DreamRatz Rattery

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween Everyone!

I know it's an old photo but we didn't get pumpkins this year. Maybe after today we will.

10/30/2026

MERLE DOGS VS MERLE RATS

One of the misconceptions we encounter when discussing merle rats is the tendency to compare their genetics directly to merle dogs. Although both animals can display a visually similar coat pattern, the genetics behind those patterns are not interchangeable.
A shared name does not mean a shared genetic mutation.

Let's look at the difference.

Merle in Dogs

In domestic dogs, merle is a well-documented genetic trait associated with the PMEL gene, also known as SILV.
The canine merle mutation involves the insertion of a short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) into the PMEL gene. This insertion affects pigment production and distribution, creating the characteristic patches of diluted pigmentation.
Canine merle genetics are particularly complex because the length of the insertion can vary. These variations influence the expression of the coat pattern and can have implications for breeding and health.
The potential hearing and vision complications associated with certain canine merle genotypes are well documented.

Merle in Rats

Fancy rat genetics recognize merle as a separate trait, represented by the genetic notation Me.
Rat merle is documented as a distinct genetic factor that interacts with the rat's underlying coat-color genetics.
Merle can appear on several different color backgrounds, including:

- Mink/Lilac Merle
- Silver Mink/Silver Lilac Merle
- Pearl Merle
- Cinnamon Pearl Merle

The resulting appearance is influenced by the combination of genes present in the individual rat.
Importantly, fancy rat genetic references use the Me notation, but the molecular identity of the rat merle factor should not be assumed to be the same as the identified canine PMEL mutation.

Why the Difference Matters

This is where we need to be careful about transferring information between species.
Just because a particular genetic combination in dogs is associated with a specific health concern does not automatically mean that the same concern applies to rats carrying a visually similar coat pattern.
Likewise, canine merle inheritance, genetic testing, and breeding recommendations cannot simply be applied to rats.
Different species have different genetic backgrounds, different mutations, and different interactions between genes.
We should evaluate each trait within the species in which it occurs.

Genetics Is More Than Appearance

At DreamRatz, we believe responsible breeding begins with understanding what we are actually breeding.
A phenotype is what we see. A genotype is the genetic makeup responsible for the traits being expressed.
Two animals can look remarkably similar while having completely different genetic mechanisms producing that appearance.
This is why we encourage breeders and owners to learn the genetics behind their animals rather than relying on comparisons based solely on appearance.
Merle rats are not merle dogs in smaller bodies. They are rats with their own distinct genetic traits, inheritance patterns, and genetic considerations.
The more accurately we understand those differences, the better equipped we are to make informed breeding decisions.

DreamRatz Rattery
Breeding with purpose. Learning through genetics. Improving through knowledge.

10/29/2026

The potato is officially stuffed! Can't wait to name these babies!

10/28/2026

Can make custom rats but might be a few weeks wait. Twenty five 📬💌

10/26/2026

I think it's important to have an honest conversation about where our knowledge of rats comes from. We learn from scientific studies, yes, but we also learn an incredible amount from experienced breeders who spend years working with specific varieties and genetic lines. Not every trait, health concern, or inherited problem has been studied in a laboratory, and not every variety of fancy rat is represented in scientific research. Laboratory rats and fancy rats bred for particular traits aren't necessarily interchangeable when it comes to understanding every line-specific health concern. Breeders observe generations of animals, maintain pedigrees, track health issues, watch how traits appear in offspring, and see patterns that may never have been formally investigated. In the marble rat community, breeders have reported a close association between tooth weakness and malocclusion. Even if the exact mechanism hasn't been thoroughly documented in published research, that doesn't mean these observations should be dismissed. A lack of published research is not proof that a problem doesn't exist. Breeder experience is a valuable source of evidence, particularly when the same concerns repeatedly appear across related animals and generations. Scientific research and breeder experience should complement one another, not compete for credibility. Science helps us test explanations and understand mechanisms, while experienced breeders can identify patterns and raise questions that research hasn't yet addressed. We shouldn't blindly accept every breeder claim, but we also shouldn't automatically dismiss years of practical experience simply because a peer-reviewed paper hasn't been published. Our responsibility is to remain observant, document what we see, share knowledge honestly, and keep learning. Ultimately, the goal isn't to win an argument about whose knowledge matters more. It's to improve rat welfare, make informed breeding decisions, and give our rats the best possible quality of life. 🐀❤️

10/26/2026

We had spinach that needed to be cooked up but the family is spinached out lol so I gave the rats spinach eggs chicken and salmon as a late night snack. They always have blocks and fruits and veggies but they rarely get cooked meals just for them so they are very excited

10/26/2026

This was the OG Marshall. These two were from the early start of my silvermane lines almost 7 years ago. The love that I have for this line is out of this world. I'm blessed to have such beautiful babies with the temperament of angels 🥰 great health, long lives. These two will never be forgotten!

10/24/2026

Omg yall my rattery just got me approved to be on a TV show!!! I'm so excited! 🤩

10/24/2026

Just a funny blooper from getting chest photos of everyone so I can for sure tell who is who lol why is she so cute

10/24/2026