What are male mice called? - briefly
Male mice are commonly called bucks, and the term boar is also used in some contexts.
What are male mice called? - in detail
The male of the species Mus musculus is commonly referred to as a “buck.” In laboratory and breeding contexts the same term is used, sometimes accompanied by “stud” when the animal is employed for reproductive purposes.
Key points about the terminology:
- Buck – standard designation for an adult male mouse, parallel to “doe” for females.
- Stud – applied when the male is selected for breeding, indicating proven fertility and desirable genetic traits.
- Sire – used in pedigree records to denote a male parent of offspring.
The word “buck” originates from Old English bucca, historically used for various male mammals such as deer and goats. Its transfer to rodents reflects a broader zoological convention of assigning gender‑specific names across taxa.
In scientific literature, authors often alternate between “male mouse” and “buck” to avoid repetition, especially when describing experimental groups, hormonal studies, or behavioral assays. The distinction between “buck” and “stud” becomes relevant when discussing breeding programs: a “stud” must meet criteria for health, genotype, and reproductive performance, whereas a “buck” may simply denote sex without implying breeding value.
Understanding these terms is essential for accurate communication in genetics, veterinary care, and animal welfare documentation.