What is a small mouse called? - briefly
A newborn mouse is termed a “pinkie.” As it matures, it is commonly called a “pup.”
What is a small mouse called? - in detail
A newborn mouse is commonly referred to as a pup; in laboratory and breeding literature the term “pinkie” appears for individuals that have not yet developed fur. Both words denote the same developmental stage, typically lasting from birth to about ten days when the first coat of hair emerges.
The designation “pup” aligns with the nomenclature used for other small mammals (e.g., rabbit pups, ferret pups). “Pinkie” derives from the pink coloration of the skin visible before fur growth. In scientific reports the phrase “juvenile mouse” may replace either term when the animal has begun to acquire hair but has not reached sexual maturity.
When describing an adult mouse of unusually reduced size, the adjective dwarf qualifies the species, as in “dwarf mouse” (e.g., Mus musculus domesticus individuals selectively bred for smaller stature). The term is distinct from the juvenile labels and applies to fully mature specimens that remain markedly smaller than typical conspecifics.
Terminology summary
- Pup – newborn mouse, up to ~10 days old.
- Pinkie – newborn mouse before fur development; interchangeable with “pup.”
- Juvenile mouse – young mouse with initial fur, not yet sexually mature.
- Dwarf mouse – adult mouse of reduced size, often a result of selective breeding or specific subspecies.
These terms appear across veterinary texts, laboratory protocols, and pet‑care guides, providing precise language for each growth stage and size category.