Mink belongs to the Mustelidae family. It is one of the most important and highly valued fur animals in the world. Mink originates from North America, where its farming began in the late 1880s. The first mink were brought to Finland in the 1920s, but actual mink farming began in the 1930s. Wild mink do not tolerate other individuals of the same species, but young farmed minks have adapted to live with their siblings.

The original forms of mink are believed to be from Alaska and Quebec.

Mink are bred in various colour variants, from white and light grey to maroon and black. Different tones of brown are most commonly produced.

Size

• Females weigh 1–1.5 kg and males 2–3 kg
• The length of the body from snout to the start of the tail: males approx. 44 cm, females 38 cm