Condition, Health, Temperament & Type

Breeders should select for certain qualities in order to improve the lines they work with.

The following are qualities SARBU & SAFRC breeders are looking for in breeding animals:

GENERAL CONDITION & HEALTH

A rat should be of good weight and healthy. It should breathe normally and be curious and alert.

It should be free from scabs, sores and parasites. The coat should be short, straight, glossy, lie flat and densely cover the body with the exception of Harley rats. The males’ coats are slightly longer and coarser than females with the exception to neutered males who have softer coats. The coat should not be dirty, stained or smelly.

Nails should not be too long. Teeth should not be abnormally long or parted. The front of teeth should be yellow in colour and white to the back.

TEMPERAMENT & TRACTABILITY

Pet rats should be easy to handle and not bite or try to get away. The ideal is to breed outgoing, affectionate and well socialised animals that are comfortable with being handled and relaxed and curious in an unknown environment.

Males go through a hormonal phase at 7-10 months and females during pregnancy / while raising pups. No aggression towards other rats or humans should be tolerated, especially during this stage. Aggressive animals and their offspring should never be bred.

TYPE

General appearance should be pleasing to the eye. The body should be long and racy (Streamlined) in appearance and rounded towards the back. The loin should be well arched. All toes attached with no extra toes.

The hind legs should not stick out from the body – smooth blending.

Faults include flat hips, square butt, flat back, narrow shoulders, body too long or short, square body shape, back / loin arch too high, fine boned males, fat pads behind front legs or in front of hind legs.

Rats should be of a good size but not overweight.

Females heavier than 300g. (20cm < body) Males at least 400g although some Harley are sometimes smaller.

Head should be long and clean in outline. Not too fine or pointed at the muzzle. The scull should show breadth as well as length and have good width between the eyes and ears.

Males – powerful, masculine head, Females – fine but not too pointed. Head should be of good size to body.

Whiskers at the muzzle should be well developed being long and straight (except Harley)

Tail should be thick at base tapering to a fine point and not have kinks. Length should be equal to body length or slightly longer. (Should reach back to between the ears if laid back) Firm enough so it can be used for climbing and balance.

#temperament #Type #Condition #Health