Hairless rats are, obviously, bald rats without hair. There are various degrees of hairlessness, depending on the quality of the rat's breeding and  on the genetic type of hairlessness, however they will still have their whiskers. Many hairless rats also have a hair "fringe" around the ankles and sometimes around the testicles of males - most often a hairless with hair has it on their head. Stray hairs or patches of them on the body are strictly penalized by show standards.

There are several different genes which cause hairlessness. Some of them are linked to rex genes and are the result of extreme over-Rexing. Others are laboratory-developed genes meant to cause total nudity, some of which are linked to eye, lactation or liver problems.

AFRMA

"Hairless rats should have a thin, bright, rather translucent skin, free of scars or pimples, and be as hairless as possible. The skin may be of any color or recognized marking, and wrinkling should not be penalized. The eyes may be of any color, but should be bright and free from any problems. The ears should be very large and wrinkle free. The whiskers may be very short or missing."

RSA

"Hairless to be shown in AOV. To be as hairless as possible, with allowances for some facial hair. Preference shall be given to the rat with the least amount of hair. Disqualification: patches of hair on body."

RatsPacNW

"No hair on body but may have slight fuzz around eyes &  whiskers.  Rats may have curled or slight whiskers.  Skin should be healthy, not dull or flakey.  Body should conform to basic type, good length, nice eyes, etc."

URS

"To be as hairless as possible. Any recognized color and markings allowed. Eye color to match the appropriate color. Skin should be clean, healthy, and free of any imperfections. Whiskers to be curly or absent. Preference given to the least amount of hair. Ears in either variety, should appear larger. "

Hairless Doe (c) Emily Evenson

Hairless Buck (c) Emily Evenson