The 9 Different Types Of Ferrets

The 9 Different Types Of Ferrets

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Even if you know nothing about them, you know what ferrets look like. These furry animals have long bodies, short legs, and dark masks over their eyes that make them distinctive from other pets.

While some of the more traditional pets like cats and dogs come in a variety of breeds, the pet ferret doesn’t. Ferrets are actually a domesticated form of a mammal related to the weasel, so there is only a single species. That being said, there are a variety of different colors. Read on to learn more.

9 Types Of Pet Ferret

You won’t find ferrets in the wild but may come across an animal that looks like them. The ferret is a domesticated form of the European polecat (Mustela putorius) which is native to northern Morocco and western Eurasia. Like their relatives, ferrets are usually dark brown with a pale belly and dark face mask.

Though there is only one species of ferret, there are many different ferret colors and patterns. The American Ferret Association has identified four basic colors: sable, albino, dark-eyed white, and silver. All other ferret colors are a variation of one of these four basic categories.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the different types of ferrets:

1. Sable

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: Brown, cream, white

The most common color seen in ferrets is the sable color and variations on it. This is the typical brown ferret with a top layer of dark brown guard hairs with a lighter undercoat that varies from white to cream, even gold in color.

The black sable is a popular variation of this color. Black sable ferrets have dark blackish brown guard hairs with the same light or white undercoat. It’s very rare to see completely black ferrets – they almost always have a light-colored undercoat.

2. Albino

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: White

A true albino ferret is white or cream-colored with red eyes or pink eyes and a pink nose. Ferrets that  have white fur but don’t have red eyes and noses are not true albinos but more likely a dark eyed white or black eyed white ferret.

3. Dark-Eyed White

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: White

Dark-eyed white ferrets have white to cream-colored fur with dark burgundy eyes. White ferrets were preferred during the Middle Ages because the white coat was easier to spot in the undergrowth.

4. Silver

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: Various

The roan pattern or silver ferret is any ferret (excluding albino ferrets) in which 50% or more of the guard hairs are white. In most cases, this type of ferret gains more white guard hairs each time it sheds – this process is called “roaning out.” White fur may appear in a variety of locations on the body such as the white feet, legs, and tail. White patches under the neck are called a white bib.

5. Chocolate

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: Brown

As you can probably imagine, the chocolate ferret color is largely brown. This ferret type has a milk chocolatey appearance to it with a rich brown topcoat with a white undercoat. The eye color is usually dark brown or black with a brown or pink nose.

6. Cinnamon

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: Light brown, reddish brown

This particular color is not recognized by the American Ferret Association but is still fairly popular. Cinnamon ferrets are fairly uncommon and have an overall light brown to reddish-brown guard hair coloration. The undercoat ranges from white to golden in color and the nose ranges from beige to pink to red.

7. Champagne

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: Tan, light brown

Champagne ferrets are sometimes referred to as diluted chocolate ferrets because they have an overall brown color but in a lighter hue. These ferrets have light brown guard hairs and white to cream undercoats with light-colored eyes, though they are sometimes red in color.

8. Panda

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: Contrasting colors

As you can probably imagine, panda ferrets exhibit contrasting head and body colors much like a panda. The darker color is typically found on the hips and shoulders with light-colored mitts on the feet. You may also see white fur on the tail and many panda ferrets have colored rings around the eyes.

9. Mutt

• Origin: Europe
• Price: $75 to $250
• Size: Up to 20 inches
• Color: Multiple colors

The name mutt simply refers to ferrets that have a variety of colors and patterns. Mutt ferrets can have a white head with a solid body, spots or stripes, or any combination you can imagine. It’s a bit of a catch-all name for ferrets that exhibit more than one feature.

There are simply too many different colors of ferrets to describe, but here are some of the other color patterns you may come across:

• Siamese ferrets (color point)
• Blaze ferrets
• Sable mitt ferrets
• Dalmatian ferrets
• Striped ferrets

The Benefits Of Owning A Pet Ferret

Not only are ferrets beautiful animals, but they make wonderful pets as well. Like all pets, however, keeping a ferret healthy and happy is a responsibility and a privilege. Take the time to learn the basics of proper ferret care before you commit to make sure you are able to provide for your new pet’s needs.

Though ferrets can certainly be challenging at times, they are also an absolute joy.

Here are some of the benefits ferret owners may experience:

• Ferrets are very intelligent pets which means yours will always keep you guessing. Keep in mind, however, that with intelligence comes curiosity – ferrets can be mischievous and have been known to get themselves into trouble without adequate supervision.
• The cost to keep a ferret is fairly limited once you purchase the right cage and supplies. Ferrets are very active and social animals, so they do best with a lot of time outside the cage. You should expect to spend $75 to $250 to purchase a ferret and another $100 or so on the cage.
• The ferret is a social animal that does very well in small groups. You should definitely consider getting a pair of ferrets rather than a single individual, so they have each other for company.
• Ferrets are very playful and they can bond closely with their owners. To make sure your ferret gets the exercise and mental stimulation it needs, be sure to provide plenty of toys. You may even be able to train your ferret to do simple tricks with positive reinforcement.
• The ferret is a fairly clean animal and can often be litter trained. It’s best to wait to see where your ferret tends to do his business then place the litter box there for a quick and easy transition. Be sure to use non-toxic litter and clean the box often.

Ferrets are smart and entertaining pets, but they aren’t the best choice for everyone. These pets are not ideal for families with small children or for households with other pets that might chase the ferret.

Read on for some more important facts to know about ferrets.

What To Know Before Getting A Ferret?

If you’re an experienced pet owner, you already know the basics of providing your pet with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and all the love he needs. Unless you’ve owned a ferret before, you may not know what you’re getting into.

These pets can be challenging at times, but it is well worth it.

Here are some other important things to consider for pet ferrets:

• The domestic ferret is an entirely different species than the black-footed ferret but belongs to the same genus, Mustela. Black-footed ferrets are critically endangered and was actually thought to be extinct until the 1980s but have since been bred in captivity and reintroduced.
• Though ferrets are sometimes thought to be smelly, they are actually pretty clean. This misconception comes from the fact that they have a natural musk, but you can minimize it with regular baths using ferret shampoo.
• Ferrets were rarely kept as pets until the 1980s but are still closely regulated in many areas. It is illegal to keep pet ferrets in Australia and New Zealand except with a license. Some US states require a permit as well, especially for breeding.
• The ferret has a fairly long lifespan up to 9 to 10 years, though some have been known to live longer. Getting a ferret is not a short-term responsibility and you can maximize your ferret’s life expectancy by providing an adequate diet.
• Ferrets are obligate carnivores like cats, so they require a high protein diet. They also have very fast metabolisms, so they need to eat every few hours to keep their energy up.

Whether you’re looking for a furry friend that will keep you company or an active pet that will provide endless entertainment, the pet ferret is well worth considering.

Take what you’ve learned here to decide which type of ferret to get then check out our other guides to get started with your new pet!