Rats. Debbie Ducommum

and helps to regulate body temperature. Without this special organ, a tailless rat is susceptible to heatstroke and should be kept in temperatures below 80° F. Some Manx rats can have deformities of the spine or abnormalities of the bowel because of poor breeding.

      A popular variety of rat is the Dumbo. These rats have slightly larger, thicker, and more rounded ears that are set low on the sides of their head, giving them a cuddly and sweet appearance.

      Each rat, whether she is white, beige, rex, hairless, or Manx, will exhibit the same basic rat behavior, modified by her own personality, of course. A rat’s personality does not depend on her appearance. Any rat, as long as she receives human socialization when young, makes an excellent and loving companion.