Mouse Breed

Question
Hi,
I recently purchased a new pet mouse, Johnlock, after losing my previous Satin to a mamory tumor, he seems perfectly happy and is willing to play all the time, however the owner didn't know the breed of Johnlock, he has really short fur that is kinda fluffy and he's pale grey with white patches and a white belly, he also has red/pink eyes, would it be possible for you to tell me his breed please?? And he chirps/chatters all the time, is this normal??
Thankyou in advance,
Alyxis Jayne.
(:

Answer
Hi Alyxis,

Mice don't really have "breeds" per se like dogs or cats do, but they do have different coat types and colors (as I am sure you noticed with your previous satin).  However, if Johnlock was not specifically bred from one line or another of mice, he may have kind of a mix of genetics that don't quite fit into any one standard!  If you send a picture it would be much more helpful in trying to figure out what he is.

I'm not sure what you mean by fluffy, but it sounds like he has a short haired coat type.  A light grey with pink eyes can be a dove, or more rarely, a silver.  The white patches are called white spotting.  Therefore, the best I can determine from your description is that he is probably a spotted, short haired, dove mouse.  Here is a great description of different coats, colors, and the genetics behind them:  http://www.hiiret.fi/eng/breeding/varieties/index.html

I'm also not certain what you mean by chirping and chattering.  If he is clicking or chirping when he breathes, this can be a sign that he has or once had an upper respiratory infection.  However, if he just squeaks now and then when startled or playing, he may just be speaking to you!

I'd love to help more, so if you need clarification or help with anything else, just let me know!
-Tam