People usually start looking up “pet rat varieties” when they’re choosing their first pair, trying to match temperament to a household (kids, other pets, noise), or decoding what a breeder or pet shop means by “rex”, “dumbo”, or “hairless”. The details matter, because a few varieties come with extra skin, coat, or health considerations, and some are simply uncommon in Australia.
Below is a clear guide to the main pet rat varieties you’ll hear about in Australia, what changes (and what doesn’t), and the basics that keep rats healthy: companionship, ventilation, diet, and early vet care.
First, a quick language fix: “breeds” vs “varieties”
Pet rats don’t have “breeds” in the way dogs do. In rat fancy and showing, the term is usually varieties—features like coat type, ear type, and tail type—plus colours and markings layered on top.6
The core animal: what most pet rats are
Most pet rats kept as companions are domesticated brown rats (Rattus norvegicus). Across varieties, their needs stay broadly the same: they’re social, active at dawn and dusk, and heavily influenced by handling and housing quality.
Common pet rat varieties (and what they mean)
Standard coat (smooth)
This is the everyday, classic pet rat: short, smooth coat, straight whiskers, and the widest range of colours and markings. If you’re adopting from a shelter or buying from many pet shops, this is most likely what you’ll see.6
Rex (curly coat)
Rex rats have a curly or wavy coat and curly whiskers. The curl can be tighter in some individuals and looser in others, and the coat can thin out a little with age, especially in does (females).7
Satin (sheen coat)
Satin refers to the hair structure: the coat looks glossier, with a noticeable sheen. Satin can appear alongside many colours and markings, and it doesn’t change a rat’s basic care needs—though coat condition still depends on diet, health, and stress levels.6
Dumbo (ear type)
Dumbo rats have ears set lower on the sides of the head, giving a rounder “open” look to the face. Dumbo is an ear placement variety, not a temperament guarantee—friendly rats come in every ear type, and shy rats do too.7
Hairless
Hairless rats exist internationally, but they are not commonly available everywhere and can require more careful management: stable warmth, soft bedding, and attention to skin dryness, scratches, and minor infections. If you’re offered a “hairless” rat, confirm the source and be prepared for extra husbandry and vet costs.6
Tailless (often called “Manx”)
Tailless rats have a complete absence of a tail. This variety is recognised in some rat standards, but it’s not ideal from a welfare point of view in many cases, because tails support balance and heat regulation, and taillessness may be associated with other anatomical issues. If you’re considering one, ask the breeder about health history and consult an experienced exotics vet before committing.6
Personality: what actually shapes it
Variety alone doesn’t decide temperament. In practice, personality is most strongly shaped by:
- early handling and gentle, regular exposure to people
- stable social grouping (compatible rats kept together, ideally from young)1
- environment (space, enrichment, places to hide, things to chew)
- health (respiratory irritation, pain, parasites, tumours)
A confident rat looks curious and steady in the hands; a stressed rat tends to freeze, bolt, or bite. Those behaviours often improve with calm routines and the presence of a bonded cage-mate.
Choosing a variety that fits your home
If you want the simplest start, choose healthy, bright-eyed rats with a standard or rex coat from a reputable rescue or breeder, and aim for a compatible same-sex pair (or small group).1
Before you choose, do a quick practical check:
- Plan for two or more rats—single rats are more likely to suffer socially.1
- Ask about respiratory history (sneezing, “snuffles”, chronic noise).
- Look for clean breathing and smooth movement; avoid rats that seem puffed up, lethargic, or have discharge around the eyes/nose.
- Be realistic about lifespan: many pet rats live around 2–3 years.5
Care basics that matter more than variety
Companionship
Rats are social and should be kept in small groups of their own species. Same-sex groups help avoid surprise litters, and introductions are easiest when rats are young and compatible.1, 2
Housing and ventilation
A well-ventilated enclosure with a solid base and deep bedding supports normal digging, nesting, and resting. Poor ventilation and infrequent cleaning can allow ammonia from urine to build up, which irritates airways and can contribute to respiratory disease problems in rats.2
Food and water
Use a balanced rat diet as the base (many owners use a commercial rat pellet), then add small amounts of suitable fresh foods. Victorian animal welfare guidance includes vegetables such as carrot and broccoli, and fruit such as apple, alongside fresh, cool water available at all times.3
Handling
Rats can become excellent companion animals when they’re handled gently and regularly. Support the whole body, keep sessions short at first, and supervise children closely—rats are small and can be injured if gripped or startled.4
Vet care and common health issues
Find a vet who is comfortable with small mammals before you’re in an emergency. Rats can deteriorate quickly when sick, and early treatment makes a real difference. If you notice weight loss, laboured breathing, head tilt, lumps, or sudden behaviour changes, book promptly.3
Frequently confused terms (quick clarifications)
- “Fancy rat”: a general term for domesticated pet rats, not a single variety.6
- “Teddy bear rat”: not a formal, widely standardised rat variety term; it’s often used informally for plush-looking coats (sometimes rex) and should be treated as a marketing label rather than a guarantee.
- Colour/marking vs variety: “black hooded” describes colour/marking; “rex” and “dumbo” describe variety features such as coat or ears.6
References
- RSPCA Knowledgebase — How should I care for my rats?
- RSPCA Knowledgebase — What company do my pet rats need?
- Agriculture Victoria (Animal Welfare Victoria) — Caring for pet rats and mice
- RSPCA Australia — Adopting other animals (mice and rats)
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Biologic Data of Pet Rodents
- American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association (AFRMA) — Official Rat Standard
- National Fancy Rat Society (UK) — Rex and Dumbo varieties
- Queensland Government — Keeping exotic animals as pets in Queensland
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom