Pet Hedgehog Breeds & Types: Complete Guide [2026]

Hedgehog Species Overview

There are 17 species of hedgehog found across Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, only a small number are kept as pets, and one hybrid dominates the pet trade almost entirely.

African Pygmy Hedgehog (Most Common Pet)

The African Pygmy Hedgehog is not technically a single species but a hybrid between the Four-Toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Algerian Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus). This hybrid was developed through selective breeding for the pet trade starting in the 1980s.

Key Facts

• Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm), 300-600 grams
• Lifespan: 3-5 years (up to 7 with excellent care)
• Temperament: Curious, can be tame with regular handling
• Temperature needs: 72-80F (22-27C) — no hibernation ability
• Legal status: Legal in most US states (exceptions include CA, HI, GA, PA, and DC)

The African pygmy hedgehog is the species covered in virtually all pet hedgehog care guides, including our hedgehog care guide.

Other Hedgehog Species

These species are occasionally encountered but are not recommended or not legal as pets in most regions.

Algerian Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus)

• Size: 8-10 inches, larger than the African pygmy
• Range: North Africa, southern Europe
• Pet suitability: Sometimes kept in Europe; less common in the US pet trade
• Notes: One of the parent species of the African pygmy hybrid

Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus)

• Size: 6-9 inches with notably long ears
• Range: Egypt, Middle East, Central Asia
• Pet suitability: Kept as pets in some Middle Eastern countries; rare in the US
• Notes: More active and faster than African pygmies, can be flightier

Indian Long-Eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus collaris)

• Size: 6-8 inches
• Range: India, Pakistan
• Pet suitability: Very rare in the pet trade outside its native range
• Notes: Listed as a species of least concern but rarely bred in captivity for pets

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

• Size: 9-14 inches, 600-1,200 grams — much larger than African pygmies
• Range: Western Europe, UK, Scandinavia
• Pet suitability: Not legal as a pet. Protected wildlife in most countries
• Notes: Hibernates in winter, lives 3-7 years in the wild, commonly seen in gardens

African Pygmy Hedgehog Color Varieties

The African pygmy hedgehog comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Color is determined by the quill banding pattern, skin pigmentation, mask (facial markings), and eye color.

Standard Colors

Pattern Variations

Beyond base color, hedgehogs can display these patterns:

• Pinto — White patches scattered among colored quills, creating a spotted appearance. More white coverage is called a "high pinto"
• Snowflake — Roughly 30-50% white quills mixed evenly with colored quills
• White — Almost entirely white quills but with dark eyes (unlike albino)
• Reverse Pinto — Colored patches on a mostly white body

Mask Patterns

The facial mask also varies:

• Full mask — Dark coloring extends across the eyes and cheeks
• Split mask — Color is lighter or absent on one side
• No mask — Face is uniformly light-colored

Color and Price

Color significantly affects hedgehog pricing. Standard salt and pepper hedgehogs are the most affordable, while rare colors and patterns command higher prices.

Prices vary significantly by breeder, region, and demand. See our hedgehog cost guide for a complete breakdown.

Choosing a Hedgehog by Color

While color is tempting to prioritize, temperament and health should always come first. A reputable breeder will prioritize healthy, well-socialized animals over specific color traits.

Tips for choosing:

• Meet the hedgehog in person before buying — observe its behavior and temperament
• Ask about the breeder's health testing and lineage records
• Albino hedgehogs may be slightly more light-sensitive, so provide adequate hiding spots
• Avoid buying solely based on photos — color can look different in person

For complete care information regardless of breed or color, visit our hedgehog care guide.