Know Your Gerbil Breeds
While there are over 100 species of gerbils found in the wild, only two are commonly kept as pets. Understanding the difference between these two species, and the wide variety of colors available within the most popular species, will help you make an informed choice when adopting.
The Two Pet Gerbil Species
1. Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
This is by far the most common pet gerbil. Virtually every gerbil you will find in a rescue or pet store is a Mongolian gerbil. They are social, curious, and relatively easy to care for, making them excellent pets for families and first-time small animal owners. [1]
- Size: 4-5 inches body length, with a tail of similar length
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Social Needs: Must be kept in same-sex pairs or small groups
- Colors: Available in a huge range of colors (see below)
2. Fat-Tailed Gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi)
Also known as the "duprasi," this species is less common but is growing in popularity. They are named for their distinctive, club-shaped tail, which stores fat reserves much like a gecko's tail. They are generally considered even calmer and more docile than Mongolian gerbils. [2]
- Size: 3-4 inches body length, with a short, fat tail
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Social Needs: Can be kept alone or in pairs (same-sex)
- Colors: Typically a sandy yellow-grey with a white belly
Mongolian Gerbil Color Varieties
Mongolian gerbils have been selectively bred to produce a stunning range of coat colors and patterns. The base color of the wild Mongolian gerbil is Agouti (a golden-brown with black ticking), but through selective breeding, many other colors have been developed. [3]
| Color Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Agouti-Based | Agouti (wild type), Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Lilac |
| Self Colors | Black, White (albino), Cream, Dove, Blue |
| Dilute Colors | Argente Golden, Argente Cream, Champagne |
| Spotted Patterns | Spotted, Pied, Mottled |
| Other | Colorpoint (Siamese-like markings), Sable |
The American Gerbil Society (AGS) maintains the official breed standards for Mongolian gerbil colors and patterns in the United States. [4]
References
[1] Omlet. (n.d.). Gerbil Breeds. https://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/gerbils/getting_a_gerbil/breeds/
[2] A-Z Animals. (2023). 2 Cheapest Gerbils To Keep as Pets. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/cheapest-gerbils-to-keep-as-pets/
[3] AEMV. (2024). Gerbil. https://aemv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/aemv_trifold_gerbil_web_7-31.pdf
[4] American Gerbil Society. (n.d.). Colorpoint. https://www.agsgerbils.org/colorpoint