The Hedgehog Emporium

Here at The Hedgehog Emporium we pride ourselves in breeding hedgehogs for temperament as well as colour.  Our hand raised babies are tame and touchable as well as maximizing colour quality.  As members of The Hedgehog Breeder's Alliance (HBA) we are working closely with other Breeders on an international level to co-ordinate our efforts and maintain the highest quality Hedgehogs for future generations.  Every baby born in our Emporium (every parent too) is registered with the International Hedgehog Registry, part of the International Hedgehog Association (IHA) to track data on lineage in an effort to eradicate hereditary Hedgehog illnesses.

This site is designed to connect hedgehog enthusiasts, or curious individuals, with resources to maximize their enjoyment of these adorable little pets as well as inspire those considering the purchase of a Hedgehog to first consider the superior quality of Hoglets available from HBA Breeders across the country, rather than the miserable and neglected Hedgehogs that I've only ever seen in Pet Stores.  HBA Breeders not only provide higher genetic quality, but also much better temperament and colour quality.  As a rule, if you can't pick it up with bare hands don't buy it.

The Hedgehog Emporium is a family run hobby herd maintained by husband and I in Hamilton, Ontario.  I am a Chemist working in QC at a Niagara Region winery while he attends school in pursuit of a Master's degree.  Although we have kept Hedgehogs as pets since 2002, I think it is our combined scientific interest that drove us to consider breeding them.  Since we began we have tracked every birth and every pedigree.  We are diligent to not only help ourselves maintain excellent standards, but in the hopes that our clients will enjoy their pets and love them as much as we certainly do.

These records are also an attempt to validate and expand on the research previously reported by Ryan N. Dickey on the genetic basis of Hedgehog colour inheritance.  His preliminary inheritance models have provided a theoretical framework within which much more detailed research can be conducted.  We are interested in expanding the available knowledge of hedgehog genetics not only to Breeders but for the general public and interested students to gain a better appreciation of this work.  Currently we are producing a variety of colour patterns including Snowflakes, Whites and Dilutes.  These patterns can be observed with all of the base colours we produce including Dark Grey, Chocolate and Cinnamon, but not Albino. Although some of his reported colours are not recognized by the IHA, Ryan's explanation of general inheritance mechanisms will help you understand the difficulties involved in this type of research.