You’ve likely seen the main two types of domestic rats available for pets, the Dumbo and Fancy rat. Both these varieties descend from the Norway rat or Rattus norvegicus Domestica.
They will be very similar in personality, care, and health. In this case, you have the option to choose which one you prefer.
Dumbo rats have ears that are larger and more prominent than their fancy rat counterparts. Dumbo rats were bred out of fancy rats and are a distinct variety within the fancy-rat category as listed on the National Fancy Rat Society pages.
Let’s learn more about these two adorable rat species!
Visual Differences
A Glance
Dumbo Rat Breed
- Average size (adult): Body 9-11 inches, tail 7-9 inches
- Average weight (adult): 0.5 pounds-1.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 18 to 36 months
- Exercise for 1+ hours per day
- Grooming Requirements: Low
- Family-friendly
- Other pets-friendly places
- Yes, you can train.
Fancy Rat Breed
- Average size (adult): Body 9-11 inches, tail 7-9 inches
- Average weight (adult): 0.5 pounds-1.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 18 to 36 months
- Exercise for 1+ hours per day
- Grooming Requirements: Low
- Yes, it is family-friendly
- Other pets-friendly places
- Trainability
Dumbo Rat Breed Overview
Dumbo rats are gentle and easy to manage. Their large ears also make them adorable! It’s not surprising that Dumbo the fictional elephant inspired their name.
Dumbo rats can be considered a type of fancy rat. Dumbo rats have large ears and a low setting. This is due to a recessive gene called “gumbo”. It only occurs when the rat inherits two genetic genes from their mother and their father. The dumbo rat was thought to have been first created in the latter half of the 20th century.
Let’s look into the details of the dumbo rat.
Personality and character
Dumbo rats are outgoing, friendly, and love to interact with people. Dumbo rats are social and can be sociable with other rats, so it is a good idea to keep two rats. A majority of breeders will allow you to have two siblings. This is the best way to ensure your rats are happy. To avoid accidental litters of rats, spaying or neutering is essential.
Rats are intelligent and enjoy exploring their home. Owners say male dumbo rats are more relaxed and tend to sleep most of the time. The females might be more active. Rats love to nap, but it doesn’t matter.
Health & Care
There are a variety of health issues that can affect Dumbo rats, including respiratory problems in males and mammary tumors in females.
Rats can be social creatures so keep them in pairs.
A wire cage should not exceed 2 feet square for Dumbo rats. However, the larger the cage, the better. It is best to avoid using wood-based pellet bedding as it can contain toxic chemicals that could cause premature death. You should provide areas for them to climb and places to hide.
You should feed them high-quality pelleted food with some fresh vegetables and meat biscuits or protein.
Breeding
It is not recommended that you breed dumbo rats at your home. The cost of raising baby rats is very low and experienced rat breeders will know how to raise them.
Suitability
Domino rats are a great choice for families looking to have a fun and friendly rodent pet. They need to be kept in a large cage with plenty of exercises and at least one hour each day outside. They are intelligent, affectionate, and enjoy interacting with people. They are social rodents and will be most happy if they have another rat to share their happiness with. They are easier to manage than smaller rodents like hamsters and they tend to be awake during daylight hours, which means more playtime.
Fancy Rat Breed Overview
The original domestic rat, the fancy rat, is the one from which the dumbo-rat descends. The National Fancy Rat Society considers them the same.
Fancy rats, unlike dumbo rats, have small ears that hang high above their heads. As a way to distinguish them from their larger-eared cousins, fancy rats are sometimes called “top-eared”.
Fancy rats are a descendant of wild-caught rats, which were domesticated in the 18th Century. The domestic rat has evolved so much from its wild cousins, that there are important differences in the appearance and color of their coats.
Personality and character
Fancy rats are outgoing, intelligent, and love to interact with their humans. Fancy rats will spend hours on your lap, or sniff around the house as you do chores. Professional animal trainers agree that fancy rats can be one of the most enjoyable and easy to train. You can also teach your rat some tricks. You can train them to use the litter tray, come when called and sit, stay, and many other things.
Rats are very social and can live in large families. Many breeders recommend that two babies be brought home together so they can bond and keep each other company. Both should have the same sex and be spayed or neutered as soon as possible to avoid unwanted litters. There can be as many as 20 babies in a litter.
Health & Care
Fancy rats are generally healthy pets. However, they can have two major health problems that may require medical attention. Non-spayed females can also have mammary cancers and respiratory illnesses.
Unfortunately, fancy rats can only live for about three years. This is a problem when they become a beloved member of your family.
For a pair of fancy rats, an enclosure should be at least 2 feet square. As long as the base is solid, wire cages work best. Your rat will love to climb and burrow, so make sure you have plenty of places to hide.
Cedar bedding can be toxic to rats so it is better to use paper bedding. Although aspen wood bedding is often advertised, we believe it should be avoided.
Breeding
It is not recommended to breed your own fancy rats at home. If you have both male-female pairs, it is possible for them to be from the same litter. In this case, there is a risk that they will develop genetic diseases.
Professional rat breeders will select their breeding rats carefully for their health and temperament. Rat kittens aren’t too expensive so it is best to leave this job to the professionals!
Suitability
Fancy rats are a great choice for families looking for intelligent, outgoing pets. They can be a joy to have around and are easy to care for. While they are most happy when kept together, they will need to spend time with their families and be socialized outside of their cages. You’ll be amazed at the intelligence of your pet, so give yourself some training challenges.
Which Breed is Right for You?
Both the dumbo and fancy rats are variations of the same species, either the Norway rat or the domestic rat. The only difference between the dumbo and fancy rats is their ears.
The modern Dumbo rats have lower-set ears and stand out from their heads. You can find them in almost any color of fur and eye.
Fancy rats have ears that are well-formed and higher than their heads. They are sometimes called “top-eared”, which is another way to differentiate them from their dumbo counterparts. You’re sure to find a cute rat for your fancy pattern! Fancy rats can come in many colors of coats and eyes.
The care of the fancy rat and the dumbo rat is the same. You can expect the same needs regardless of which one you choose in terms of their appearance. Rats enjoy playing with their owners and napping. We’d love to know more about your rat.
What is the most amiable pet rat?
Many people feel that Dumbo rats are nicer than other varieties of rats. The ears of Dumbo rats are on the sides of their heads rather than on top, like in Walt Disney’s “Dumbo the Elephant.” Burmese people are also known to be quite friendly.
Do Dumbo rats have a longer lifespan than Fancy rats?
The main disadvantage of keeping a rat is its short lifetime. Dumbos, like other elegant rats, live for one to three years on average. There are various health concerns that all rat owners should be aware of.
Is it easy to teach Dumbo rats?
Rats are incredibly bright and among the simplest small animals to educate since they are naturally curious and like interacting with their owners.
Do Dumbo rats transmit diseases?
The quick answer is yes. Historically, rats have been linked to the spread of some of history’s most infamous illnesses. Among these are the bubonic plague, popularly known as the black death. A variety of viruses, germs, and parasites can be transmitted to people by rodents.
When does a full-grown fancy rat reach maturity?
Rats are social animals and should live in groups. Although rats of the same sex can be combined at any age, it is better to introduce them before they are completely grown, which is 12 weeks of age.
Fancy rats are they friendly?
hese rodents, known as Fancy rats, are raised to be pleasant and interested companions. Their price can range from $25 to $100 per tree, depending on its length. Rats that have been selectively selected over numerous generations are more expensive than rats that have only been raised once.
Is it okay if I kiss my pet rat?
You should not kiss, nuzzle, or hold rats up to your face. This might frighten your rats and increase your chances of getting bitten. Bites can transmit germs and make you sick. You don’t have to come into contact with pet rats to become ill from their germs.
Are fancy rats lonely?
Rats are gregarious animals that require the companionship of other rats. They utilize their sense of smell to identify individuals and learn where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to. Because rats are sociable animals, living alone can cause depression and strange behavior.
How can I establish a relationship with my Fancy Rat?
Pet it gently and speak to it in a cheerful yet calm manner. Never pinch or grasp the rat by the tail. If the rat exhibits indications of discomfort, return it to its cage and try again the next day. Hold the pet rat for a few minutes each day, gradually increasing the length of time.
What’s the distinction between a rat and a fancy rat?
A fancy rat’s body is smaller, with bigger ears and a longer tail than an undomesticated rat. Domesticated rats also have smaller and sharper facial characteristics. Domesticated rats have a greater life expectancy than wild rats.