Ferrets are wonderful, long-domesticated pets who have accompanied mankind for at least 2500 years. Such a long tradition of breeding ferrets means that nowadays there are many different types of ferrets of various shapes, colors and coats, just like there are different breeds of cats and dogs.
This AnimalWised article will focus on how to identify the different types of ferret according to their size, color and coat. This will give you a general idea on how to classify them, and it will be very useful if you're looking to adopt one.
Ferret breeds according to their size
The scientific name of ferrets as a species is Mustela putorius furo, and they descend from the wild European polecat. They belong to the same family as weasels and minks, all of them mammals with long bodies but short legs.
Historians believe that ferrets evolved in North Africa and that they were already used by the Romans, but nowadays they are spread all over the world. It is very likely that the first tame ferrets were domesticated to chase rodents and other home pests. In some areas they have bred with polecats, resulting in hybrids.
If you like ferrets, you'll surely have noticed that they come in many different shapes and sizes. However, you can only be sure of the size of a ferret when it is a fully grown adult. You can classify them into three large groups:
- The whippet is the smallest ferret in existence. It comes from the United States and has a small, elongated head.
- The standard ferret is the most common. It originates from Europe and was used in rabbit hunting for centuries.
- The bulldog ferret is undoubtedly the biggest and stockiest. It's notable for its short legs, broad head and bulky chest. They come from northern Europe.
Ferret types according to color
In addition to a ferret's size, you can also classify them according to their color. There are four parameters that allow us to define them:
According to the base color:
- sabre
- black sabre
- black
- chocolate
- champagne
- cinnamon
- albino
- DEW
- silver
- marked silver
According to the pattern of color distribution:
- standard
- Siamese
- roan
- self
- solid
There are also patterns of white:
- bib
- gloves
- socks
- harlequin
- blaze
- panda
- polka dot
- milk mouth
- knee patches
- tip
Finally, they may also have mask-like patterns:
- in a V-shape
- in a T-shape
- incomplete
- without mask
Ferret types according to coat
To finally draw a line under the classification of ferrets according to their physical features, you should know that there are three types of fur. The most common of all is short or mid-length hair, which the majority of ferrets have. However, other types exist:
- Short hair or standard
- Long hair
- Angora
Do you have a pet ferret or are you thinking of adopting one? Take a look at the following articles:
- Ferrets as pets: Guidelines and general tips
- Unique names for pet ferrets
- What is the best diet for a pet ferret?
- Tips to reduce a ferret's odor?
If you want to read similar articles to Types of Ferret According to their Size, Color and Coat, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category.