Rat Varieties at
Reno Rats
Discover the unique traits that make each rat special!
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At Reno Rats, we work with a variety of coat types, ear sets, markings, and colors. Understanding these differences can help you choose the perfect companion and appreciate the diversity in our litters. Keep in mind these are the coats, colors and types we specialize in currently. There is a large variety of rat colorings, markings and types out there. Each breeder specializes in their own lines.
Why Choose Reno Rats?
No matter the ear type, coat texture, or color, choosing a rat from Reno Rats means welcoming home a thoughtfully raised companion. Each of our rats is handled and socialized from an early age, ensuring they’re not only beautiful but also friendly, confident, and ready to bond. Whether you fall in love with a curly-coated double rex or a classic agouti dumbo, your new friend will come from a place that values temperament, health, and heart above all else.
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Ear Types
Standard - top eared
Standard (top-eared) rats have ears positioned high on the head, giving them a classic and alert appearance. This traditional ear placement is common in wild-type rats and offers a charming, expressive look. At Reno Rats, our standard-eared varieties are just as sweet and social as their dumbo counterparts, making them wonderful pets for any home.
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*Pictured here is a partially hairless (double rex) top eared rat
Dumbo Eared
Dumbo rats are known for their endearing appearance, with large, low-set ears on the sides of their heads that give them a gentle, wide-eyed expression. This distinctive look, makes dumbo rats a favorite among pet owners. At Reno Rats, our dumbo varieties are raised with the same care and attention to temperament as all our rats, making them a lovable addition to any family.
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*Pictured here is a dumbo eared beige hooded rex rat
Coat Types
Standard
Standard coat rats have a smooth, sleek coat that lies flat against their bodies, giving them a polished, classic look. Their fur is soft to the touch, with a gentle texture that’s easy to groom and maintain. At Reno Rats, our standard-coated rats are just as friendly and well-socialized as any other variety, offering a timeless charm and a wonderful temperament.
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*Pictured here are two standard coat black hooded rats
Velveteen
Velveteen rats have a plush, wavy coat that feels incredibly soft—almost like a cross between velvet and silk. Their fur has a gentle curl or ripple, giving them a slightly tousled, teddy bear appearance. At Reno Rats, our velveteen babies are not only adorable to look at, but they’re also known for their sweet, cuddly personalities that make them irresistible companions.
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*Pictured here are 3 velveteen stop eared sisters. Their curls even further softened with age.
Rex
Rex rats have a distinctively curly and textured coat that gives them a fuzzy, whimsical look. Their whiskers are often crinkled, and their fur can range from tightly curled to slightly wiry, depending on the individual. This coat type feels soft and springy to the touch, making rex rats especially charming and unique.
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*Pictured here is a black hooded rex rat
Double Rex
Double rex rats are known for their patchy, partially hairless appearance, which varies widely between individuals. Some have a soft, suede-like fuzz across their bodies, while others may have tufts of curly hair scattered over mostly bare skin. Their whiskers are typically curly or crinkled, and their coat can change over time or with age. Because double rex is a combination of two rex genes, it produces a unique spectrum of hair loss—each one looks a little different, making them extra special.
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*Pictured here is a double rex dumbo eared blue rat
Coat Colors
Agouti
Agouti rats have a beautifully natural, wild-type coat that features a blend of three distinct colors on each hair shaft—typically black, brown, and golden tones—giving them a rich, ticked appearance. This creates a warm, earthy look similar to that of a wild rat or squirrel. Agouti can appear in several patterns such as self, hooded, berkshire, and variegated, and can also be diluted into other shades like blue agouti or cinnamon, offering a wide variety of subtle and stunning color variations.
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*Pictured here is a velveteen agouti coat
Blue
Blue rats have a soft, slate-gray coat that often appears steel or silvery in natural light. This striking color comes from a dilution of black pigment, giving them a cool-toned, almost dusty appearance. Blue coats can vary slightly in shade—from pale powdery blues to deeper, darker tones—depending on genetics and lighting. You'll also find blue variations in several patterns, including self (solid), hooded, berkshire, variegated, and even combined with agouti for blue agouti rats, which show a subtle mix of gray and golden tones.
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*Pictured here is a standard coat dumbo eared Russian Blue rat
Siamese
Siamese rats are known for their striking color-point appearance, similar to Siamese cats. They’re born a creamy beige or off-white and gradually develop darker points on the nose, feet, tail base, and ears as they mature. This darkening is caused by temperature-sensitive pigmentation, which can intensify or fade depending on environmental factors. Varieties include standard Siamese, seal point, blue point, and Burmese, each with different shades and contrast levels. Their unique and elegant look makes them a favorite among adopters seeking something eye-catching.
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*Pictured here is a dumbo eared rex siamese with ruby eyes
Burmese
Burmese rats have a rich, warm brown coat that often darkens at the points (nose, feet, and tail base), giving them a shaded, almost smoky appearance. Their coloring is deeper and more uniform than Siamese rats, with a velvety tone that can range from light mocha to dark chocolate. Varieties include standard Burmese and blue Burmese, with the latter showing cooler, slate-toned shades. Their soft, even coloring and gentle expressions make them especially appealing to those looking for an elegant rat.
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*Pictured here is a velveteen Burmese top eared rat. ​
Coat Markings
When it comes to pet rats, their coat markings are as unique and varied as their personalities. From bold stripes to subtle spots, each pattern tells a story and adds to the charm of these curious companions. Understanding common markings can help you better identify your rats and appreciate their genetics. Below is a guide to the most common coat markings seen in pet rats.
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Self - Solid color all over the body with no white markings.
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Hooded - Colored head ("hood") and a stripe of color running down the spine. The rest of the body is white.
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Bareback - Like hooded, but the back is entirely white with no spine stripe.
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Berkshire - Solid color on top, with a white belly and white feet; often has a white tail tip.
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Irish - Solid color with a white triangle or diamond on the chest and sometimes white feet.
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English Irish - Similar to Irish but with a smaller, more centered chest spot.
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Blazed - Any marking pattern that includes a white blaze or stripe on the face, typically between the eyes.
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Capped - Only the head is colored; the rest of the body is white.
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Variegated - A mix of colored patches and white across the body in an irregular pattern; often has a blaze.
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Dalmatian - White rat with small, random colored spots, resembling the dog breed.
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Roan - Born a solid color and gradually lightens over time to a roan (frosted) appearance; often confused with variegated.
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Masked - Has a colored mask-like marking over the face; rare and striking.
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Mismarked - Irregular or nonstandard markings, often used to describe markings that don’t neatly fit into other categories (like a crooked stripe on a hooded rat).
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Spotted - Patches of color and white that are more distinct than variegated—often defined edges.