The African Hedgehog and the Algerian Hedgehog are the types most often kept as a pet in North America. In other parts of the western world, the European Hedgehog is most popular. African and Algerian Hedgehogs are very similar, and are sometimes crossed in captivity to create a hybrid. Both species require the same diet and care.
African and Algerian Hedgehogs are seen in many different colors. Some of these colorations include albino, cinnacots (pink skin with peach and tan quill bands); and salt & pepper (black skin with dark brown and black banded quills).
By contrast, European hedgehogs always have darker fur on their face and under parts than the African Hedgehog, which gives them a very different look.