My history/line information. My main/primary dwarf line are a result of line-breeding within my mentors’ marten line to achieve my first dwarf buck (STL Bandit) and going forward, I’ll then further that same line to hopefully produce more dwarf bucks which I will utilize in my program. The goal is to continue producing martens primarily.

Secondly, I was graciously given a pair of dwarf-carrier sisters from Blue Stone Siamese Rattery in Maryland, who will be line-bred to achieve a secondary dwarf line, though of a markedly different variety; namely variegated and otherwise minimally-marked rexoid dwarfs.

Dwarf care & considerations. A dwarf rat is not just a small rat, it is a specific recessive gene that causes dwarfism and reduced growth hormones. They are quite small around 80-120g fully grown. They also have cosmetic features that let you know they are a dwarf: smaller feet, thinner shorter tails, larger-looking eyes or sometimes a stout, squished body shape. Because of their reduced growth hormone, they’re less prone to tumors and tend to have a longer lifespan as a result. They can also be prone to obesity.

Comparisons to their standard siblings.