AFRMA Rat Color Comparisons

This page is where we show some rat color comparisons. Some of these are best guesses based on looks and possible genetics. Test breedings would need to be done to determine genetics of color. When rats have many colors thrown in the breeding pot, all kinds of unusual colors can show up. Ideally, when wanting to make a new color, you should take known colors that don’t carry unknown genes, so when you add a new gene, you can be better educated when a new color shows up, what the new color is genetically.

When you have a color you aren’t sure of, look at what the parents and siblings were. Some colors look like lighter versions of known colors so that means you probably have another gene showing or is being carried. To determine what colors are having an affect, breed to the color you think it is, e.g. a light Beige out of Mink, breed to a Mink. If it looks blueish, breed to Blue. Remember Chocolate, Mink, Blue, and Russian Blue all have dilution effects, e.g. Chocolate Agouti looks like a lighter redder Agouti or dark Cinnamon, but when put next to an Agouti or Cinnamon you can see the difference.

Note: Because of differences in monitors (CRT/LCD) and how the monitor is adjusted, these colors may be different. Seeing in person is always best.

AGOUTI COLORS

BEIGE & FAWN COLORS

BLUE COLORS

CHOCOLATE COLORS

Agouti vs. dark Agouti

6-week-old Agouti female vs. her dark Agouti brother, out of an Agouti (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Cinnamon (litter included Agouti, Black, Silver Russian Dove/Russian Platinum, Cinnamon, Russian Blue Agouti, Russian Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2017 Karen Robbins.

Agouti vs. Chocolate Agouti vs. Cinnamon

Chocolate Agoutis are brighter/redder compared to normal Agouti. Next to an Agouti they look Cinnamon and next to a Cinnamon they look Agouti.NEED parents of BWR 121715-BRN02 Cinn & Choc Ag if you find them

A 15-day-old litter clockwise starting upper L: Agouti, Chocolate Agouti Satin, Chocolate Agouti, Chocolate Self. Out of Agouti and Chocolate Agouti (litter included Black, Agouti, Chocolate Agouti Standard and Satin, Chocolate). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2016 Nicole Housel.

24-day-old litter of an Agouti female vs. her Cinnamon brother out of Agouti and Cinnamon Pearl (litter included Agouti, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Pearl). Cinnamons look brown compared to the black/red of the Agouti. Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2014 Karen Robbins.

A Cinnamon vs. Chocolate Agouti 4-month-old rats out of xx and xx (litter included Agouti, Chocolate Agouti, Cinnamon). Chocolate Agoutis look like Agouti next to Cinnamon but are redder and have chocolate ticking instead of black. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2016 Nicole Housel.

Agouti and Agouti Essex vs. Chocolate Agouti Essex vs. Cinnamon Essex

Normal Agouti next to a Chocolate Agouti Essex and Cinnamon Essex.
Essex is a fading gene that also lightens the colors a bit. See the Essex Standard.

Agouti vs. Chocolate Agouti Essex vs. Cinnamon Essex

7-weeks-old L–R: Agouti out of Agouti Essex and Agouti (litter included Agouti, Chocolate Agouti?, Agouti Essex, Chocolate Agouti? Essex, Chocolate Fawn?) vs. her half sisters Chocolate Agouti Essex vs. Cinnamon Essex that had the same Agouti Essex dad and a Chocolate Cinnamon? Essex mom (litter included Fawn Essex, Chocolate Fawn?, Chocolate Fawn? Essex, Chocolate Agouti? Essex, Agouti, Mink Fawn?). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

...and the back view (L–R) of the 7-week-old Agouti vs. her half sisters Chocolate Agouti Essex vs. Cinnamon Essex. The Agouti has a very square butt. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Agouti Essex vs. Chocolate Agouti Essex vs. Cinnamon Essex

A 3-month-old Agouti Essex male out of an Agouti Essex and Agouti AOC (litter included Black Essex, Agouti Essex, and Cinnamon AOC). Rat owned and bred by by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2026 Karen Robbins.

L–R females: 4-month-old Agouti Essex out of Mink and Chocolate Agouti? Essex (litter included Chocolate Cinnamon? Essex Satin and Standard, Agouti Essex Standard) vs. a 1-year-old Chocolate Agouti Essex (details not recorded) vs. an 8-month-old Cinnamon Essex out of Blue Cinnamon? BWR Cream of Wheat and Russian Blue Agouti Essex (litter included Russian Cinnamon?, Blue Cinnamon? Essex, Cinnamon Essex, Blue, Silver Blue, Blue Agouti). Rats owned and bred by by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2023 Karen Robbins.

Blue Chocolate Agouti vs. Blue Agouti

Blue Chocolate Agoutis (Blue Cinnamons would be similar but lighter in color) are lighter than Blue Agouti.

A 5-month-old Blue Chocolate Agouti female out of a Chocolate Dove Self and Agouti AOC (initial thought was she was a Blue Cinnamon) (litter included Agouti, Cinnamon, Russian Blue, Russian Blue Agouti, Blue Chocolate Agouti, Silver Blue?/Chocolate Russian Cinnamon). She was bred with a mink-based Silver Russian Dove that carried Chocolate and produced Chocolate, Russian Blue, Blue, Silver Blue, Russian Blue Agouti or Blue Agouti, Blue Chocolate Agouti, Silver Blue Agouti or Silver Blue Chocolate Agouti. So the initial thought that she was a Blue Cinnamon was wrong. The Chocolate Agoutis can easily confuse a person as they look Cinnamon but when put next to a Cinnamon, you can see it looks like an Agouti. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

A 10-week-old Blue Agouti female out of a Blue Cinnamon and Black; litter also included Blue, Russian Blue Agouti, and possible Silver Blue Agouti. Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2022 Karen Robbins.

A 12-day-old Blue Agouti Bristle Coat Dumbo kitten, out of 2 Agouti Bristle Coats, with Blue and Blue Agouti siblings. Rat owned and bred by Jozzette Hagemann, Jozzy’s Rat Pack Rattery. Photo ©2016 Karen Robbins.

Blue Chocolate Agouti vs. Russian Blue Agouti

Blue Cinnamons are lighter than Russian Blue Agouti.

Russian Blue Agouti vs. Blue Chocolate Agouti

Blue Chocolate Agouti vs. Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?

Blue Chocolate Agoutis look dull and blue compared to the orangish of the Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?.

Blue Cinnamon vs Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?

A 5-month-old Blue Chocolate Agouti female (initial thought was she was a Blue Cinnamon) out of a Chocolate Russian Dove Self and Agouti AOC (litter included Agouti, Cinnamon, Russian Blue, Russian Blue Agouti, Blue Chocolate Agouti, Silver Blue?/Chocolate Russian Cinnamon) vs. a 6-month-old Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? male (originally thought to be Silver Blue Cinnamon; test breeding was done and he is just a carrier of Chocolate) out of a Chocolate Russian Dove Self and Agouti AOC (litter included Chocolate Russian Dove (later proven to be Mink Russian Dove), Agouti, Cinnamon, Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

...and the backs of the 6-month-old Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? male (originally thought to be Silver Blue Cinnamon; test breeding was done and he is just a carrier of Chocolate) vs. a 5-month-old Blue Chocolate Agouti female (initial thought was she was a Blue Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

Chocolate Russian Cinnamon/Silver Blue Cinnamon kitten

Chocolate Cinnamon vs. Cinnamon

Chocolate makes Agouti and Cinnamon colors redder.

6-week-old brothers: A Chocolate Cinnamon vs. Cinnamon Standard out of a Cinnamon and Mink (litter included Cinnamon and Chocolate Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? vs. Russian Cinnamon

Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? looks similar to Russian Cinnamon but are lighter and a tad different shade being more orangish. Ticking is not as distinct.

A 6-month-old Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? male (originally thought to be Silver Blue Cinnamon; test breeding was done and he is just a carrier of Chocolate) out of a Chocolate Russian Dove Self and Agouti AOC (litter included Chocolate Russian Dove which was later proven to be Mink Russian Dove, Agouti, Cinnamon, Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

A 19-day-old Russian Cinnamon kitten out of Russian Blue Satin and Cinnamon Standard (litter included Russian Blue Agouti, Cinnamon Satin, Mink Satin, Russian Dove Satin, Russian Dove, Russian Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Jozzette Hagemann, Jozzy’s Rat Pack Rattery. Photo ©2016 Karen Robbins.

6-week-old Russian Cinnamon vs. Russian Blue Agouti kittens out of Agouti (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Cinnamon (litter included Agouti, Black, Silver Russian Dove/Russian Platinum, Cinnamon, Russian Blue Agouti, Russian Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2017 Karen Robbins.

Russian Cinnamon vs. Russian Dove/Platinum kitten

6-week-old Russian Cinnamon vs. Russian Dove/Russian Platinum kittens out of Agouti (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Cinnamon (litter included Agouti, Black, Silver Russian Dove/Russian Platinum, Cinnamon, Russian Blue Agouti, Russian Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2017 Karen Robbins.

20-day-old Russian Blue vs. Russian Blue Agouti vs. Russian Cinnamon kittens out of Russian Blue (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Cinnamon (litter included Russian Blue, Russian Blue Agouti, Russian Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2014 Karen Robbins.

Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? (proven to just be a carrier of Chocolate) vs. Russian Blue Agouti

Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? are orangish next to a Russian Blue Agouti. Ticking is not as distinct.

A 6-month-old Chocolate Russian Cinnamon male (originally thought to be Silver Blue Cinnamon; test breeding was done and he is just a carrier of Chocolate) out of a Chocolate Russian Dove Self and Agouti AOC (litter included Chocolate Russian Dove, Agouti, Cinnamon, Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? vs. Russian Blue Agouti

...and the 6-month-old Chocolate Russian Cinnamon? male (originally thought to be Silver Blue Cinnamon; test breeding was done and he is just a carrier of Chocolate) vs. a 5-month-old Russian Blue Agouti male out of a Chocolate Russian Dove Self and Agouti AOC (litter included Agouti, Cinnamon, Russian Blue, Russian Blue Agouti, Blue Chocolate Agouti, Silver Blue?/Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

3 shades of Russian Cinnamon (a.k.a. Russian Dove Agouti)

4-week-old Russian Cinnamon kittens (a.k.a. Russian Dove Agouti).

4-week-old Russian Cinnamon (Chocolate) in 3 shades. They are out of a Mink-based Russian Dove (carries Chocolate) and an Agouti (litter included lt. Chocolate, Chocolate Agouti Russian Dove/Chocolate Russian Cinnamon, Russian Blue Agouti). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Dark Beige vs. light Beige Kittens

Dark Beige vs. light Beige. Standard calls for a warm grayish-tan, not too dark,
in between these two colors.

Mink-based Beige vs. Fawn vs. Beige

A Mink-based Beige looks like a very pale beige and has light ruby eyes.

A 3-month-old Fawn male (test breeding showed he was a ruby-eyed Cinnamon, not a ruby-eyed Agouti) out of a Russian Cinnamon bred to her brother (litter included Mink, Beige, Russian Blue Agouti, Fawn) vs. a 3-month-old light Beige female (test breedings proved her to be Mink-based) with light ruby eyes out of a Russian Dove and Mink Self (litter included Mink, Beige?, Cinnamon). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

Fawn vs. Blue Fawn? vs. P.E. Blue Cinnamon?

A Blue-Fawn? in the middle of a normal Fawn on the left and what looks like a Blue Cinnamon/Blue Chocolate Agouti? with Pink-Eyes on the right.
Test breedings need to be done to determine exact colors.

L: A 3-month-old Fawn male (test breeding showed he was a ruby-eyed Cinnamon, not a ruby-eyed Agouti) brother to the Fawn female below (test breedings showed she was a Fawn carrying Mink) out of a Russian Cinnamon bred to her brother (litter included Mink, Beige, Russian Blue Agouti, Fawn)
Mid: Blue Fawn? male 2 months old out of 2 Fawns (litter included Blue Fawn?, P.E. Blue Cinnamon?, Amber Champagne/PE Blue Chocolate Agouti?; there is Russian Blue, Blue, and Mink in background), brother to the P.E. Blue Cinnamon? female and the Amber Champagne male below pictured at 4 months
R: P.E. Blue Cinnamon? female, sister to the Blue Fawn? male.
Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

...and the back view:
L: 3-month-old Fawn male (test breeding showed he was a ruby-eyed Cinnamon, not a ruby-eyed Agouti), brother to the Fawn female below (test breedings showed she was a Fawn carrying Mink)
Mid: Blue Fawn? male 2 months old out of 2 Fawns, brother to the P.E. Blue Cinnamon? female;
R: P.E. Blue Cinnamon? female, sister to the Blue Fawn?.
Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

Blue Fawn? vs. Amber Champagne/P.E. Blue Chocolate Agouti?

Blue Fawns look like Fawn but with a different tone to the color.

The Blue Fawn? male now at 4 months old out of 2 Fawns (litter included Blue Fawn?, P.E. Blue Cinnamon?, Amber Champagne/PE Blue Chocolate Agouti?; there is Russian Blue, Blue, and Mink in background), brother to the P.E. Blue Cinnamon? female above and the Amber Champagne/P.E. Blue Chocolate Agouti? male to the right. Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

A 4-month-old Amber Champagne/P.E. Blue Chocolate Agouti? male out of 2 Fawns (litter included Blue Fawn?, P.E. Blue Cinnamon?, Amber Champagne/PE Blue Chocolate Agouti?; there is Russian Blue, Blue, and Mink in background), brother to the 4-month-old Blue Fawn male to the left and the P.E. Blue Cinnamon? female above. Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

A 4-month-old Amber Champagne/PE Blue Chocolate Agouti? male out of 2 Fawns (litter included Blue Fawn?, P.E. Blue Cinnamon?, Amber Champagne/P.E. Blue Chocolate Agouti?; there is Russian Blue, Blue, and Mink in background), brother to the 4-month-old Blue Fawn male. Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

P.E. Blue Cinnamon? vs. Fawn

This very pale pink-eyed Agouti-based rat looks like a very light Blue Cinnamon but has pink-eyes. She is next to a Fawn.
Test breedings need to be done to determine color.

P.E. Blue Cinnamon? female sister to the Blue Fawn male above, 2 months old, out of two Fawns (litter included Blue Fawn?, P.E. Blue Cinnamon?, Amber Champagne/PE Blue Chocolate Agouti?; there is Russian Blue, Blue, and Mink in background) vs. a Fawn female (test breedings showed she was a Fawn carrying Mink) 3 months old sister to the Fawn male above (test breeding showed he was a ruby-eyed Cinnamon, not a ruby-eyed Agouti), out of a Russian Cinnamon bred to her brother (litter included Mink, Beige, Russian Blue Agouti, Fawn). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

Russian Fawn vs. Mink Fawn vs. Russian Dove/Russian Cinnamon? Fawn (Russian ruby-eyed Cinnamon)

This shows different kinds of Fawn. Test breedings need to be done to determine colors.

Russian Fawn vs. Mink Fawn vs. Russ. Dove? Fawn

Russian Fawn male owned and bred by Liz Stauffer, Lizzies Lovlies. Russian Fawns look like a light/washed-out Fawn from the Russian Blue dilution. The photo doesn’t capture the color correctly, needs to be seen in person. Photo ©2000 Helen Pembrook.

A Mink Fawn (ruby-eyed Cinnamon) female out of a Russian Blue Agouti Essex and Mink (litter included Mink Fawn and Russian Dove Fawn) vs. a Russian Dove/Russian Cinnamon? Fawn female (a.k.a. Russian ruby-eyed Cinnamon) out of the same Russian Blue Agouti Essex and a Cinnamon? (litter included Agouti Essex Satin, Chocolate Agouti?, Mink Fawn, Agouti Standard and Satin). These are 3-month-old half-sisters. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2026 Karen Robbins.

The back view of the Mink Fawn female (ruby-eyed Cinnamon) vs. a Russian Dove/Russian Cinnamon? Fawn (Russian ruby-eyed Cinnamon; diluted in color from the Russian Blue) female. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2026 Karen Robbins.

...and the bellies of the Mink Fawn female (ruby-eyed Cinnamon) vs. a Russian Dove/Russian Cinnamon? Fawn (Russian ruby-eyed Cinnamon) female. The belly of the Russian Blue based color is creamier in color. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2026 Karen Robbins.

Platinum vs. Sky Blue

Platinum is a plain gray color where Sky Blue is a slate blue color.

Sky Blue vs. Silver Blue Kittens

Sky Blue is a darker, deeper color where Silver Blue is a brighter, cleaner-looking color.

5-week-old Sky Blue male vs. his Silver Blue brother. They are out of a Mink-based Russian Dove (carries Chocolate) and Chocolate Blue Agouti (litter included Russian Blue, dark Chocolate, Silver Blue Agouti, Sky Blue, Silver Blue). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

5-week-old Silver Blue male vs. his Sky Blue brother. They are out of a Mink-based Russian Dove (carries Chocolate) and Chocolate Blue Agouti (litter included Russian Blue, dark Chocolate, Silver Blue Agouti, Sky Blue, Silver Blue). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Silver Blue vs. Silver Blue Agouti Kittens

Silver Blue Agoutis have a light tan/yellowish look compared to the plain blue of the Silver Blue.

5-week-old Silver Blue male vs. his Silver Blue Agouti brother. They are out of a Mink-based Russian Dove (carries Chocolate) and Chocolate Blue Agouti (litter included Russian Blue, dark Chocolate, Silver Blue Agouti, Sky Blue, Silver Blue). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Silver Blue Agouti vs. Blue Agouti vs. Russian Blue Agouti

Silver Blue Agoutis are brighter/lighter compared to Blue Agouti or Russian Blue Agouti.

A 10-week-old Blue Agouti female vs. her Silver Blue Agouti brother out of Blue Cinnamon? Essex and Black (litter included Russian Blue Agouti, Blue Agouti, Blue, Silver Blue Agouti). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2022 Karen Robbins.

The 10-week-old Silver Blue Agouti male out of Blue Cinnamon? Essex and Black (litter included Russian Blue Agouti, Blue Agouti, Blue, Silver Blue Agouti). Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2022 Karen Robbins.

A 10-week-old Blue Agouti female out of a Blue Cinnamon? Essex and Black (litter included Russian Blue Agouti, Blue Agouti, Blue, Silver Blue Agouti). Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2022 Karen Robbins.

A 3.5-month-old Russian Blue Agouti male out of Russian Blue (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Cinnamon (litter included Russian Blue Agouti, Russian Cinnamon, Russian Blue). Russian Blue Agoutis are redder than Blue Agouti and have darker blue ticking. Rat owned by Jozzette Hagemann, bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2015 Karen Robbins.

Russian Blue vs. Russian Blue Satin vs. Russian Blue Agouti

dark Russian Blue vs. lighter Russian Blue

5-weeks-old: dark Russian Blue male vs. his lighter Russian Blue brother out of an Agouti (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Blue (litter included Russian Blue Standard and Satin, and Russian Blue Agouti). The dark male would be the one to show and breed; his brother has a brown tinge to his coat. Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2017 Karen Robbins.

Russian Blue Satin vs. Russian Blue Standard

5-weeks-old: Russian Blue Satin male vs. his Russian Blue Standard brother out of an Agouti (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Blue (litter included Russian Blue Standard and Satin, and Russian Blue Agouti). The Satin has a shinier coat compared to the dull-looking Standard kitten coat. Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2017 Karen Robbins.

A 22-day-old Russian Blue Agouti kitten vs. her Russian Blue Self sister out of Russian Blue and Russian Cinnamon (litter included Russian Blue Agouti and Russian Blue). Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2014 Karen Robbins.

5-weeks-old: Russian Blue male vs. his Russian Blue Agouti sister out of an Agouti (out of Russian Cinnamon) and Russian Blue (litter included Russian Blue Standard and Satin, and Russian Blue Agouti). Rats owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2017 Karen Robbins.

A 14-week-old Russian Blue male out of Russian Blue Satin and Russian Blue Berkshire (litter was all Russian Blue Standard and Satin). He has a nice dark color. Rat owned by Jozzette Hagemann, bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2015 Karen Robbins.

A 5-month-old Russian Blue Agouti male out of a Chocolate Russian Dove Self and an Agouti AOC (litter included Agouti, Cinnamon, Russian Blue, Russian Blue Agouti, Blue Chocolate Agouti, Silver Blue?/Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?). Russian Blue Agoutis are redder than Blue Agouti and have darker blue ticking. Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

Blue Agouti Essex vs. Russian Blue Agouti Essex vs. Blue Cinnamon Essex

Some Blue versions of Agouti Essex. See the Essex Standard for more.

A 6-month-old Blue Cinnamon? Essex male BWR Cream of Wheat (photo in the Jan.-Mar. 2023 e-news) (details not recorded). Rat owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2022 Karen Robbins.

Light Chocolate vs. dark Chocolate

The light Chocolates will have better color when they darken into adult coat. While the dark Chocolate kittens have nice color at this age, when they change into adult coat, it very often will be too dark and might be mistaken for a poor Black. See the Chocolate Standard.

A 4-week-old light Chocolate female out of Mink-based Russian Dove and Agouti (litter included lt. Chocolate, Chocolate Agouti Russian Dove/Chocolate Russian Cinnamon, Russian Blue Agouti) vs. a 5-week-old dark Chocolate male out of a the same Mink-based Russian Dove and a Chocolate Blue Agouti (litter included Russian Blue, dark Chocolate, Silver Blue Agouti, Sky Blue, Silver Blue). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Chocolate vs. Russian Blue

5-week-old Chocolate vs. Russian Blue (carries Chocolate).

5-week-old dark Chocolate male vs. his Russian Blue sister (carries Chocolate from mom) that has a bit of brown tint to the color. They are out of a Mink-based Russian Dove (carries Chocolate) and a Chocolate Blue Agouti (litter included Russian Blue, dark Chocolate, Silver Blue Agouti, Sky Blue, Silver Blue). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Front view of the 5-week-old Russian Blue female (carries Chocolate from mom) that has a bit of brown tint to the color vs. her dark Chocolate brother. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

...and the back view of the 5-week-old Russian Blue female (carries Chocolate from mom) that has a bit of brown tint to the color vs. her dark Chocolate brother. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Russian Blue Agouti vs. Chocolate

4-week-old Russian Blue Agouti vs. Chocolate kittens.

4-week-old Russian Blue Agouti male vs. his lt. Chocolate sister. They are out of a Mink-based Russian Dove and an Agouti (litter included light Chocolate, Chocolate Agouti Russian Dove/Chocolate Russian Cinnamon, Russian Blue Agouti). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Chocolate Champagne vs. Champagne

A chocolate-based Champagne looks like a light Champagne.

A 4-month-old male P.E. Chocolate (Chocolate Champagne) out of Cocoa and Champagne (out of Cocoa and Chocolate) (litter of 3 were all Champagne). Rat owned and bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©2000 Craig Robbins.

A 3-month-old male P.E. Black (Champagne) out of 2 Blacks (litter included Black, Chocolate, Champagne, Lilac). Rat owned by Leona Pasley, bred by Karen Robbins, Karen’s Kritters. Photo ©1987 Larry Ferris.

Chocolate Russian Dove (later proven to be Mink Russian Dove) vs. Mink Russian Dove

See the Russian Dove Standard which calls for a warm dove. The lighter, browner one is the correct color of the two below.

Chocolate Russian Dove vs. Mink Russian Dove

A 5-month-old male Chocolate Russian Dove (test breedings later proved him to be a Mink Russian Dove and not a Chocolate Russian Dove) out of Chocolate Russian Dove and Agouti (litter included Chocolate Russian Dove which later was shown to be Mink Russian Dove, Agouti, Cinnamon, Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?) that is more the correct color even though he is moulting (pic at 11 months below) vs. a 5-month-old male Mink Russian Dove that is more gray and stayed gray, out of Cinnamon and Russian Blue (litter included Silver Russian Dove which became less silvered later, Cinnamon, Agouti, Russian Blue, Mink Russian Dove). Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

...and the back view of the 5-month-old male Chocolate Russian Dove (later proven to be a Mink Russian Dove) vs. a 5-month-old male Mink Russian Dove. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2024 Karen Robbins.

Chocolate Russian Dove (later proved to be a Mink Russian Dove) vs. Russian Dove? Pearl (later shown to not be Russian Dove but just Pearl carrying Chocolate and ruby-eye dilute (RED)

A Russian Dove is a more solid-looking color where a Pearl is tipped in color.

Chocolate Russian Dove vs. Russian Dove Pearl

The Chocolate Russian Dove male from above (later proven to be a Mink Russian Dove) now at 11 months old out of Chocolate Russian Dove and Agouti (litter included Chocolate Russian Dove which later was shown to be Mink Russian Dove, Agouti, Cinnamon, Chocolate Russian Cinnamon?) vs. a 5-month-old male Russian Dove? Pearl out of a brown Pearl like him and Silver Mink (litter included Mink, Pearl?, Silver Mink). Test breedings of this Russian Dove? Pearl and his father of the same color have not produced Russian Blue so they are suspected to be Chocolate/RED (ruby-eye dilute) carrier Pearls rather then Russian Dove Pearls. Carrying Chocolate and RED causes Mink to be more brown in color as seen in proven breedings of non-Pearl Minks. Rats owned and bred by Nicole Housel, Black Wolf Rattery. Photo ©2025 Karen Robbins.

Go to AFRMA Rat Non-Recognized
AFRMA Official Rat Standard
Rat Type Issues - Judging 101
AFRMA Fancy Rat Varieties and Sections

Other good pages showing color comparisons are Mary Giles, Zephyr Rat Stud and Estelle Sandford, Alpha Centauri Stud, both in England.

August 30, 2026