Different Breeds & Types of Ferrets
Various ferrets have different patterns, as well as colors. With respect to the American Ferret Association, there exist a couple of ferret fur patterns and 8 primary types of ferret. Of these ferret types, which one is most famous and which is rarest? Which one has a longer life span, and which one enjoys better health? The above questions are some of the questions that prospective ferret owners, as well as ferret owners, are interested in finding answers to. I have also had the same questions. In this post, I will talk about the various types of ferrets and their patterns with the hope that you will be able to know more about pattern possibilities, as well as colors and will be able to make the right choice when choosing a ferret.
That there are no correlations between the color of a ferret, its personality, and behavior. But, some ferrets have an increased likelihood of being blind or deaf because of their type. Ferrets are a single breed. This implies they have the same level of energy when awake and the same habits. Unlike such things as habits, their personality is hugely dependent on the ferret in particular. You might have a ferret that is not even a bit interested in cuddling, and you could also have a ferret that loves cuddling now and then. This can be experienced with the same ferret type. One thing about ferrets that is interesting is how the color of their furs change in summer and winter.
Now, what are the Common Ferret Types?
Sable– Sable is the most famous ferret color. It has a dark brown mask close to its eyes and looks like a raccoon because of this. It has this same color around its tail and legs. Some part of its upper body, its shoulders and neck are dark brown. Apart from these parts of its body already mentioned, sable ferrets have cream or light brown as the color on other parts of their body. In addition to this, their nose is usually pink, and their eyes are dark.
Black Sable– This type of ferret has a color pattern that is similar to that of sable. Black sable ferrets, however, have a darker brown shade. Their undercoat is usually creamy or white. Black sable is considered a darker version of sable, and they have a darker pattern and a darker color. They have a dark brown nose and black eyes. Although this type of ferret is called black sable, it is not black, its color is brownish black and has a black shine tinge.
Black– As far as black ferrets are concerned, there is not much to be spoken about. A ferret which is considered black is not one with a blackish brown fur or a fur that is dark brown. It is one with fur that is very black. In very much the same way as its fur is black, its eyes too should be very black. If it is not black, then, it should be very close to black or dark brown. The nose also can have a color which is considered speckled black. It, however, must not have a pink nose. On their heads, black ferrets sometimes have light brown or white patterns. These patterns have to be in very small amounts.
Albino– Albino ferrets are white. They also have eyes and nose that are either red or pink. Every living organism that lacks pigments is known as an albino and ferrets are not any different. Albino ferrets can be recognized because of their entirely white fur, red eyes, and a pink nose. All these are usually in the absence of any other colors. Albino ferrets have a bigger likelihood of having issues hearing. The implication of this is they have a likelihood to be deaf. This might seem like a challenge. Well, the truth is it is not a major issue because ferrets can adapt to their conditions very easily. It does not matter if the condition comes with age or inherited.
Dark-eyed white– This type of ferret has fur that is entirely white. However, occasionally, the fur of dark-eyed white ferrets have some form of patterns on them. A dark-eyed white ferret can be mistaken for albino ferrets, but they are different. Dark-eyed ferrets and albino ferrets are different because of their eyes. DEW ferrets have white furs, eyes which are burgundy, and nose that are pink. One major similarity between DEW ferrets and albino ferrets is the fact that they have a huge likelihood of being deaf. DEW ferrets are different from albino ferrets because their eyes are dark.
Cinnamon– This has a fur color that is quite different because of the presence of some red. Ferrets which are cinnamon in color have furs that are red and undercoats that are white. Also, their tail and legs are darker than other parts of their body. Usually, their eyes are red. They can, however, be black. Cinnamon ferrets have beige as their color. Occasionally, they have pink with a pattern of beige as their color.
Chocolate – This type of ferret has a fur that is warm chocolate and has a white undercoat. Its eyes are black or dark brown. Sometimes, its eyes can be burgundy. Unlike its eyes, its nose usually has lighter color. It is usually beige together with a light brown pattern or pink. It is never dark.
Champagne– Ferrets that are champagne colored have some form of similarity to chocolate ferrets. They are considered a softer shade of chocolate ferrets. They have an undercoat that is either cream or white. Because they have a color that is quite diluted, they should have eyes which are either dark or light burgundy. Also, their nose should either be a blend of beige and a light brown pattern or pink.
The above are the primary ferret colors. They, however, have furs which come with various patterns. There are lots of other ferret types due to a mixture of pattern and color. Each ferret color can possess virtually any type of pattern. This excludes albino ferrets.
What are the Basic Patterns?
Bib– A ferret type with white fur under the neck and the chest is known as a bib. Sometimes, this white fur goes beyond the neck. It, however, is usually restricted to the neck.
Mitts– Mitt ferrets are known to have white fur on the feet. Once in a while, they have a bib blend.
Blaze– This is quite complicated. Blaze is a white line which moves from the back of the neck to the head on the ferret fur. It is noticed on any type of ferret color apart from white. Ferrets with this color pattern are more likely to get deaf when compared to ferrets with other patterns and colors.
Panda-This can be recognized very easily. Panda ferrets have eyes that are surrounded with colored circles. They also have white heads. They have shoulders and hips which are not as light as their other body parts.
Solid– This is perhaps the easiest pattern to recognize. The simple reason for this is it is just a single color. This group does not include albino ferrets. It, however, includes other fur colors. The simple meaning of solid is your ferret has fur that is a single color and does not have any white fur present.
Roan– Ferrets with the roan pattern are known to have bodies which are covered with white fur in over half of their bodies.
Patterns like Panda and Blaze, which are considered unusual, have a similarity. About 75% of them have challenges hearing. This is a genetic defect and is called Waardenburg syndrome. This syndrome causes the hearing mechanism of the inner ear of these pattern of ferrets to be underdeveloped. This is very closely associated with the white pattern which they have on their faces and heads.
Is Your Ferret Unable to Hear?
If your ferret is a Panda, DEW, or Blaze, then, there is a probability it will be deaf. So, how do you tell your ferret is deaf? Ferrets have a reputation for ignoring humans. This means you can’t call its name and expect an answer. You can, however, jingle your key behind them. Your ferret will turn if it is not deaf. Also, if your ferret stays on its own when other ferrets are running around, it is probably deaf.
How to Care for a Deaf Ferret?
If your ferret is deaf, he won’t hear you approaching. This means you should approach him from its front so he can see you. You should also pet him from his front as this way, and it won’t get agitated. Also, when showing care, do this with your arms and not your voice as it can’t hear. So, talking to your ferret with baby voices is totally out of the equation.
