What do curly rats look like? - briefly
Curly-haired rats display tightly coiled, spring‑like fur that covers their bodies, giving them a plush, rounded appearance; their whiskers, ears, and eyes remain normal in size and placement, while the coat may range from short, dense curls to longer, wavy rings depending on genetics. Their coloration follows standard rat patterns, but the distinctive curl is the primary visual identifier.
What do curly rats look like? - in detail
Curly‑coated rats display a distinctive waviness in their fur that sets them apart from standard smooth‑haired varieties. The curl ranges from tight, spring‑like loops covering the entire body to looser, wave‑shaped hair limited to specific regions such as the back or tail. Coat texture is consistently softer and denser, giving a plush feel when handled.
Coloration follows the same genetic palette as typical rats, including albino, black, brown, and agouti patterns. Pigment distribution is unaffected by the curl gene, so any standard coloration may appear with the curly texture. Markings such as blaze, hood, or saddle remain visible, though the curled hair may slightly obscure fine detail.
Physical dimensions align with the species standard: adult body length 20–25 cm, tail length 15–20 cm, weight 250–350 g. The curl does not alter skeletal structure; locomotion and agility are comparable to smooth‑haired counterparts. Ears retain the usual rounded shape, while eyes remain dark and prominent, providing the typical alert expression.
Key visual features can be summarized:
- Fur curl intensity: tight spirals covering whole body vs. loose waves confined to back/tail.
- Coat density: higher than smooth varieties, creating a fuller silhouette.
- Color variety: identical to standard rats; any hue or pattern may exhibit the curl.
- Tail appearance: often appears slightly thicker and may show a subtle curl near the base.
- Overall silhouette: appears more rounded and plush due to the voluminous curl.
Genetically, the curly trait is autosomal recessive; both parents must carry the allele for offspring to express the curl. Breeding two curly individuals guarantees a fully curly litter, while crossing a curly with a smooth‑haired rat yields a 50 % carrier rate and 50 % smooth offspring.
Grooming considerations differ slightly: the dense, textured coat can trap debris, requiring regular brushing to prevent matting. Shedding is comparable to smooth coats, but the curl may retain loose hairs longer.
In summary, curly rats possess a plush, wavy coat across a full spectrum of colors, maintain normal body proportions, and exhibit a denser, softer appearance that distinguishes them visually from their smooth‑haired relatives.