What Kind of Fur Does a Chinchilla Have?

Both the short-tailed and long-tailed chinchilla have fur that is markedly thick and smooth in texture. Every individual hair follicle makes way for about 60 separate hairs, according to Animal Diversity Web of the University of Michigan. The fur on the tail differs slightly in texture, and has a rougher feel to it. Since the fur isn't packed very tightly onto these chinchillas' bodies, it has a tendency to fall out very easily. The uber-thick chinchilla fur is handy, as it helps defend the rodents against frigid weather situations.

In general, short-tailed and long-tailed chinchillas possess fur that is grayish-blue on the top, with white, yellow or off-white underbellies. The silky fur is usually black on the edges, as well.

Both species of chinchilla are classified as being "critically endangered" animals by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, as of the 2008 reports. Illicit hunting for the prized fur is a serious problem for chinchillas that wander freely throughout their native South American geographic scope. This unlawful hunting is especially common in isolated regions. To produce one single coat out of chinchilla fur, 100 of the rodents are necessary, indicates The Zoo in Forest Park. Populations for both species are believed to be going down. However, conservation efforts for keeping chinchillas going strong are in full motion.

Although the two species of chinchillas have very similar fur, throughout history the fur of short-tailed chinchillas has generally been considered more of a catch because of its perceived stronger grade, indicates The Zoological Society of London's EDGE website. Short-tailed chinchillas are also usually slightly bigger than their long-tailed counterparts, which means that they have more actual fur to offer, as well.