The eight common hedgehog color categories include salt and pepper, white-bellied, white, snowflake, Algerian, black, pinto, and albino hedgehogs. From jet black to pure white, there's a hedgehog for everyone. But what do all of those colors mean? And why do hedgehogs change color anyway? This guide will answer all of your questions about hedgehog colors and explain what each one means.
Hedgehog color genetics have come a long way in just 10 years. We currently recognize 92 colors in two distinct group classifications - White-Bellied and Algerian. To understand why there are 2 color groups is to understand the genesis of the domestic hedgehog.
hedgehog color chart | Hedgehog colors, Color chart, Color
The domestic hedgehog that we have in North America, South America, parts of Europe and Japan is the result of the crossing of two. For example, a hedgehog with the genotype {Bb Ruru} will have a much higher probability of being born Chocolate than Brown or Gray, but the dominant Ru gene is quite variably expressive and can result in any color between the two extremes of Gray and Brown. There are so many hedgehog colors that it can be hard to know where to start! Learn about the different types of colors and classes in our simple guide.
Hedgehog Color Guide This color guide is a work in progress as it has become clear over the years that the color system that I learned early in my days as a hedgehog judge is not valid. The original system was based on the assumption that the reason for some of the variation is that our pet hedgehogs are a hybrid of the white bellied and Algerian hedgehog species. It sounded like a good idea.
Hedgehog Colors
We are very excited to be an integral part of the helping to bring the African Pygmy Hedgehog out of the "monochrome" wild world, and into the "Kodachrome" future of the domestic hedgehog! Gary studied genetics in college, the technical aspects of color breeding really gets him enthusiastic. Hedgehog coat color is determined by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. The genes responsible for coat color are inherited from the hedgehog's parents.
A hedgehog's color and pattern are determined by genetics, much like in other animals. Breeding pairs with certain colorations and patterns may produce offspring with a mix of traits from both parents. What is a gene? The basics of animal genetics explained Understanding color genetics in African pygmy hedgehogs How to predict offspring colors: A simple guide for breeders Pinto, Reversed Pinto and beyond: Understanding pattern genes How Roan and Platinum are different: Color graying explained A complete color guide to African pygmy hedgehogs.
Hedgehog Colors: For Color Breeding – Atlantis Hedgehogs
Chestnut versus sorrel? Paint or pinto? And how do you breed for color? Use our guidelines to about coat color and equine color genetics.
