Hedgehog Color Types

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. 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. A guide to hedgehog colors, quill patterns, and facial markings. 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. Pygmy hedgehogs, having been domesticated for several decades now, come in a whole range of different colours and patterns, some more common than others, and ranging all the way to the pink eyed, pure white albino to the dark Algerian black and everything in between.

I've made this simple guide to help with identification. Algerian Color Chart The IHC Standard explains it better then I ever could, so the following paragraphs are directly from their Color Standard. "Although the term " Algerian " is commonly used to refer to a species of hedgehog, the IHC also recognizes it as a seperate color category from that of the White.

*Hedgehogs can only be accurately identified on the color spectrum when they are full grown (around 6 months). Originally White Bellied and Algerian distinctions were actual color differences, back when the two species had not been as hybridized. It was visible in things like the white on the quills (whether it was a true white or more of a cream), mottling on the underside, some variations in.

Before we start to show you our hedgehog COLORS we would like to discuss the complex issue of hedgehog color classification. During the relatively short period of time that hedgehogs have been kept as pets, many groups and individuals have endeavored to formally classify all of these colors. The Classic Brown Hedgehog The most commonly seen hedgehog color is the classic brown or gray.

These hedgehogs have a warm, earthy tone to their spines, which can range from a light sandy shade to a deeper, richer brown. The individual spines may also have a banded pattern, with alternating light and dark sections. This natural coloration helps camouflage hedgehogs in their natural habitats.

USDA Licensed Hedgehog Breeder Since 2011Quill color: Banding is average-wide and is tan or very light pale brown color. Body color: skin is typically nude or white and belly may be mottled tan or pale brown. Facial color: Tan or very pale brown but may have a brown or grey hue.

Eye color: Black **Note: Dilute is a gene mutation rather than a true color. Some breeders refer to this color as.