What are male pet rats called? - briefly
Male rats are referred to as “bucks,” while females are called “does.” The term “stud” may be used for a breeding male.
What are male pet rats called? - in detail
The appropriate designation for a male house rat kept as a companion animal is “buck.” The term is standard in both pet‑trade listings and scientific literature when referring to adult male specimens of Rattus norvegicus.
The word originates from the same root used for male deer and has been adopted by breeders to distinguish sex without ambiguity. In veterinary records, the label “buck” appears alongside “doe” for females, allowing clear communication about health, nutrition, and reproductive status.
Additional related terminology includes:
- Neutered male – still identified as a buck, often qualified as “neutered buck” in breeding contexts.
- Stud – used informally for a male rat employed in controlled breeding programs.
- Pup – generic term for any juvenile rat, regardless of sex, until sexual maturity is reached.
The designation is employed in:
- Pet store inventories, where “buck” and “doe” separate listings for breeding pairs.
- Breeder advertisements, which specify “buck” when offering a male for mating purposes.
- Veterinary charts, which record sex as “M (buck)” to guide dosage calculations and surgical planning.
Recognition of the term across English‑speaking regions is consistent; however, some hobbyists may use “male rat” colloquially. Scientific texts, regulatory documents, and professional guidelines prefer “buck” for precision.