a pure clean white, of moderate size and as even in shape as possible, not extending onto the legs, sides, or chest. The white feet should resemble the stops on a Dutch rabbit. The tail should be colored for most of its length, with a white tip of no more than one-fourth of its total length.

BERKSHIRE - Berkshire rats may be shown in any recognized color. The top color is to be judged as to the recognized color. Distinctive markings are the colored top with a completely white belly and white feet and tail, with a small white spot between the ears. There should be an even line between the top and bottom color. The white markings should be a pure clean white.

ESSEX - To be recognized in any standard color, remembering that the effect of the gene responsible is to lighten the top color. The darkest area is along the spine, becoming less intense down the sides of the animal. The gradual fading of color continues onto the belly which is off white, with no spotting of darker color. When viewed from above, the fading effect should be symmetrical, having no clear demarcation. The fading effect also to be seen on the legs so that the feet are also off white. There should be no obvious patches of contrasting color. Pied tails not to be penalized. A head spot is essential; this must be well defined, centrally placed on the forehead and symmetrical. Genetics: Unproven lethal dominant gene on H locus tentatively named Hro * (N.F.R.S.; accepted 4-30-05)

VARIEGATED - Variegated rats to be shown in any recognized color and are similar to Hooded rats but instead of a spine marking, will have patches and flecks of color on the back side. The head and shoulders to be solid like those of a Hooded rat with a white spot/star on the forehead which should be centrally placed, round or oval in shape, and no bigger than the rat’s eye. The variegation (patches and flecks of color) to evenly cover the rest of the white body from the shoulders to the tail including the sides and tail. Underside (including belly, chest, and throat) to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining. (Rev. 8-19-06)

BLAZE - Blazed rats may be shown only in Berkshire or Variegated classes in any recognized color. A wedge shaped blaze of white should run from muzzle to ears including the whisker beds, tapering to a fine point at the ears. Other markings as for respective pattern.

DALMATIAN - Dalmatian rats may be shown in any recognized color. Markings will be similar to the Variegated mice with color splashes/spots on a white background, and free from any solid clear-cut markings. The splashes should be numerous and ragged in outline, but approximately equal in size, and well distributed over the entire body.

HOODED - Hooded rats may be shown in any recognized color. The sides, legs, and feet should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck, and shoulders without a break, showing no white on the throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. The spine marking should extend in an unbroken line from the hood to the tail, be of moderate width, and be free of ragged edges or brindling. The tail should be colored at the base, then white to the end.

BAREBACK - Bareback rats may be shown in any recognized color and will have markings like the Hooded rat but without a spine marking. The back, sides, legs, and feet should be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck, and shoulders without a break, showing no white on top of head, throat, or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. (Karla Barber – Emerald Hill)

CAPPED - Capped rats may be shown in any recognized color. The body should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling, with a colored head. The color should be confined to the head area only, not appearing on the throat area. The cap should be free of ragged edges or brindling, follow the line of the lower jawbone in an even line and not extend past the ears.

MASKED - Masked rats may be shown in any recognized color. The body is to be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. A colored mask to cover the face, to include just around the eyes and above the nose, not to extend down the sides of the face onto the jowls or under the chin. (Leah Soverns – The Rat Room)

For complete details of the Standards, please refer to the AFRMA Show Regulations & Standards book.

© 1995–2008 American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. All text, artwork, and photos are copyright to AFRMA, and/or the author, artist, or photographer. Unauthorized copying of any part constitutes a breach of copyright law.