What does a domestic mouse look like? - briefly
A domestic mouse is a small rodent, typically 2–4 inches long, with soft fur ranging from gray to brown, a pointed snout, large dark eyes, and a hairless, scaly tail roughly equal to its body length. Its ears are proportionally large and rounded, and its paws are delicate with sharp claws for climbing.
What does a domestic mouse look like? - in detail
A domestic mouse typically measures 2.5–4 inches (6–10 cm) in body length, with a tail of comparable size. The body is compact, covered by fine, short fur that ranges from white, cream, beige, gray, to brown, depending on the strain. The fur may be solid, spotted, or patterned, and some varieties display a woolly texture.
The head is proportionally large, featuring a rounded skull and a short, blunt muzzle. Eyes are prominent, dark, and positioned on the sides of the head, providing a wide field of vision. Whiskers extend forward from the snout, serving as tactile sensors.
Ears are large, thin, and hairless, lying flat against the skull and capable of rotating to capture sounds. The forelimbs possess five dexterous digits, while the hind limbs have four, each ending in small, curved claws suited for climbing. The tail is hairless, cylindrical, and covered with fine scales that aid in balance.
Key physical variations among pet mouse breeds include:
- Color patterns: solid, agouti, satin, piebald, and brindle.
- Fur length: standard short coat versus long-haired (e.g., “rex” or “fancy” varieties).
- Tail length: some strains exhibit a shorter, thicker tail relative to body size.
- Body size: dwarf strains (e.g., “fancy dwarf”) are smaller than standard laboratory or pet mice.
Overall, the domestic mouse presents a small, agile mammal with a streamlined silhouette, adaptable coloration, and sensory features optimized for nocturnal activity.