Top-eared Rat

Coat and looks how to spot one

Standard ear type (upright ears on top of the head); any coat

A top-eared rat carries the classic rat ear: fairly upright, rounded, smooth ears sitting on the top of the head and spaced well apart, smaller and less eye-catching than dumbo ears. The body is long and slightly racy with a long, clean head, big bright eyes and a tail that tapers to a fine tip and is about as long as the body. Any coat, colour or marking can come with top ears.215

Personality what they are like

Ear type does not change personality, so top-eared rats are the same warm, inquisitive companions as any fancy rat. The AFRMA standard expects every rat to be calm and easy to handle, and with regular, gentle handling they become tame and enjoy interacting with people.214

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Lively and curious, most active from evening into the night. Daily supervised time out of the cage, climbing, foraging games and short training sessions keep them busy and content.46

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rats keep themselves clean, so no routine brushing or bathing is needed. Spot-clean the cage regularly, refresh bedding, and use daily handling time for a quick look over the coat and ears.47

Home where they are happiest

The largest multi-level cage you can fit, with shelves, ropes, ladders, hammocks and hideouts, dust-free bedding such as cellulose or shredded paper, and a quiet spot kept at about 19-23 C, away from direct sun and draughts.63

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete rat nugget or pellet as the daily base, with small amounts of vegetables, a little fruit, grains and cooked egg counted into the ration. Save sweet or fatty bits for training rewards, scatter some food for foraging, and keep fresh water available from a bottle.7

Company who they like around

Highly sociable. Keep with at least one other rat, as a same-sex pair or small group or a neutered mixed pair, and offer daily time with people.41

The story where it all began

Top ears are simply the ear type every domestic rat had before the Dumbo appeared in California around 1991. Organised rat showing began in 1901 when Mary Douglas entered her pet rats at an English exhibition and her black-and-white hooded rat took Best in Show. Today breed clubs such as the AFRMA describe the top ear in their general standard.182

Recognised by the official bits

American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA)

The general AFRMA rat standard describes the standard ear: set well apart, held upright, rounded, of good size and without folds or creases. It applies to every variety except Dumbo.2

National Fancy Rat Society (UK)

UK national rat club, founded in 1976. The NFRS shows standard-eared rats alongside its separate Dumbo ear variety.1