Types of Fur

by
Love7
Each fur has a set of unique features that can be exploited to suit your needs. It's important to understand these characteristics to know what fur would best benefit you. Fur ranges in density, length, color and feel based on the type as well as where it's sourced. Natural fur has warmth, breathability, and allure that simply can't be matched by synthetic materials; not to mention real fur takes much less of a toll on the environment. Here's some information that can help you learn more about each type of fur and what they have to offer.

Beaver Fur

Beavers are found in North America, Russia and northern Europe. The highest quality beaver fur is sourced from Canada and the northern United States. Natural beaver fur has long, shiny guard hairs and soft, thick under fur. Beavers have some of the densest fur in the animal kingdom with 10,000 hairs per square cm. Undyed beaver fur can range from deep black to brown. They're aquatic animals, so naturally their fur is water resistant. Their sleek guard hair and dense underfur help to keep water from getting to the skin. Water repellency and extraordinary warmth are two qualities that make beaver fur a choice material when producing winter outerwear. Beaver is used to construct all sorts of luxury fashion and home decor. The fur trade was an enormous part of the early Canadian economy and beaver fur was the driving force. In 17th century North America, beaver pelts were used by Indigenous peoples to barter for European goods. Origin: North America, Europe and Russia Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Soft thick underfur with long sleek guard hairs Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 2 inches Natural Color: Ranges from black to brown Special Qualities: Water repellent, extremely warm Softness rating: 7.5/10 Warmth rating: 10/10

Sheared Beaver Fur

Beaver fur is plucked and sheared to expose the super soft underfur. The shearing process yields one of the softest natural materials, which is velvet smooth to the touch. Although it's shorter, the sheared fur is still quite dense, which helps to retain a lot of its warmth. Because of this extreme comfort, it's an exceptional material to construct blankets, pillows or fashion. Origin: North America, Europe and Russia Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Ultra soft and dense Typical Length of Fur: ½ inch Natural Color: Ranges from black to brown Special Qualities: Extremely soft Softness rating: 10/10 Warmth rating: 8/10

Fox Fur

There are as many as 37 subspecies of fox that inhabit much of the earth. Many varieties are extensively farm raised in Scandinavia. In general fox fur is naturally long, soft and dense, but these characteristics vary depending on the type of fox. Fox fur exists in a broad range of natural colors such as red, grey, silver, blue, blue frost and white. Types of fox fur is easily dyed, so it can be found in nearly any color. It looks and feels glamorous; fox fur is one of the warmest and softest natural materials. These traits make fox one of the most coveted and widely used furs; it's one of the most popular furs used in constructing luxury fashion and home decor products. Fox is easy to ranch and was ranched extensively in the United States at the height of its popularity. As its popularity waned, however, American fox farmers turned to raising mink, with the result that almost all fox today comes from ranches in Scandinavia (especially Norway), other European countries, and Russia, where it has always been fashionable. The ranching made possible the development of mutations such as silver and platina fox, that are variations of the natural colors. Origin: Worldwide, farmed in Europe and Russia Wild or Ranch Raised: Depends on the type of fox Texture: Long, soft and lush fur Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 3 inches Natural Color: Red, grey, silver, blue, blue frost and white Special Qualities: Exceptionally long and soft with an array of natural colors Softness rating: 8-9/10 Warmth rating: 8-9/10

Red Fox Fur

Red foxes are found nearly worldwide, including North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. The highest quality red fox fur is sourced from Canada and the northern United States, which produces very long, dense fur. Red foxes have a long tail that typically measures longer than half of its body. Red fox is a vibrant, eye-catching red / rust color with lighter tones mixed in. A combination of stunning color and decadent texture makes red fox a highly touted fur that’s extremely popular in high end fashion and home decor. Origin: North America, Europe, Australia and Asia Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Long, soft and dense fur Typical Length of Fur: 2 - 2.25 inches Natural Color: Rusty red tones with blonde and white tones Special Qualities: Beautiful natural color and luxurious texture Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 8.5/10

Grey Fox Fur

Grey foxes are found in the southernmost points of Canada, the United States and northern South America. They have dense, mid-length fur. The underfur is soft and lush, while the guard hairs are more rigid than most types of fox. Grey and black guard hairs contrast with rusted blonde underfur to create a stunning natural colorway. Grey tones dominate a stripe that runs down the back of the fox. This interesting pattern looks dazzling when applied to a piece of luxury fashion or home decor. Origin: North America, Europe, Russia and Australia Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Dense and mid-length fur Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 2 inches Natural Color: Grey and black with red and blonde tones Special Qualities: Beautiful natural color and pattern Softness rating: 8/10 Warmth rating: 8/10

Silver Fox Fur

Silver foxes are extensively ranch raised, but are also found wild throughout the Northern hemisphere and Australia. The fur has long, wispy guard hairs and soft, dense underfur. Silver fox has a naturally gorgeous colorway that includes black, silver and white. Silver fox is not only gorgeous, it will also keep you warm. The beauty, warmth and feel make it a perfect material for high end fur fashion and decor. Origin: North America, Europe, Russia and Australia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Long, soft and dense fur Typical Length of Fur: 2 - 3 inches (cm) Natural Color: Black, white and silver tones Special Qualities: Beautiful natural color and luxurious texture Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 9/10

Blue Fox Fur

Blue foxes are almost exclusively farm raised in Scandinavia. The fur is exceptionally soft and full, but slightly shorter than red or silver fox. Blue fox pelts can come in a variety of natural colors that range from white with black highlights to bluish brown to a near true blue. Because blue fox can produce fur that’s nearly completely white, it’s ideal for dying. This combination of features makes the fur a luxurious, versatile material when applying it to fashion and home decor. Origin: Scandinavia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Mid-length, soft and dense fur Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 2 inches Natural Color: Ranges from true blue to blue brown to white with black highlights Special Qualities: Soft and uniform in length Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 9/10

Blue Frost Fox Fur

When a silver fox breeds with a blue fox, a blue frost fox is the product. It is sometimes also referred to as indigo fox. A blue frost fox takes attributes from both of the parents. The texture of a blue frost fox is similar to that of a blue fox. The fur length of both blue and blue frost fox is shorter and more consistent than a silver fox. Blue frost fox adopts the black, white and silver coloring of silver fox. The main difference between the coloring of the two is that blue frost fox is more uniform. From the guard hairs to the under fur, blue frost fox is extremely soft and dense. Blue frost fox is primarily used to create fashion products, but is used in home decor from time to time as well. Origin: North America, Europe, Russia and Australia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Mid-length, soft and dense fur Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 2 inches Natural Color: Black, white and silver tones Special Qualities: Beautiful natural color and uniform length Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 9/10

Crystal Fox Fur

A crystal fox is a silver fox or blue frost fox that goes through a crystalling process. The crystalling process adds red and blonde tones to the underfur, while retaining much of the silver and black tipping of the guard hairs. This process creates a unique colorway that’s truly stunning. It's a sought after material that's used when creating fur fashion and decor pieces. Origin: North America, Europe, Russia and Australia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Soft and dense fur Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 3 inches Natural: Black and silver tipping with rusty red and blonde underfur Special Qualities: Beautiful color and luxurious texture Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 9/10

Shadow Fox Fur

Shadow fox is a variation of blue fox; it's the whitest of the blue fox variations. It's usually almost completely white with some black tipping on the guard hairs. The natural color of the fur makes whitening or dying the fur very easy. Origin: Scandinavia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Mid-length, soft and dense fur Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 2 inches Natural: White with minimal black tipping Special Qualities: Mostly white, easily whitened or dyed Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 9/10

Arctic Fox Fur

Arctic fox inhabit some of the northernmost regions of the globe, including northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, Iceland, Scandinavia and Greenland. The fur is soft, but not as dense as most fox fur. Most of the time white fox require a whitening process to ensure that the fur doesn’t turn yellow. Some arctic fox has darker tipping, which also requires whitening. It’s not as durable as other fox fur, so it isn't not frequently used in fashion or home decor. Arctic fox is typically used in northern communities where the animals are abundant. Origin: Northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, Iceland, Scandinavia and Greenland Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Soft wispy fur Typical Length of Fur: 2 inches Natural Color: White, sometimes with black tipping Special Qualities: Not used often in fashion or home decor Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 9/10

Mink Fur

Mink is native to North America and mainly ranch-raised in North America and Scandinavian countries. Ranch raised mink fur tends to be fuller with deeper, more vibrant natural color. Very few wild mink are trapped any more because ranched mink are so superior in quality and color. Undyed mink is available in an incredible array of colors. The fur is about an inch long, which allows for a coat that is less bulky and more flattering to the female figure. Mink's known for its glamour and durability; a mink coat can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Female mink are smaller and have softer, lighter pelts than the males. Consequently, more female skins are needed for a coat than male skins. It’s just as warm, however, the weight may be less. Mink is used in all sorts of fashion and decor, but is renowned for its application in luxury fur coats. Origin: Native to North America, farmed in North America and Scandinavia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Soft, durable and lush fur Typical Length of Fur: ¾ - 1 inch Natural Color: White, mahogany, tan, black and most shades in between Special Qualities: Luxurious and durable Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 8.5/10

Sheared Mink Fur

Mink is plucked and sheared in order to expose super soft underfur. This is a coveted fur that’s unbelievably soft. Although length is reduced, it retains a lot of it’s warmth. Shearing mink shows the material in a whole new light. It's used to produce some of the most luxurious and desirable pieces of fashion and home decor. Origin: Native to North America, farmed in North America and Scandinavia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Short, ultra soft and lush fur Typical Length of Fur: ¼ - ½ inch Natural Color: White, mahogany, brown, black and almost all shades in between Special Qualities: Ultra soft, luxurious and durable Softness rating: 9.5/10 Warmth rating: 7.5/10

Rabbit Fur

Similar to the way that cows are raised for beef and the hides are tanned to make leather; rabbits are raised in Europe and Asia for food purposes while the pelts are tanned to be used for other means. Rabbit fur is exceptionally lightweight and soft. Rabbit fur comes in a range of natural colors and can also be dyed. Mid-length guard hairs and ultra soft underfur provide an exceptionally comfy and lightweight material. Rabbit fur is an affordable alternative to some of the more glamorous furs and is frequently used to create home decor and fashion products. Origin: Nearly worldwide Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Soft mid-length fur Typical Length of Fur: 1 inch Natural Color: Ranges from white to brown to black Special Qualities: Soft and lightweight Softness rating: 8.5/10 Warmth rating: 6/10

Rex Rabbit Fur

Rex rabbits are the product of a recessive gene discovered in wild French rabbits in the year 1919. This breed of rabbit produces a unique fur without long guard hairs, which exposes natural velvet soft underfur. Rex rabbit fur is short, lightweight and stands up straight. Because of the super soft texture, rex rabbit is used quite frequently in fashion and home decor. Origin: France Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Short, ultra soft fur Typical Length of Fur: ¾ inch Natural Color: Ranges from white to brown to black Special Qualities: Super soft and lightweight Softness rating: 9.5/10 Warmth rating: 5/10

Sheared Rabbit Fur

Rabbit fur is plucked and sheared to expose a super soft underfur. It’s usually sheared to a level of about ½ an inch. Sheared rabbit is an amazingly soft fur, which is ideal for constructing cozy home decor and fashion pieces. Origin: Worldwide Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Short, soft fur Typical Length of Fur: ½ inches Natural Color: Ranges from white to brown to black Special Qualities: Soft and lightweight Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 5/10

Raccoon Fur

Raccoons are found throughout North America, Central America, as well as northern regions of South America. The distinguishing tail of a raccoon alternates between black and tan rings. Its guard hairs are long and silver with black tips. Raccoon fur is durable and when taken care of properly, will last a lifetime. The iconic coonskin cap was made famous by the folk hero Davy Crockett, the “King of the Wild Frontier”, which helped to popularize raccoon fur. Nowadays raccoon fur is used to create all sorts of fashion and home decor products. Origin: North America and northern South America Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Soft underfur with long guard hairs Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 2 inches Natural Color: Grey, white and brown with black tipping Special Qualities: Durable with unique pattern Softness rating: 7.5/10 Warmth rating: 7/10

Finn Raccoon Fur

Finn Raccoons are native to Asia. They’ve been introduced to Eastern Europe and are mainly farm raised in Scandinavia. A finn raccoon has unique fur; it has exceptionally long, wispy guard hairs in comparison to its short, thick underfur. It also has a stunning natural colorway that ranges from a deep amber to golden tan with black tipping. Because of this beautiful natural design, it’s become popular in the world of fur fashion. Origin: Native to Asia, usually farm raised in Scandinavia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Soft, dense underfur and long wispy guard hairs Typical Length of Fur: 2-3 inches Natural Color: Golden tan or amber with notes of black and grey Special Qualities: Long fur with exceptional natural color Softness rating: 8/10 Warmth rating: 7/10

Sheepskin

Sheep with the densest and softest wool are raised in New Zealand and Australia. Sheepskin is extremely durable; pound for pound it’s stronger than steel. Due to this tremendous durability, sheepskin products can last for years with minimum upkeep. Sheepskin is windproof and water resistant, making it perfect for just about any weather condition. Wool has breathable fibers that act like a natural thermostat to regulate heat and reduce excess moisture. The high density of sheep's wool helps to distribute weight evenly, which is great for slippers as well as medical pads that prevent bedsores. These amazing benefits make it an ideal material to construct fur fashion, home decor and even medical products. Origin: New Zealand and Australia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Soft, dense wool with supple leather backing Typical Length of Fur: 2-3 inches Natural Color: Ivory Special Qualities: Warm yet breathable, reduces moisture and evenly distributes weight Softness rating: 8/10 Warmth rating: 8/10

Shearling Sheepskin

Shearling sheepskin refers to a sheepskin that’s tanned with wool in tact. Strong leather and soft sheared wool create a material that’s simultaneously lightweight and durable. It’s exceptionally warm and breathable, which means it can keep you warm without causing overheating. Shearling is very popular in boots, slippers, gloves, mittens and jackets. Shearling is the shepherd's coat that's traditional to many eastern European and Asian countries from Hungary to Afghanistan. These coats are often embroidered on the suede side, and the fur side may have longer hair. A shearling jacket is also "traditional" jackets for western cowboys and ranchers. Until not long ago, shearling was considered heavy. However, better tanning methods have made the finest-quality shearling much lighter, heralding their arrival on the fashion scene. Origin: New Zealand and Australia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Short, dense wool with supple leather backing Typical Length of Fur: ¾ - 1 inch Natural Color: Ivory Special Qualities: Warm yet breathable, reduces moisture and evenly distributes weight Softness rating: 7.5/10 Warmth rating: 8/10

Mouton Sheepskin

Mouton sheepskin refers to sheepskin that has been processed to resemble beaver or seal fur. Lamb's wool is straightened, then treated to produce a highly soft, durable, water repellent finish. Mouton is often dyed brown, grey or black to look like sheared beaver or seal. It's extremely plush and it features a soft, velvet-like feel. It’s frequently used to produce Russian style Ushanka and Cossack hats. Origin: New Zealand and Australia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Soft, short and dense wool Typical Length of Fur: ¾ - 1 inch Color: Usually dyed brown or black Special Qualities: Water repellent, exceptionally warm yet breathable Softness rating: 8/10 Warmth rating: 8/10

Mongolian and Tibetan Lambskin

Mongolian and Tibetan lambskin are very similar; both are long and wavy with a soft texture. They’re mainly raised in Asia, in open pastures where the animals are allowed to graze freely. Mongolian lamb is naturally white, so it’s easily brightened or dyed. This makes it quite versatile; it’s mainly used in home decor but also in fashion products. Origin: Asia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised (Free roaming) Texture: Long and wavy with soft texture Typical Length of Fur: 3 inches Color: Naturally white, easily dyed Special Qualities: Unique long, wavy wool Softness rating: 8.5/10 Warmth rating: 8.5/10

Persian Lambswool

Persian lamb is also called karakul or caracul. It used to be called astrakhan as well. The sheep are raised for their meat and wool in Russia and Central Asia. They’re also raised in Namibia, which was introduced by the German colonists in the early 20th century. Persian lamb from Namibia is trademarked Swakara. Bukhara is the finest Russian lamb wool. Persian lamb is popular in the United States and European fashion scene, especially Germany. The fibers are uniquely short with a tight curl, which are exceptionally soft. The best-wearing Persian lambskin is natural brown, grey, and white. At times it’s dyed black to avoid the whiteness of the leather from showing through the curls. Persian lamb today, thanks to better breeding, comes in a wider range of natural colors and is lighter in weight than even a few years ago. Origin: Russia, Central Asia and Namibia Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Soft wool with tight curls Typical Length of Fur: ¾ inches Natural Color: Brown, grey and white shades Special Qualities: Unique long, wavy wool Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 8/10

Coyote Fur

Coyotes are indigenous to North and Central America. They are predators, and often considered as pests since they may attack domestic and farm animals. There are two breeds that inhabit North America: eastern and western coyote. Eastern coyotes are slightly larger than their western cousins. The fur is long and dense with exceptional insulating properties. It’s also one of the strongest, most resilient furs available. Coyote fur has one of the most beautiful and rustic natural colors, which includes shades of golden blonde, black, white and grey. Because of the combination of stunning natural beauty, warmth and durability, coyote is used extensively in fashion and home decor. Origin: North and Central America Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Long, thick and durable fur Typical Length of Fur: 1.5 - 2.5 inches Natural Color: Golden tan with notes of black, white and grey Special Qualities: Warm and durable with beautiful natural color Softness rating: 7.5/10 Warmth rating: 9/10

Muskrat Fur

Muskrats are native to North America, but have also been introduced to Europe, Russia and South America. The muskrat has a short, thick underfur with a glossy layer of long guard hairs that are water resistant. Muskrat fur is rich brown with grey underfur. It’s a warm, durable fur, which will defend against harsh weather conditions. Muskrat is normally used to make winter fur hats. The name muskrat comes from glands near the tail that give off an odor, musk. Musk is used in perfumes and cosmetics. Muskrat are found all over the United States, mainly in marsh areas that are unsuitable for agriculture. It is extremely hardy and prolific, which means that it would become a pest if not trapped. At times, in fact, it has become so numerous that it's left the marshes for farmlands where it's caused severe damage. Origin: Native to North America, also introduced to Europe, Russia and South America Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Soft thick underfur with long guard hairs Typical Length of Fur: 1 - 2 inches Natural Color: Rich brown with grey underfur Special Qualities: Water repellent and warm Softness rating: 8/10 Warmth rating: 8.5/10

Badger Fur

The American badger is located throughout Canada and the United States. They tend to be trapped in the wild, so both color and density vary depending on where and when the badger is trapped. For the most part, badger fur has black and white guard hairs with creamy, tan underfur. American badger is the softest of all badger furs. Contrary to the tough character of the animal, their fur is quite soft. Badger fur is normally used to produce winter hats. Origin: North America Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Soft with long guard hairs Typical Length of Fur: 1 - 2 inches Natural Color: Grey with brown, black and blonde tones Special Qualities: Water repellent, exceptionally warm Softness rating: 8/10 Warmth rating: 7.5/10

Chinchilla Fur

Chinchillas are native to western South America, specifically the high Andes. The fur is extremely soft and lush fur, which has made it one of the most sought after furs since the 1600s. With more than 20,000 hairs per square centimeter, a chinchilla has the highest fur density of any animal. While a human grows only 1 hair per follicle, a chinchilla grows upwards of 50. Natural chinchilla fur has a distinctive, recognizable ombre pattern containing a range of grey tones. Chinchillas that are used in fur fashion and home decor are solely farm raised. Origin: Western South America Wild or Ranch Raised: Ranch Raised Texture: Short, super soft Typical Length of Fur: ¾ - 1 inch Natural Color: Ranges from light to dark grey Special Qualities: Amazingly soft and dense Softness rating: 10/10 Warmth rating: 7/10

Sable Fur

Sable is a type of marten known for its luxurious fur, which has been one of the highest regarded commodities in Russia for centuries. Top quality sable fur is sourced from Russia, followed closely by Canada, while the lowest quality sable comes from China or Japan. Hunting of wild sable still occurs in Russia, but much of the fur used in fashion is farmed. Sable fur is exceptionally warm and soft with sleek guard hairs. The color ranges from amber to a silver-brown. Sable is regarded as one of the finest furs and is almost exclusively used to create luxury fur fashion. Origin: Russia, Canada China and Japan Wild or Ranch Raised: Largely ranch raised Texture: Short, super soft Typical Length of Fur: 1 - 1.5 inches Natural Color: Ranges from amber to silvery brown Special Qualities: Long, lush fur with beautiful natural coloring Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 8.5/10

Lynx Fur

Lynx live in North America, Europe and Russia. The fur is spotted, but the markings depend on where the animal is sourced. Canadian lynx has subtle marks, while the markings of a Montana lynx are more pronounced. A bobcat (bay lynx) has strong markings and thinner fur. The Russian white lynx has a snow white pelt; it’s the rarest of all lynx because of the strict regulations that the Russian government has placed on the hunting and trade of the animal. It’s the only long-haired fur that will not shed. Lynx fur in general is long, silky soft and cozy warm. The rarity, variation and truly special spotted pattern make it a particularly desirable fur. Lynx is normally used to construct fur fashion, but on occasion is used for home decor. Origin: North America, Europe and Russia Wild or Ranch Raised: Wild Texture: Long and soft Typical Length of Fur: 2 inches Natural Color: Spotted white or light brown fur Special Qualities: Will not shed, stunning spotted pattern Softness rating: 9/10 Warmth rating: 9/10
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