17 Different Types of Hedgehogs (With Pictures) PDF

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. 17 Different Types of Hedgehogs (With Pictures) By Nicole Cosgrove Jan 13 2023 Did you know that all hedgehogs are considered exotic pets? It’s true! Some regions of t...

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. 17 Different Types of Hedgehogs (With Pictures) By Nicole Cosgrove Jan 13 2023 Did you know that all hedgehogs are considered exotic pets? It’s true! Some regions of the world even have bans on owning hedgehogs as pets, including the domesticated breeds. In fact, there are only four domesticated breeds of hedgehogs that can be kept as pets. We’ll introduce you to 17 different types of hedgehogs, including both domesticated breeds and wild species. The 17 Types of Hedgehog Breeds 1. African Pygmy Hedgehog Image Credit: szabfer, Pixabay The first of our domesticated hedgehog breeds, the African Pygmy hedgehog is also known as the “four-toed hedgehog”. They are one of the most popular types of domesticated hedgehogs sold as pets. Solitary, nocturnal, and energetic, they can run as much as five miles a night! ADVERTISEMENT FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS ON STATE MINIMUM COVERAGE 2. Algerian Hedgehog Image Credit: Best dog photo, Shutterstock The next most popular of all domesticated hedgehog breeds, a distant relative of the Algerian hedgehog was domesticated by the Romans in the fourth century to be used for meat, quills, and pets. They usually grow to be about 7–10 inches long. 3. Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog Image Credit: AmyAlyssa, Shutterstock Smaller than European hedgehogs, when found in the wild this domesticated breed will often hibernate for short periods of time in summer and winter. Long-eared hedgehog breeds are naturally parasite prone, so be sure to source one from a reputable dealer if you’d like to keep one as a pet. 4. Indian Long-Eared Hedgehog Image Credit: Nishant Vaze, Shutterstock The last of four domesticated hedgehog breeds, these animals are native to India and Pakistan. This means that the Indian Long-Eared hedgehog can handle both extreme heat and extreme cold much better than most hedgehogs. ADVERTISEMENT Select cat treats Shop now 5. European Hedgehog Image Credit: Erik_Karits, Pixabay Found across much of Europe, these are often called the common hedgehog. They can grow to up to a foot in length and live as long as 10 years. 6. Southern White-Breasted Hedgehog 2008 Hedgehog 1020932 (Image Credit: Nevit Dilmen, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 3.0 Unported) Found in Eastern Europe and Western Asia, the Southern White-Breasted hedgehog differs from the European mainly by its white belly and its habit of making a nest from grass as opposed to digging. Related Read: 14 Things You Can Feed a Hedgehog (and What to Avoid) 7. Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog Image Credit: Marcus Molinder, Pixabay Easily recognizable by their white bellies, these hedgehogs were originally found in Eastern Europe, but have spread to Russia, Ukraine, and the Caucasus region. ADVERTISEMENT 8. Amur Hedgehog Image Credit: zoosnow, Pixabay Native to Central Asia, the Amur hedgehog can grow up to a foot long. They are also found in South-Eastern Russia, Korea, and China. 9. Somali Hedgehog Image Credit: Anastasiia Gru, Shutterstock Found only in Somalia, these small hedgehogs have a white belly with brown or black legs. You may also like: 9 DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures) 10. Southern African Hedgehog Southern African Hedgehog (Image Credit: Pius Mahimbi, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 2.0 Generic) The handsome South African hedgehog has a distinctive white stripe on its head against otherwise dark fur. They can be found in countries like Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. ADVERTISEMENT 11. Daurian Hedgehog whohasapetbo… View profile 1,137 followers View more on Instagram 10 likes Add a comment... A protected species in Russia and Northern Mongolia, the diminutive Daurian hedgehog grows to only around 6–8 inches long. 12. Hugh’s Hedgehog lifecatalog.ru View profile 163 followers View more on Instagram 16 likes Add a comment... Native to Central China and Manchuria, the voracious appetite of the Hugh’s hedgehog sometimes leads it to look for food during the daytime—a behavior not shared by other hedgehogs. 13. Desert Hedgehog Desert Hedgehog (Image Credit: Chen Ein-Dor, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 4.0 International) The pint-sized prince of hedgehogs, Desert hedgehogs only grow up to six inches long. They can be found in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. ADVERTISEMENT Select cat treats Shop now 14. Indian Hedgehog Image Credit: Nishant Vaze, Shutterstock Though they bear a similar name to a domesticated hedgehog, this different species is found only in the wild. They live in the high mountain areas of India and Pakistan and are most distinguishable by their small size and mask-like face markings. Also See: How to Take Care of a Hedgehog (Care Sheet & Guide) 15. Brandt’s Hedgehog Brandt’s Hedgehog (Image Credit: Shah Jahan, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 4.0 International) The Brandt’s hedgehog is naturally found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen. It has very dark fur and quills, and much larger ears than most hedgehogs. When threatened, they have been known to jump at predators spikes-first! 16. Gaoligong Forest Hedgehog whohasapetbo… View profile 1,137 followers View more on Instagram 15 likes Add a comment... Only discovered as recently as 2018, this unique species can only be found on the slopes of Mt. Gaoligong in the Yunnan province of China. They hibernate between October and April—almost half the year! ADVERTISEMENT ENJOY NEW STREAMING OPTIONS SIGN UP NOW STARTING AT $999/MONTH 17. Bare-Bellied Hedgehog wildtamilnadu Tirunelveli View profile View more on Instagram 23 likes Add a comment... Endemic to Southeastern India, this rare species was long thought to be extinct. Now, they can be found regularly in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Another interesting article on the topic: Algerian Hedgehog Final Thoughts Found all over the world, hedgehogs are fascinating animals that tend to go unnoticed. We appreciate you taking the time to peruse our list of hedgehog species, and hope that you enjoyed learning more about our favorite spiky mammals! Related Reads: How Much Does It Cost to Own a Hedgehog? Why Is My Hedgehog Losing Quills? (Hedgehog Quilling) Brandt’s Hedgehog Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog Featured Image Credit: amayaeguizabal, Pixabay Written by Nicole Cosgrove Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know... Read more Contents [show] Related articles Do Hedgehogs and Rabbits Get Along? What You Need To Know! READ Are Hedgehogs Hypoallergenic? What You Need to Know! READ Why Do Hedgehogs Burrow? 5 Possible Reasons READ Are Hedgehogs Affectionate? Do They Like to Cuddle? READ Search for 1. Baby Hedgehogs For Sale 2. Pet Hedgehogs For Sale 3. Cheap Pet Insurances Sponsored Local Didn't find what you need? Use the search! Search Search our database of over 12965 posts with upto-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Want to talk to a vet online? Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Ask a vet Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. 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