Markings
Baldie
One copy of the hooded gene, and one copy of the Essex gene (Hro/h). The essex gene causes the colour to become paler than standard, so black becomes charcoal-grey, agouti looks almost sandy coloured, and so on.
AFRMA Baldie rats may be shown in any recognized color. Markings will be similar to Capped rats with a colored top of head and the rest of the body a pure clean white free from spots or brindling. The colored area to be clear of the nose tip and jaw line, extending a short way behind the ears. They will have a large white triangle between the eyes with a white line running from the point of the triangle to the white on the neck. Baldies are from Essex rats and color fading is normal. Unstandardized.
Hawthorn- The top of the head with the exception of the nose tip and the pattern to be coloured with the colour to extend a short way behind the ears. The rest of the rat to be white. Nose tip to be white, white triangle between the eyes pointing rearwards and with a white line running from the point of the triangle to the white on the nape of the neck. As with the related Essex variety, colour paling is normal for this variety and not a fault.
AFRMA Baldie rats may be shown in any recognized color. Markings will be similar to Capped rats with a colored top of head and the rest of the body a pure clean white free from spots or brindling. The colored area to be clear of the nose tip and jaw line, extending a short way behind the ears. They will have a large white triangle between the eyes with a white line running from the point of the triangle to the white on the neck. Baldies are from Essex rats and color fading is normal. Unstandardized.
Hawthorn- The top of the head with the exception of the nose tip and the pattern to be coloured with the colour to extend a short way behind the ears. The rest of the rat to be white. Nose tip to be white, white triangle between the eyes pointing rearwards and with a white line running from the point of the triangle to the white on the nape of the neck. As with the related Essex variety, colour paling is normal for this variety and not a fault.
Banded
RSA"The banded rat shall have as symmetrical of markings as possible. The chest, belly, sides and all legs should be completely white. Color will not extend under the jaw line (white chin). The band of color continues from the pigmented area of the head onto the shoulders, the back and part of the hips, being of even width at all points. The band width will be approximately 2 inches wide on rats of standard stature. Generally speaking, the band should be as wide as the head is. Demarcation between white belly and top color shall be as even and clean cut as possible. A white tail tip to extend no farther than 1/4th its length. Legs and feet white. The color shall conform to a recognized color. Blazes permissible and will conform to the blazed standards and be shown in blazed classes."
Badger(Blazed Berkshire)
Many potential genotypes - common types are H/h or similar plus modifiers (normal h-locus Berkshire with modifiers to produce a facial marking). This type of blazed is often called English marked, and for lines with no imported rats this will be the genotype, and not at risk of any illnesses related to white spotting. Other blazed lines can be rats with the "chinchilla"/american husky/aurora white spotting gene (H/H S/s). This is more common in the US and lines tracing white spotting back to imports in the UK.
Hawthorn-As much of the underside of the rat as possible to be white, including belly, chest, throat and underside of the legs, the white not to extend up the sides of the body. Back feet to be white to the ankle, forelegs to be white to the elbow. Tail to be white to half its length. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any colour or staining. The defining feature of this variety is the blaze. This is to be a wedge shaped symmetrical blaze of white starting at the nose and extending up the face to the forehead. The blaze to cover the whisker bed and taper to a fine point midway between the eyes and the ears. Markings not to extend onto the cheeks or the eyes
Hawthorn-As much of the underside of the rat as possible to be white, including belly, chest, throat and underside of the legs, the white not to extend up the sides of the body. Back feet to be white to the ankle, forelegs to be white to the elbow. Tail to be white to half its length. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any colour or staining. The defining feature of this variety is the blaze. This is to be a wedge shaped symmetrical blaze of white starting at the nose and extending up the face to the forehead. The blaze to cover the whisker bed and taper to a fine point midway between the eyes and the ears. Markings not to extend onto the cheeks or the eyes
Bareback
Either hooded with a recessive modifier to remove the stripe (h/h hms/hms) or homozygous for another "h" locus gene.
RSA"To be marked similar to a hooded rat without the spine line. The back, sides, legs and feet should be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on the head, throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Bareback rats may be shown in any recognized color and will have markings like the Hooded rat but without a spine marking. The back, sides, legs, and feet should be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on top of head, throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body."
NFRS"The hood shall be unbroken, covering the head, throat, chest and shoulders, except in the case of light coloured bareback varieties where a pale coloured throat is permissible. The remainder of the body to be white. The edges of the hood shall be clear cut and devoid of brindling. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any yellowish tinge or staining."
RSA"To be marked similar to a hooded rat without the spine line. The back, sides, legs and feet should be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on the head, throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Bareback rats may be shown in any recognized color and will have markings like the Hooded rat but without a spine marking. The back, sides, legs, and feet should be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on top of head, throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body."
NFRS"The hood shall be unbroken, covering the head, throat, chest and shoulders, except in the case of light coloured bareback varieties where a pale coloured throat is permissible. The remainder of the body to be white. The edges of the hood shall be clear cut and devoid of brindling. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any yellowish tinge or staining."
Berkshire
Split on the H locus for the wild type gene and a more recessive h-locus allele (eg H/h)
RSA-"To be symmetrically marked with as much white on the chest and belly as possible. There should be an even line between the top and bottom color clear-cut and without brindling. The white should be a pure clean white. White on tail extending up to, but not exceeding, half the length. White feet. Marking on forehead optional, can vary from spot to blaze. Blaze must conform to blaze standards and will be shown in the blazed classes. The body shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA-"Berkshire rats may be shown in any recognized color. The top color is to be judged as to the recognized color. Distinctive markings are the colored top with a completely white belly and white feet and tail, with a small white spot between the ears. There should be an even line between the top and bottom color. The white markings should be a pure clean white."
NFRS"To be symmetrically marked, with as much white on the chest and belly as possible. The white shall not extend up the sides of the body, the edges shall be clear cut and devoid of brindling. Back feet to be white to the ankle, forelegs to be white to half the leg. Tail to be white to half its length. The body colour shall conform to the recognised colour variety. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any colour or staining. A white spot on the forehead is desirable."
RSA-"To be symmetrically marked with as much white on the chest and belly as possible. There should be an even line between the top and bottom color clear-cut and without brindling. The white should be a pure clean white. White on tail extending up to, but not exceeding, half the length. White feet. Marking on forehead optional, can vary from spot to blaze. Blaze must conform to blaze standards and will be shown in the blazed classes. The body shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA-"Berkshire rats may be shown in any recognized color. The top color is to be judged as to the recognized color. Distinctive markings are the colored top with a completely white belly and white feet and tail, with a small white spot between the ears. There should be an even line between the top and bottom color. The white markings should be a pure clean white."
NFRS"To be symmetrically marked, with as much white on the chest and belly as possible. The white shall not extend up the sides of the body, the edges shall be clear cut and devoid of brindling. Back feet to be white to the ankle, forelegs to be white to half the leg. Tail to be white to half its length. The body colour shall conform to the recognised colour variety. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any colour or staining. A white spot on the forehead is desirable."
Blaze
Pic Provided by Everwild Rattery
RSA"Blazed shall come in two types: wedge and non-wedge. Blazed rats shall only be shown in berkshire, variegated or banded patterns. Wedge blazes shall begin at the nose tip to include the whisker beds and come to an even point in the center of the face, not extending beyond the ears. Blaze not to include cheeks or eyes. Non-wedge blazes must begin at the nose and must include, to some degree, the middle of the face. Not to extend beyond the ears."
AFRMA"Blazed rats may be shown only in berkshire or variegated classes in any recognized color. A wedge shaped blaze of white should run from muzzle to ears including the whisker beds, tapering to a fine point at the ears. Other markings as for respective pattern."
NFRS"Badger-as much of the underside of the rat as possible to be white, including belly, chest, throat and underside of the legs, the white not to extend up the sides of the body. Back feet to be white to the ankle, forelegs to be white to the elbow. Tail to be white to half its length. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any colour or staining. The defining feature of this variety is the blaze. This is to be a wedge shaped symmetrical blaze of white starting at the nose and extending up the face to the forehead. The blaze to cover the whisker bed and taper to a fine point midway between the eyes and the ears. Markings not to extend onto the cheeks or the eyes."
AFRMA"Blazed rats may be shown only in berkshire or variegated classes in any recognized color. A wedge shaped blaze of white should run from muzzle to ears including the whisker beds, tapering to a fine point at the ears. Other markings as for respective pattern."
NFRS"Badger-as much of the underside of the rat as possible to be white, including belly, chest, throat and underside of the legs, the white not to extend up the sides of the body. Back feet to be white to the ankle, forelegs to be white to the elbow. Tail to be white to half its length. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any colour or staining. The defining feature of this variety is the blaze. This is to be a wedge shaped symmetrical blaze of white starting at the nose and extending up the face to the forehead. The blaze to cover the whisker bed and taper to a fine point midway between the eyes and the ears. Markings not to extend onto the cheeks or the eyes."
Capped
Pic Provided By Camarattery
Homozygous for an h-locus allele causing extensive white spotting, for example He/He or hn/hn. This marking is the same genetically as Black Eyed White, but with modifiers to allow more colour. Because of the extra colour this variety is not prone to epilepsy or deafness in the same way BEW rats are.
RSA"The body should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling, with a colored head. The color should be confined to the head area only, not appearing on the throat. The cap should be free of ragged edges or brindling, follow the line of the lower jawbone in an even line and not extend past the ears. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Capped rats may be shown in any recognized color. The body should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling, with a colored head. The color should be confined to the head area only, not appearing on the throat area. The cap should be free of ragged edges or brindling, follow the line of the lower jawbone in an even line and not extend past the ears."
NFRS"The colour not to extend past the ears and to follow the line of the lower jaw bone, it should not extend under the chin. A white blaze or spot on the face, and the rest of the body white. Colour to conform to a recognised colour variety. White area should be pure and devoid of yellowish tinge and staining."
RSA"The body should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling, with a colored head. The color should be confined to the head area only, not appearing on the throat. The cap should be free of ragged edges or brindling, follow the line of the lower jawbone in an even line and not extend past the ears. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Capped rats may be shown in any recognized color. The body should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling, with a colored head. The color should be confined to the head area only, not appearing on the throat area. The cap should be free of ragged edges or brindling, follow the line of the lower jawbone in an even line and not extend past the ears."
NFRS"The colour not to extend past the ears and to follow the line of the lower jaw bone, it should not extend under the chin. A white blaze or spot on the face, and the rest of the body white. Colour to conform to a recognised colour variety. White area should be pure and devoid of yellowish tinge and staining."
Cap/Stripe
High white/chinchilla spotting gene in combination with one copy of a more extreme h-locus allele (HHeSs or HhnSs where S is the chinchilla white spotting gene, for examples)
Hawthorn-The cap striped has a slightly narrower band of colour on the back then the banded does. The stripe should begin just after the shoulders and should end near the tail. The stripe is not connected to the cap colour. The cap should have either a notch as in classic capped standard or a blaze. Markings to be symmetrical, even and clear cut.
Hawthorn-The cap striped has a slightly narrower band of colour on the back then the banded does. The stripe should begin just after the shoulders and should end near the tail. The stripe is not connected to the cap colour. The cap should have either a notch as in classic capped standard or a blaze. Markings to be symmetrical, even and clear cut.
Dalmation
Similar to variegated, but with modifiers to break up the hood. This name is also used as a "catch-all" term in the US for any rat with a couple of spots of colour on it that does not fit another category.
RSA"Color splashes/spots over a white background, free from any solid clear-cut markings. The splashes should be numerous and ragged in outline, but approximately equal in size and well distributed over the entire body. The tail shall have spots of color as well. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Dalmatian rats may be shown in any recognized color. Markings will be similar to the Variegated mice with color splashes/spots on a white background, and free from any solid clear-cut markings. The splashes should be numerous and ragged in outline, but approximately equal in size, and well distributed over the entire body."
RSA"Color splashes/spots over a white background, free from any solid clear-cut markings. The splashes should be numerous and ragged in outline, but approximately equal in size and well distributed over the entire body. The tail shall have spots of color as well. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Dalmatian rats may be shown in any recognized color. Markings will be similar to the Variegated mice with color splashes/spots on a white background, and free from any solid clear-cut markings. The splashes should be numerous and ragged in outline, but approximately equal in size, and well distributed over the entire body."
Down Under
Pic Provided By Camarattery
RSA-provisional
Downunder Berkshire- Split on the H locus for the wild type gene and a more recessive h-locus allele, plus the downunder modifier (eg H/h plus downunder gene)
The rat shall have a solid body color on top, with a colored belly stripe covering the white Berkshire belly, and be as symmetrical as possible. There should be as much white dappling and spotting as possible, extending up the sides from the white Berkshire belly edges and running full length between the front and rear legs on each side.
The belly stripe is to be a connected and continuous stripe of color, extending from the colored area beneath the throat all the way to, and filling the area between the back legs. The chest and belly should be completely colored. The demarcation between the white side markings and the belly color shall be as even, symmetrical and cleanly cut as possible. The colored belly should not contain any white spots. The back legs should have white socks to the ankle, and the front legs should have white socks to mid leg. The tail should have a white tip. The color is to conform to color standards, with Agouti based animals having paler belly stripes.
Faults: uneven belly markings and side markings; white markings on belly; color on feet, white chin or head spot; missing white tail tip, excepting in pink eye and ruby eye varieties.
Disqualifications: lack of belly stripe, white Berkshire belly not visible around belly stripe.
Downunder Hooded- Two copies of the hooded gene plus the downunder modifier (h/h plus downunder gene)
The marking should include all of the head, throat and shoulders, and there should be a connected and continuous stripe of color extending from the colored area between the shoulders all the way to and including as much of the tail as possible. The stripe should measure 1 inch or slightly wider, and be in proportion to the rat, tapering slightly at the base of the tail to avoid coloring the back legs. The colored stripe should be complete, unbroken and run straight down the line of the spine without curves, being symmetrical on each side, and devoid of brindling or jagged edges. The back legs and feet are to be totally white. The front legs and feet are to be white to at least to mid leg, and preferably all the way to the body without disrupting the hood pigment over the shoulders. The belly stripe should be a connected and continuous stripe of color extending from the colored area beneath the throat all the way to and filling the area between the back legs. The chest and belly should be completely colored. The demarcation between white sides and belly color should be as even, symmetrical and cleanly cut as possible. The color should not extend up the sides and not contain any white spots. The sides are to be white and free of color spots, and the color is to conform to color standards, with Agouti based animals having paler belly stripes.
Faults: uneven, lopsided, narrow, broken or brindled stripe, uneven or brindled hood, color on legs, white marking on head, face or chin, colored spots elsewhere on the body or white spots on the stomach.
Disqualifications: no stripe down spine, no stripe down belly; obvious and conspicuous spots which detract from the appearance of the overall coat pattern.
Downunder Variegated- Probably Hrehi or Hehi with the dowunder gene (a variegated rat with a gene to add a stomach stripe)
The back hood is to be as broken up as possible, giving the effect of spotting all over the back with side spotting. Sides are to be white with as many color spots as possible and be evenly distributed. The color should include all of the head, throat and shoulders with splashes of color over the back and sides. There should be a white spot or stripe on the forehead which is even, symmetrical, cleanly cut and not touching the eyes. The back legs and feet are to be totally white or white with colored spots. The front legs and feet are to be white to at least the mid leg, or white with colored spots, preferably all the way to the body without disrupting the hood pigment over the shoulders. The tail color is to be spotted. The belly stripe should be a connected and continuous stripe of color, extending from the colored area beneath the throat all the way to, and filling the area between the back legs. The chest and belly should be completely colored. The demarcation between white sides and belly color shall be as even, symmetrical and clean cut as possible except where intercepting a spot. The belly color should not extend up the sides and not contain any white spots. The sides are to be white with as many color spots as possible and be evenly distributed.
The color is to conform to the color standards, with agouti-based animals having paler belly stripes.
Faults: broken belly stripe; obvious back stripe, or back stripe not broken enough; back spots not evenly distributed from head to tail; missing color spots on tail; lack of headspot or stripe.
Disqualifications: lack of belly stripe; solid stripe down spine; broken belly stripe."
Downunder Berkshire- Split on the H locus for the wild type gene and a more recessive h-locus allele, plus the downunder modifier (eg H/h plus downunder gene)
The rat shall have a solid body color on top, with a colored belly stripe covering the white Berkshire belly, and be as symmetrical as possible. There should be as much white dappling and spotting as possible, extending up the sides from the white Berkshire belly edges and running full length between the front and rear legs on each side.
The belly stripe is to be a connected and continuous stripe of color, extending from the colored area beneath the throat all the way to, and filling the area between the back legs. The chest and belly should be completely colored. The demarcation between the white side markings and the belly color shall be as even, symmetrical and cleanly cut as possible. The colored belly should not contain any white spots. The back legs should have white socks to the ankle, and the front legs should have white socks to mid leg. The tail should have a white tip. The color is to conform to color standards, with Agouti based animals having paler belly stripes.
Faults: uneven belly markings and side markings; white markings on belly; color on feet, white chin or head spot; missing white tail tip, excepting in pink eye and ruby eye varieties.
Disqualifications: lack of belly stripe, white Berkshire belly not visible around belly stripe.
Downunder Hooded- Two copies of the hooded gene plus the downunder modifier (h/h plus downunder gene)
The marking should include all of the head, throat and shoulders, and there should be a connected and continuous stripe of color extending from the colored area between the shoulders all the way to and including as much of the tail as possible. The stripe should measure 1 inch or slightly wider, and be in proportion to the rat, tapering slightly at the base of the tail to avoid coloring the back legs. The colored stripe should be complete, unbroken and run straight down the line of the spine without curves, being symmetrical on each side, and devoid of brindling or jagged edges. The back legs and feet are to be totally white. The front legs and feet are to be white to at least to mid leg, and preferably all the way to the body without disrupting the hood pigment over the shoulders. The belly stripe should be a connected and continuous stripe of color extending from the colored area beneath the throat all the way to and filling the area between the back legs. The chest and belly should be completely colored. The demarcation between white sides and belly color should be as even, symmetrical and cleanly cut as possible. The color should not extend up the sides and not contain any white spots. The sides are to be white and free of color spots, and the color is to conform to color standards, with Agouti based animals having paler belly stripes.
Faults: uneven, lopsided, narrow, broken or brindled stripe, uneven or brindled hood, color on legs, white marking on head, face or chin, colored spots elsewhere on the body or white spots on the stomach.
Disqualifications: no stripe down spine, no stripe down belly; obvious and conspicuous spots which detract from the appearance of the overall coat pattern.
Downunder Variegated- Probably Hrehi or Hehi with the dowunder gene (a variegated rat with a gene to add a stomach stripe)
The back hood is to be as broken up as possible, giving the effect of spotting all over the back with side spotting. Sides are to be white with as many color spots as possible and be evenly distributed. The color should include all of the head, throat and shoulders with splashes of color over the back and sides. There should be a white spot or stripe on the forehead which is even, symmetrical, cleanly cut and not touching the eyes. The back legs and feet are to be totally white or white with colored spots. The front legs and feet are to be white to at least the mid leg, or white with colored spots, preferably all the way to the body without disrupting the hood pigment over the shoulders. The tail color is to be spotted. The belly stripe should be a connected and continuous stripe of color, extending from the colored area beneath the throat all the way to, and filling the area between the back legs. The chest and belly should be completely colored. The demarcation between white sides and belly color shall be as even, symmetrical and clean cut as possible except where intercepting a spot. The belly color should not extend up the sides and not contain any white spots. The sides are to be white with as many color spots as possible and be evenly distributed.
The color is to conform to the color standards, with agouti-based animals having paler belly stripes.
Faults: broken belly stripe; obvious back stripe, or back stripe not broken enough; back spots not evenly distributed from head to tail; missing color spots on tail; lack of headspot or stripe.
Disqualifications: lack of belly stripe; solid stripe down spine; broken belly stripe."
Essex
One copy of the wild-type h-locus allele, and one copy of the Essex gene (HroH). The Essex gene causes the colour to become paler than standard, so black becomes charcoal-grey, agouti looks almost sandy coloured, and so on.
To be recognized in any standard color, remembering that the effect of the gene responsible is to lighten the top color. The darkest area is along the spine, becoming less intense down the sides of the animal. The gradual fading of color continues onto the belly which is off white, with no spotting of darker color. When viewed from above, the fading effect should be symmetrical, having no clear demarcation. The fading effect also to be seen on the legs so that the feet are also off white. There should be no obvious patches of contrasting color. Pied tails not to be penalized. A head spot is essential; this must be well defined, centrally placed on the forehead and symmetrical. Genetics: Unproven lethal dominant gene on H locus tentatively named Hro *
NFRS-"To be recognised in any standard colour, remembering that the effect of the gene responsible is to lighten the top colour. The darkest area is along the spine, becoming less intense down the sides of the animal. The gradual fading of colour continues onto the belly which is off white, with no spotting of darker colour. When viewed from above, the fading effect should be symmetrical, having no clear demarcation. The fading effect also to be seen on the legs so that the feet are also off white. There should be no obvious patches of contrasting colour. Pied tails not to be penalised. A head spot is essential; this must be well defined, centrally placed on the forehead and symmetrical."
To be recognized in any standard color, remembering that the effect of the gene responsible is to lighten the top color. The darkest area is along the spine, becoming less intense down the sides of the animal. The gradual fading of color continues onto the belly which is off white, with no spotting of darker color. When viewed from above, the fading effect should be symmetrical, having no clear demarcation. The fading effect also to be seen on the legs so that the feet are also off white. There should be no obvious patches of contrasting color. Pied tails not to be penalized. A head spot is essential; this must be well defined, centrally placed on the forehead and symmetrical. Genetics: Unproven lethal dominant gene on H locus tentatively named Hro *
NFRS-"To be recognised in any standard colour, remembering that the effect of the gene responsible is to lighten the top colour. The darkest area is along the spine, becoming less intense down the sides of the animal. The gradual fading of colour continues onto the belly which is off white, with no spotting of darker colour. When viewed from above, the fading effect should be symmetrical, having no clear demarcation. The fading effect also to be seen on the legs so that the feet are also off white. There should be no obvious patches of contrasting colour. Pied tails not to be penalised. A head spot is essential; this must be well defined, centrally placed on the forehead and symmetrical."
English Irish
RSA-"White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle on chest to be of good size, clear and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but occupying all the space between the front legs. The body shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA-"White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle on chest to be of good size, clear and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but occupying all the space between the front legs. The body color shall conform to a recognized color."
NFRS"White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle to be of good size, clear cut and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but to occupy all the space between the front legs. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety."
AFRMA-"White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle on chest to be of good size, clear and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but occupying all the space between the front legs. The body color shall conform to a recognized color."
NFRS"White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle to be of good size, clear cut and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but to occupy all the space between the front legs. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety."
Irish
Various genotypes possible. Usually one copy of the self gene and one copy of another h-locus allele (HHI (one copy of the self allele, one copy of the Irish allele), or HIHI with modifiers
RSA-"White marking on lower abdomen with four white feet and a white tail tip. The marking shall be pure clean white, of moderate size and as even in shape as possible, not extending onto the legs, sides or chest. The tail shall be tipped in white no more than one-fourth it’s total length. The body shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA-"Irish rats may be shown in any recognized color. The top color is to be judged as to the respective color. Distinctive markings are the white underside, with four white feet and a white tail tip. The under marking should be a pure clean white, of moderate size and as even in shape as possible, not extending onto the legs, sides or chest. The white feet should resemble the stops on a Dutch rabbit. The tail should be colored for most of its length, with a white tip of no more than one-fourth of its total length."
Hawthorn- White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle to be of good size, clear cut and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but to occupy all the space between the front legs. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety.
RSA-"White marking on lower abdomen with four white feet and a white tail tip. The marking shall be pure clean white, of moderate size and as even in shape as possible, not extending onto the legs, sides or chest. The tail shall be tipped in white no more than one-fourth it’s total length. The body shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA-"Irish rats may be shown in any recognized color. The top color is to be judged as to the respective color. Distinctive markings are the white underside, with four white feet and a white tail tip. The under marking should be a pure clean white, of moderate size and as even in shape as possible, not extending onto the legs, sides or chest. The white feet should resemble the stops on a Dutch rabbit. The tail should be colored for most of its length, with a white tip of no more than one-fourth of its total length."
Hawthorn- White equilateral triangle on chest with front feet white and back feet white to half their length. The triangle to be of good size, clear cut and devoid of brindling, not to extend in a streak down the belly but to occupy all the space between the front legs. The body colour shall conform to a recognised colour variety.
Hooded
Pic Provided By Camarattery
Two copies of the hooded gene (hh), with modifiers to lengthen the saddle
RSA"The sides, legs and feet should be a pure, clean white free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on the head, throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. The spine line should extend in an unbroken line from the hood to the tail, be of moderate width and be free of ragged edges or brindling. The tail should be colored at the base, then white to the end. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Hooded rats may be shown in any recognized color. The sides, legs and feet should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on the throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. The spine marking should extend in an unbroken line from the hood to the tail, be of moderate width, and be free of ragged edges or brindling. The tail should be colored at the base, then white to the end."
NFRS"The hood shall be unbroken, covering the head, throat, chest and shoulders, except in the case of light coloured hooded varieties where a pale coloured throat and chest is permissible. The hood shall be continuous with the saddle spinal stripe which should extend down the spine to the tail, with as much of the tail as possible being coloured. The saddle width shall be a quarter to half an inch in length (nearer one quarter) - it must be as even as possible and unbroken. The edges of the hood and saddle shall be clear cut and devoid of brindling. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any yellowish tinge or staining."
RSA"The sides, legs and feet should be a pure, clean white free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on the head, throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. The spine line should extend in an unbroken line from the hood to the tail, be of moderate width and be free of ragged edges or brindling. The tail should be colored at the base, then white to the end. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA"Hooded rats may be shown in any recognized color. The sides, legs and feet should be a pure clean white, free from spots or brindling. The hood should cover the head, neck and shoulders without a break, showing no white on the throat or chin, and should run in an even line around the body. The spine marking should extend in an unbroken line from the hood to the tail, be of moderate width, and be free of ragged edges or brindling. The tail should be colored at the base, then white to the end."
NFRS"The hood shall be unbroken, covering the head, throat, chest and shoulders, except in the case of light coloured hooded varieties where a pale coloured throat and chest is permissible. The hood shall be continuous with the saddle spinal stripe which should extend down the spine to the tail, with as much of the tail as possible being coloured. The saddle width shall be a quarter to half an inch in length (nearer one quarter) - it must be as even as possible and unbroken. The edges of the hood and saddle shall be clear cut and devoid of brindling. The white area shall be pure and devoid of any yellowish tinge or staining."
Masked
Homozygous for an h-locus allele causing extensive white spotting, for example He/He or hn/hn. This marking is the same genetically as Black Eyed White, but with modifiers to allow more colour.
RSA"The body is to be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. A colored mask to cover the face, to include just around the eyes and above the nose, not to extend down the sides of the face onto the muzzle or under the chin. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
Hawthorn- All white rat with coloured mask over both eyes, not extending as far down as the mouth. The mask will not extend over the ears, and the edges of the markings will be clearly defined. No coloured spots on any other part of the body.
AFRMA"Masked rats may be shown in any recognized color. The body is to be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. A colored mask to cover the face, to include just around the eyes and above the nose, not to extend down the sides of the face onto the jowls or under the chin."
Hawthorn-All white rat with coloured mask over both eyes, not extending as far down as the mouth. The mask will not extend over the ears, and the edges of the markings will be clearly defined. No coloured spots on any other part of the body.
RSA"The body is to be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. A colored mask to cover the face, to include just around the eyes and above the nose, not to extend down the sides of the face onto the muzzle or under the chin. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
Hawthorn- All white rat with coloured mask over both eyes, not extending as far down as the mouth. The mask will not extend over the ears, and the edges of the markings will be clearly defined. No coloured spots on any other part of the body.
AFRMA"Masked rats may be shown in any recognized color. The body is to be a pure, clean white, free from spots or brindling. A colored mask to cover the face, to include just around the eyes and above the nose, not to extend down the sides of the face onto the jowls or under the chin."
Hawthorn-All white rat with coloured mask over both eyes, not extending as far down as the mouth. The mask will not extend over the ears, and the edges of the markings will be clearly defined. No coloured spots on any other part of the body.
Merle
RSA"Merle rats may be shown in any recognized color. The unique feature is a pattern of dark splash-spots distributed throughout the entire lighter background color so as to resemble a merle dog. The splash-spots should be numerous and distinct."
AFRMA"Merle rats may be shown in any recognized color. The unique feature is a pattern of dark splash-spots distributed evenly throughout the entire lighter background color so as to resemble a merle dog. The splash-spots should be numerous and distinct. Splash-spots will be less prominent on a non-silvered background color. Eye color to correspond to the body color."
NFRS"Merle rats may be shown in pearl and cinnamon pearl. The unique feature is a pattern of dark splash-spots distributed evenly throughout the entire lighter background colour so as to resemble a merle dog. The markings should be numerous and distinct. Eye colour black."
AFRMA"Merle rats may be shown in any recognized color. The unique feature is a pattern of dark splash-spots distributed evenly throughout the entire lighter background color so as to resemble a merle dog. The splash-spots should be numerous and distinct. Splash-spots will be less prominent on a non-silvered background color. Eye color to correspond to the body color."
NFRS"Merle rats may be shown in pearl and cinnamon pearl. The unique feature is a pattern of dark splash-spots distributed evenly throughout the entire lighter background colour so as to resemble a merle dog. The markings should be numerous and distinct. Eye colour black."
Patched
Homozygous for an h-locus allele causing extensive white spotting, for example He/He or hn/hn. This marking is the same genetically as Black Eyed White, but with modifiers to allow more colour.
Hawthorn-All white except for small patches of colour, usually just one patch covering part of the face
Hawthorn-All white except for small patches of colour, usually just one patch covering part of the face
Self
Nix, Russian BLue Rex Owned by Cara
H/H (wildtype - no mutations)
No White. Body a Solid color from the tip of the rats nose down to the tips of its tail and toes.
RSA"Absence of white markings. The self rat shall be all one color with no white hairs. Color shall be to the skin unless otherwise dictated by color standard. Faults: white on toes. Disqualifications: white hairs on body."
AFRMA"Entire body consists of the same uniform color."
No White. Body a Solid color from the tip of the rats nose down to the tips of its tail and toes.
RSA"Absence of white markings. The self rat shall be all one color with no white hairs. Color shall be to the skin unless otherwise dictated by color standard. Faults: white on toes. Disqualifications: white hairs on body."
AFRMA"Entire body consists of the same uniform color."
Split Cap
Its exactly what it sounds like.
Variegated
Pic Provided By Camarattery
A combination of alleles at H-locus - one allowing lots of white spotting (ie the gene that causes BEW, capped, etc), and one that allows only a small amount of white spotting (eg the standard wild-type gene, or the Irish allele). For example Hre/hi or He/hi with blaze/headspot modifiers (either one of a combination of H and h genes, with modifiers to add a blaze or a headspot)
RSA-"The head and shoulders to be of any distinct color with white marking on forehead. Marking on forehead required, can vary from spot to blaze. Blaze to conform to blaze standards and will be shown in blazed classes. The variegation to cover the body from the shoulders to the tail including the sides. The tail shall have spots of color as well. The color to conform to any recognized color. Belly color to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA-Variegated rats to be shown in any recognized color and are similar to Hooded rats but instead of a spine marking, will have patches and flecks of color on the back side. The head and shoulders to be solid like those of a Hooded rat with a white spot/star on the forehead which should be centrally placed, round or oval in shape, and no bigger than the rat’s eye. The variegation (patches and flecks of color) to evenly cover the rest of the white body from the shoulders to the tail including the sides and tail. Underside (including belly, chest, and throat) to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining.
NFRS"The head and shoulders to be of a distinct colour with a white spot or blaze on the forehead. Where a spot is present this should be centrally placed on the forehead, round or oval in shape and no bigger than the rat's eye. Blazes are a wedge shaped symmetrical blaze of white starting at the nose and extending up the face to the forehead. The blaze to cover the whisker bed and taper to a fine point midway between the eyes and the ears. Markings not to extend onto the cheeks or the eyes. The rest of the upper portion (back, sides and tail) of the rat's body to be white, evenly marked with patches and flecks of distinct colour, the colour to conform to a recognised colour variety. Underside (including belly, chest and throat) to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining."
RSA-"The head and shoulders to be of any distinct color with white marking on forehead. Marking on forehead required, can vary from spot to blaze. Blaze to conform to blaze standards and will be shown in blazed classes. The variegation to cover the body from the shoulders to the tail including the sides. The tail shall have spots of color as well. The color to conform to any recognized color. Belly color to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining. The color shall conform to a recognized color."
AFRMA-Variegated rats to be shown in any recognized color and are similar to Hooded rats but instead of a spine marking, will have patches and flecks of color on the back side. The head and shoulders to be solid like those of a Hooded rat with a white spot/star on the forehead which should be centrally placed, round or oval in shape, and no bigger than the rat’s eye. The variegation (patches and flecks of color) to evenly cover the rest of the white body from the shoulders to the tail including the sides and tail. Underside (including belly, chest, and throat) to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining.
NFRS"The head and shoulders to be of a distinct colour with a white spot or blaze on the forehead. Where a spot is present this should be centrally placed on the forehead, round or oval in shape and no bigger than the rat's eye. Blazes are a wedge shaped symmetrical blaze of white starting at the nose and extending up the face to the forehead. The blaze to cover the whisker bed and taper to a fine point midway between the eyes and the ears. Markings not to extend onto the cheeks or the eyes. The rest of the upper portion (back, sides and tail) of the rat's body to be white, evenly marked with patches and flecks of distinct colour, the colour to conform to a recognised colour variety. Underside (including belly, chest and throat) to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining."