Ferret Variations
Ferret people have made up many ferret colors over time, but really, there are only four basic colors. The Sable (including chocolate and dark), Albino, Dark Eyed White (DEW), and the silver. All the other crazy colors of a ferret fall right into one of these four categories. There are also certain patterns and markings that a ferret can have with his color. For example, a sable can be a sable mitt if he has a bib and his feet are all white. That is a pattern. Here are some common patterns: mitt, badger, blaze, hooded, roan, Siamese or pointed patterned, panda, and Shetland. A marking would be for example a sable bib, which would mean that the ferret has only a bib and no white feet, which is why he couldn't be a sable mitt. Some common markings include white tips at the tail, bibs, white feet, and rings around the eyes.
Common Color Combination: Sable, Silver, Silver Mitt, Sable Panda, Dark Sable, Chocolate Sable, Albino, DEW, and Hooded Sable. Believe it or not, some ferrets do actually change colors. Below are pictures of "Zach," who changed from a sable panda, to a very, very, light silver.
The Two Types of Ferret Hairs
Ferrets have two types of fur. Guard hairs are the hairs that show up the most on a ferret. They are also the longest. The Undercoat of a ferret is the fur underneath the guard hairs. The undercoat protects the ferret from cold.