How long is a dumbo rat? - briefly
A dumbo rat generally attains a total length of 8–10 inches (approximately 20–25 cm), measured from nose to tail tip.
How long is a dumbo rat? - in detail
The dumbo rat is a selectively bred variant of the domestic fancy rat (Rattus norvegicus domestica) distinguished by enlarged, forward‑projecting ears. Adult individuals display a body length from nose to the base of the tail of approximately 15–20 cm, while the tail adds an extra 10–15 cm, giving a total length of 25–35 cm. Ear pinnae commonly reach 3–5 cm from tip to base, markedly larger than those of standard rats.
Weight correlates with size; mature specimens typically weigh 300–500 g, with larger individuals exceeding 600 g when well‑conditioned. Growth rates depend on genetics, nutrition, and health status; optimal protein intake and balanced diet accelerate skeletal development, whereas poor nutrition limits final length.
Measurement standards require:
- Use of a flexible measuring tape for body and tail segments.
- Placement of the rat on a flat surface, ensuring the spine is straight.
- Recording ear length from the base at the skull to the tip of the pinna.
Variability arises from:
- Breeding lines: some lines prioritize ear enlargement at the expense of overall length.
- Age: juveniles under 8 weeks display proportionally shorter bodies and tails.
- Sex: males often achieve slightly greater total length than females.
Published observations note «the average adult dumbo rat measures 20–25 cm in body length, with a tail extending 12–15 cm, resulting in a total length of 32–40 cm». These figures represent the typical range for healthy, fully grown individuals under standard husbandry conditions.