Sphynx Rats as Pets: Pros & Cons

#hairlessrat #sphynxrat #pets In recent years, the popularity of exotic animals has been growing. The same trend has touched rodents, which are often bred as decorative pets. The bald Sphynx rat has found its fans all over the world, so many breeders are engaged in its breeding. The Sphynx rat breed was artificially bred by an American scientist. It was required for conducting experiments. However, over time, people have reconsidered their attitude toward the animals of this breed. There are three varieties of the Sphynx rat: Standard. Rodents of this breed are distinguished by long whiskers and the presence of hair on the limbs, head, and sides. The skin has a pale pink color. A characteristic feature is the circles under the eyes. That is why they are often called porcupines. Rex. Curly sparse hair is observed on the head, legs, and groin area. Short curled whiskers are characteristic. During the molting period, the fur falls off completely. Double Rex. The body of animals of this species is completely devoid of hair. The skin has a light pink shade. Sphynx rats are not always born naked because the gene for hair is recessive. In newly born rats the hair grows then falls off. Therefore, it is possible to understand to which species the small rodents belong only after 5-6 weeks. The animals are born with a length of 15 to 25 cm, and the weight of an adult rodent varies from 400 to 700 g. The skin color is pink, with possible skin folds. The skin of males is denser. Today there are Sphynx rats, whose skin is not only pink but also black, smoky, chocolate shades. Sphynxes have vibrissae (whiskers) near the eyes. Visually, it seems short, because it is slightly curled. Some individuals do not have a mustache, but this is not standard and indicates a deviation.