United Rat Standards
| General | Agouti | Non-Agouti | Markings/Shades | Provisional |
These standards were created via a joint effort between members of the Northern Illinois Rat Organization and Rat Fanciers of the Lakes. These are the standards that both NIRO and the RFL adhere to for breeding, exhibiting and judging purposes.
Head
Should be evenly proportioned, with clean lines and a
well-defined stop at the brow. The muzzle should be of good breadth, rounded and
blunt, not narrow or pointed. The male head should project broadness and
strength, while a female's projects strength and definition that is clearly
feminine. Faults: Long face with pointed muzzle, head too narrow or too wide, no
clear brow stop, male head appearing too feminine, female head having a
masculine appearance.
Ears
Standard
Well-formed oval shape of medium size, they should be upright and spaced well
apart. Faults: Creases or folds, ears set too low or too far apart.
Dumbo
Ears to be large, round, and semicircular, set low on the sides of the head, and
pointing back toward the body, maintaining a picture of balance, while ideally
being placed as low as possible on the head. Faults: Creases or folds; pointing
down, so as to give an oblong or tubular shape, pointed edges, set too high or
too low.
Tail
Standard
Long and
cylindrical, thick at the base and tapering to a fine point. Should be at least
the length of the body ( nose to base of tail ) and be firm, and of
size/thickness appropriate to the size of the rat, so as to give a balance
appearance. Faults: Not cylindrical, short, thin. Disqualification: Kinked or
docked.
Tailless
There should be
complete absence of a tail, giving the appearance of a cobbier body and a
rounded rump. Disqualification: Any evidence of a tail. Docked tail. Any
evidence of physical abnormalities in walking, climbing, or skeletal problems.
Eyes
Large, round, and bold; set wide apart so as to give the
appearance of width to the head. Placement is ideally half way between the tip
of the nose and the back of the ears. Faults: Eyes too small.
Coat
Standard
Fur to be dense, even, and lustrous – should lay flat and smooth. Long guard
hairs or slightly coarser fur are permissible in Males. Whiskers are long and
straight. Color and markings should conform to recognized standard.
Rex
Fur to be thick
and densely curled. Guard hairs should be coarse and easily felt. Whiskers
to be curled.
Faults: Frizzed, loose coat, bald patches.
Satin
Fine to the
touch, with longer and softer guard hairs that give an overall glossy look or
sheen. Satin lends some colors a sparkling appearance, and a yellowish cast on
white and Siamese. Whiskers to be wavy and point in varying directions.
Hairless
To be as
hairless as possible. Any recognized color and markings allowed. Eye color to
match the appropriate color. Skin should be clean, healthy, and free of any
imperfections. Whiskers to be curly or absent. Preference given to the least
amount of hair. Ears in either variety should appear larger.
Double Rex
Several variations may appear on the table. Bald patches among short, wiry coat
that resembles that of a poodle or partially sheared lamb. A rat nearly bald
with small areas of 'peach fuzz' on the muzzle, legs, and base of tail. A very
short, wiry coat that looks similar to a 'buzz cut'. Whiskers and eyelashes
should be curled.
Faults: Fully furred with hair that is too long or
soft and resembling a standard coat, or one that is fully furred with
medium-length, wiry coat resembling a regular rex.
Teeth
Two upper and
two lower incisors, none misshapen or missing. Mouth should be able to close
normally, with top incisors in front of the lower.
Faults and
Disqualifications
General Faults
Stained, unkempt coats
Noticeably overweight or underweight
overgrown nails or teeth
kinked tail
tattered ears
injured toes
Other healed injuries that detract from the overall appearance
Disqualifications
Severe scabs and/or parasites
fleas, lice and mites
pregnant or nursing does
Difficult to handle or aggression
Missing body parts including males with one or both testicles missing
Recent injuries that have not yet healed