Varieties

Type, Temperament, Health

The General Standard of Excellence

"The mouse under the coat, colour and markings."

The mouse must be long and slim on the body; with long clean head, not too fine or pointed at the nose. The eyes should be large and bold with plenty of width between them. The ears should be large, perfectly smooth and prominent, and free from creases, with plenty of width between them. The tail should come well out of the back and be thick at the root or set-on, gradually tapering to a fine point. The tail should be free from kinks, the length being at least equal to the mouse's body.

The general impression should be one of elasticity and strength; a mouse of good size is neither too clumsy nor heavy, nor too narrow and light. The size and type of the mouse varies according to colour- and marked varieties. Bucks are heavier than does, with broader cheeks.

The mouse must be completely tractable and healthy. A mouse with completely missing whiskers due to other than genetic reasons, blind in one or both eyes, carrying external parasites, having a tumor, sore or patches of fur missing, suffering from any obvious disease or deformity, overtly obese or skinny, or kinked tail shall be disqualified. A mouse can get judged if there are enough of whiskers so that the colour of the muzzle can be judged. With ears, the original shape of the ears must be clear to see.

Some General Remarks

There are always some limitations when it comes to written standards. Especially when it comes to colours, words can't give the exact idea of the mouse's required appearance. In order to form a picture of ideal mouse of any colour or marked variety, it is of great importance to attend shows. Working as a show secretary gives an excellent insight to mouse varieties. While breeding for certain varieties, feedback from shows is an important way of learning to strong and weak qualities of your mice.