subject: Ferret Colors - An Overview [print this page] The American Ferret Association categorizes ferrets based on the color and the pattern of the colors on the ferret. The association evaluates a ferret based on the following definitions:
Ferret colors: The four aspects of ferret colors are:
the guard hair
the undercoat
the eyes
the nose
Ferret Patterns: The concentration and distribution of colors over the body, the nose and the mask are defined as ferret patterns. The American Ferret Association has categorized eight ferret colors described as follows:
Albino Ferrets: In scientific terms albino means lack of pigmentation. Therefore in albino ferrets, the guard hairs will be white and there will be no color patterns. The eyes are ruby red and the nose is pink
Black Sable Ferrets: The hairs are ash, black to brown, with black shine. Warm brown tones are noticeably absent. The Undercoat hair is white and cream. Eyes are dark brown to black. Nose is ash blackish brown.
Black Ferrets: In ferrets of this type, the guard hairs are true black colored. The undercoat is white or lightly golden tinted. The eyes are almost black. The nose is black, almost black or speckled
Champagne Ferrets: The hairs are tan or chocolate in color. The undercoat is white. The eyes are light burgundy. The nose is beige, light brown with 'T' outline.
Cinnamon Ferrets: The hairs are rich reddish brown but lightly hued. The undercoat is golden hued. The nose is light to burgundy in color. The nose is brick colored, pink or brick colored with 'T' outline.
Chocolate Ferrets: The guard hairs are warm brown chocolate in color. The undercoat is white and the eyes are brown to burgundy. The nose is pink, beige or light brown 'T" outlined.
Dark-eye white Ferrets: The hair is white or cream, the undercoat is white and the eyes are burgundy. The nose is pink in color.
Sable Ferrets: The hair is warm brown, the undercoat is white and the eyes are brown. The nose is light brown or brown 'T' outlined.
These are the ferret colors that are officially accepted during competitions and for breed certification purposes. Use these guidelines to choose a pedigree ferret.
