Hedgehog Variations
White Belly Dominant Colors
Snowflake Colors
The Snowflake category comprises those animals that possess a fairly even mix of banded and non-banded spines. This gives the hedgehog the appearance of having a light "snowflake'' dusting over its back.
This is a recessive variation of the dominant colours.
This is a recessive variation of the dominant colours.
White Colors
The White category comprises those animals that possess almost 100% solid white spines. The few banded spines that these hedgehogs have are localized to the forehead area, with a few possible across the remainder of the back. These few banded spines on the back, however, should count no more than 10. Any more than this and it is categorized as a Snowflake.
There is a total of 15 White possibilities in the White-Bellied colour spectrum.
There is a total of 15 White possibilities in the White-Bellied colour spectrum.
Algerian Colors
Although the term "Algerian'' is commonly used to refer to a species of hedgehog, the IHA also recognizes it as a separate color category from that of the White-Bellied colors. A hedgehog exhibiting the color traits of an Algerian may or may not exhibit the physical traits. (larger body, longer nose and larger ears) Since the two species have been interbred to produce the domestic hedgehog, the only true trait of the Algerian species left is the color as this does not mix with the colors of the White-Bellied species.
Algerian colored hedgehogs can be easily distinguished by looking at the "eye" or "cheek" patches as shown on the left. If the hedgehog has cheek patches, then the hedgehog in question is in the Algerian color range. If it does not, then the hedgehog is in the White-Bellied range. This is a far more accurate means of identification than the older method of looking for "cream" or off-white colored quills, rather than the white quills of the White-Bellied species.
Algerian colored hedgehogs can be easily distinguished by looking at the "eye" or "cheek" patches as shown on the left. If the hedgehog has cheek patches, then the hedgehog in question is in the Algerian color range. If it does not, then the hedgehog is in the White-Bellied range. This is a far more accurate means of identification than the older method of looking for "cream" or off-white colored quills, rather than the white quills of the White-Bellied species.