Dwarf rats offer several benefits as pets, including their smaller size, which can make them more suitable for homes with children or those who prefer a low-maintenance pet. They have similar temperaments to full-sized rats, making them energetic, playful, and affectionate. Dwarf rats are also more resistant to certain forms of cancer, which can contribute to their longer lifespan. Additionally, they require the same housing requirements as standard rats, making them easy to care for.

​

How Big Do They Get and How Much Do They Weigh?

​

Dwarf rats grow to be about 40% to 70% of the size of adult rats. Many people confuse them with mice because they’re so small.

​

However, mice and rats have different temperaments, diets, play schedules, and lifespans. Let’s break down the two variables that affect how big your dwarf rat will likely get:

1. Weight: Male and female dwarf rats average about 100 grams, which makes them about ¼ to ½ the weight of a normal rat (Source: Once Upon a Mischief). While some of them can grow up to 150 grams, it’s not uncommon for them to be even smaller than the aforementioned 100-gram estimate.

2. Size: Dwarf rats can be as small as ⅓ of the size of a normal rat. This means they’ll be about 3 to 4 inches long in most cases (this measurement includes their tail). If your dwarf rat keeps growing after this length, it could mean the breeder didn’t properly disclose the rat’s growth hormones.

​