Ferret Colors - The Varieties There Are

For ferret lovers, without a doubt, one of the reasons why they get hooked is ferret colors, a unique trait that adds to their attraction. It is interesting characteristic that make these creatures all the more eye-catching. While many different colors have been made up over time, there are actually only four basic colors: there's the Sable, Albino, Dark Eyed White (DEW) and Silver. 

The rest of the colors you find in ferrets fall under any of each of these four. It is the difference in color combinations and patterns that play an important role in making one distinct from the other. A pattern is for instance, a sable ferret that sports a bib yet the feet are all white. Other patterns you may find are badger, blaze, hooded, roan, Siamese or pointed patterned, panda and Shetland.

Ferret colors vary by their guard hairs and undercoats. The guard hairs are their basic coats and are often longer while undercoats, found of course under their guard hairs. This hair is slightly shorter and softer and the color is usually lighter than that of the guard hairs. It helps protect the ferret from cold.

A Sable ferret is dark, ranging from darkest brown to black and the undercoat around the neck, belly and back is normally cream in color and often shows through. The tail and legs match the color of the body and a mask - a pattern that accentuates the eye area - typically runs across the eyes.

With Silver ferrets, guard hair is basically white with traces of silver-like strands all over. They are often mistaken for DEWS if they sport white hair everywhere save for the tail that has minimal silver guard hair and a few strands around the eyes minus a full mask.

DEW ferrets have guar hair that is completely white and their eyes are either brown or black. The Albinos on the other hand, sport an all-white hair too but their eyes come in either red or pink.

Ferret colors tend to change which is the reason why you may notice your pet to sport different colors in its lifetime. Some may get darker in time and some may lose their color. Silver ferrets have the tendency to turn lighter and become Dark-eyed Whites or DEWs. Though their colors often vary in shade, this does not determine the ferret's character. While it is commonly believed that albinos are livelier than most of the ferret breed, it is definitely not true.

Nowadays, because of the crossbreeding that humans conduct over different kinds of pets, you will possibly find a wide range of ferret colors. However, it is important to realize that determining the ferret's color doesn't mean it will determine your ferret's character as well. Their character can be shaped according to the discipline, the love and the care the owner would be giving the pet.