What types of domestic mice exist? - briefly
«House mouse» (Mus musculus domesticus), fancy‑mouse breeds kept as pets, and standardized laboratory strains such as C57BL/6, BALB/c, and DBA/2 represent the principal categories. These groups differ chiefly in coat coloration, size, and genetic background.
What types of domestic mice exist? - in detail
Domesticated mice are classified according to purpose, genetic lineage, and phenotypic traits. The primary categories are pet varieties, laboratory strains, and specialized breeding lines.
Pet varieties encompass several distinct groups. Fancy mice are selected for coat color, pattern, and fur length; common phenotypes include solid, brindle, sable, and pied. Dwarf mice, such as the “Hairless” and “Miniature” lines, are bred for reduced size and, in some cases, lack of fur. Hairless mice are valued for ease of handling and visibility of skin conditions. Blind mice, often derived from the “Blind” mutation, are used by hobbyists interested in sensory-impaired models.
Laboratory strains are maintained for research. Inbred strains, for example C57BL/6, BALB/c, and DBA/2, provide genetic uniformity and are employed in immunology, neurobiology, and oncology studies. Outbred stocks, such as CD‑1 and Swiss, preserve genetic diversity, supporting toxicology and pharmacology testing. Transgenic and knockout lines, created through targeted genetic manipulation, serve as disease models for specific human conditions.
Specialized breeding lines address niche interests. “Giant” mice, like the “Giant Deer Mouse,” are produced for size comparison studies. “Scentless” mice, lacking the major urinary protein, are used in olfactory research. “Knockout” strains engineered to lack particular genes help elucidate gene function and therapeutic targets.
Each group exhibits characteristic traits:
- Coat: solid, agouti, spotted, hairless.
- Size: standard (≈20 g), dwarf (≈10 g), giant (≈30 g).
- Sensory: normal, blind, scentless.
- Genetic background: inbred, outbred, transgenic.
Understanding these classifications enables appropriate selection for pet ownership, scientific investigation, or specialized breeding programs.