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|subtext1= Small Rodent Section

|subtext1= Small Rodent Section

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==Introduction==

===Overview===

There are approximately 90 species of gerbil but most kept as pets are either a Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) or a derivative of a Mongolian. Therefore the examples included below are not strictly breeds but more of a selection of colours/types that are most commonly encountered. The selection has been derived from "The Gerbils" website at http://thegerbils.com/colors1.htm. Further information can also be found at the UK National Gerbil Society at http://www.gerbils.co.uk/.

There are approximately 90 species of gerbil but most kept as pets are either a Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) or a derivative of a Mongolian. Therefore the examples included below are not strictly breeds but more of a selection of colours/types that are most commonly encountered. The selection has been derived from "The Gerbils" website at http://thegerbils.com/colors1.htm. Further information can also be found at the UK National Gerbil Society at http://www.gerbils.co.uk/.

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===Agouti Colours===

==Agouti Colours==

*Usually have a white belly and tri-coloured hairs. Usually grey near the skin followed by a yellow band and a black ticking at the furthest end of the hair. Eyes are usually black.

*Usually have a white belly and tri-coloured hairs. Usually grey near the skin followed by a yellow band and a black ticking at the furthest end of the hair. Eyes are usually black.

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===Self Colours===

==Self Colours==

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Image:Black_gerbil.jpg|'''Black''' <p> WikiCommons

Image:Black_gerbil.jpg|'''Black''' <p> WikiCommons

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===Colorpoint===

==Colorpoint==

Characterised by lighter bodies and darkened points. Gerbil fanciers often refer to this genetic mutation as "Burmese".

Characterised by lighter bodies and darkened points. Gerbil fanciers often refer to this genetic mutation as "Burmese".

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===Standard Markings===

==Standard Markings==

*'''Spotted''' - usually small white diamond on forehead and sometimes around neck. White markings do not go down to shoulders but stay on back. <br>

*'''Spotted''' - usually small white diamond on forehead and sometimes around neck. White markings do not go down to shoulders but stay on back. <br>

*'''Pied''' - usually small white diamond on forehead, around neck and down to shoulders and back. <br>

*'''Pied''' - usually small white diamond on forehead, around neck and down to shoulders and back. <br>

Image:Mottled.jpg|'''Mottled Markings''' <p> geocities.com

Image:Mottled.jpg|'''Mottled Markings''' <p> geocities.com

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===Other Species of Gerbil===

==Other Species of Gerbil==

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Image:Fat_tailed.jpg|'''Fat Tailed''' <br> ''(Pachyuromys-duprasi)'' <p> WikiCommons

Image:Fat_tailed.jpg|'''Fat Tailed''' <br> ''(Pachyuromys-duprasi)'' <p> WikiCommons

Image:Indian_gerbil.jpg|'''Indian''' <br> ''(Jird)'' <p> WikiCommons

Image:Indian_gerbil.jpg|'''Indian''' <br> ''(Jird)'' <p> WikiCommons