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Rabbit breeds are notably different varieties of domestic rabbit created through selective breeding or natural selection. Breeds recognized by organizations such as the American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA) may be exhibited and judged in rabbit shows. Breeders attempt to emulate the breed standard by which each breed is judged. This breed listing is compiled by using the American names provided in the ARBA guide book, Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies. Some non-ARBA accepted commercial or foreign breeds are also listed using their most common name .
American Fuzzy Lop
- Weight: Not over 4 lb
- Show Classifications: Broken pattern, Solid pattern
American Fuzzy Lops were derived on the West Coast United States from the breeding between two Holland Lops each carrying the recessive wool gene. These small lop-eared rabbits have thick wool on their bodies like that of an Angora. The breed is relatively new, having been recognized by the ARBA in 1988.
The American Fuzzy lop is a Compact rabbit.
Argente
There are five types of Argente, two of which are ARBA-recognized. All Argente breeds originated in France.
Champagne d'Argent
- Weight: 9–12 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard
The Champagne d'Argent is one of the oldest known rabbit breeds, having existed in the Champagne province of France for over 400 years. At that time known as the French Silver for its silvery coat, it was once prized for its pelt in spite of the fact that it was a common breed. Kits are born pure black and begin turning silver gray at about 3 weeks. By 6 months old they are typically a shade of silver gray. Champagnes are not common in America today, but are increasing in popularity each year.
Belgian Silver
- weight: 8–9 lb.
- Not on ARBA list
Because of different standards for the breed 'Silver of Champagne' in color the breeds of Belgian Silvers and French Silvers separated during the sixties. The pelt of the Belgian rabbit has a darker undertone.
Creme d'Argent
- weight: 8 –11 lb.
The Creme d'Argent is a rabbit breed recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. It is similar in appearance to a Champagne d'Argent although slightly smaller, and different in color. The Creme d'Argent has a creme color surface with an orange cast. The undercolor should be a much more vivid orange. They are used primarily for meat and show.
Beveren
- Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, White
The Beveren is one of the oldest and largest of the fur rabbits. It was first bred in Beveren, a small town near Antwerp in Belgium. Their coats can be blue, white, black, brown and lilac, though only the black, blue, and white varieties are accepted by the ARBA. There is a rare variety called the Pointed Beveren, which comes in the same colors but has white tipped hairs. The blue variety is the original.
Fur length is rather long having an average of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. It has a pronounced mandolin body. It is a multi-purpose rabbit used for meat and fur. Their litters are large, the young grow fairly fast, and the does are typically docile and make good mothers. The Beveren is also a hardy breed that is easily raised in all wire hutches. These hutches are typically off ground and have a wire mesh floor so that they all but self-cleaning.
Blue of Sint-Niklaas
- Weight: 10–12 lb.
- Not on ARBA-list, internationally accepted: Blue
Both with the Van Beveren the oldest of the fur rabbits. It was bred in the Flemish city of Sint-Niklaas as a unique mutation in the peltcolor. This breed is only recognized in the blue variety and has become rare since the end of the pelt-industry in Flanders. Weighs 10-12 lb.
Blue of Hem
- Weight:up to 12 pounds
- Not on ARBA-list internationally accepted: Dark-blue
Unique variety in the list of Belgian blue-fur rabbits. It was bred in Ham-sur-Heure, a small village in Wallonia, Belgium. This rabbit became very popular in Europe during the first decades of the 20th century, but it became extinct during the sixties. A Belgian breeder succeeded in recreating the rabbit by using offsprings, and it was reaccepted in 1977.
Blanc de Bouscat
This breed of rabbit originated in France and is quite rare in England. The breed is quite big; bucks are generally around 12 pounds and does about 14 pounds. The fur is quite silky and dense and is most commonly white.
Blanc de Hotot
The Hotot was developed in Hotot-en-Auge, France by Eugenie Bernhard, the second woman to be credited with creating a new breed of rabbit. The Blanc de Hotot is a large rabbit with a frosty white coat and black rings around dark eyes. The white coat was incorporated in the breeds development as an important meat and fur quality trait. Bucks weigh 8-10 pounds and the does weigh 9-11 pounds. The breed is endangered globally and listed at THREATENED by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. This means there are fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 5,000...
Brazilian
This breed is common to the Brazilian farmers and small markets in the mountains and backcountry. They are called a “Rústico” (pronounced “Hus’tico”. It means “rustic”). Hardy, solid, calm. Small population in Arizona USA since 1980. This breed is not recognized by ARBA. This is a breed of Oryctolagus cuniculus and is different from the Brazilian/Forest rabbit (Sylvilagus brasiliensis). ya
British Giant
- Weight: 12.5 lb. or larger
This giant breed is not ARBA-accepted, as it is uncommon in the United States and exists predominantly in the UK. It appears in a number of different varieties: dark steel grey, black, white, blue, brown, grey and opal.
Britannia Petite
- Weight: maximum weight- 2 1/2 lbs.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Black Otter, Chestnut, Sable Marten, Ruby-Eyed White
Known as "Polish" in Britain, this breed was renamed in the United States as there already existed an ARBA-recognized Polish rabbit in the U.S. at the time of the Britannia's import to the States. The Britannia Petite is thought to have been derived from small wild rabbits and is known for sometimes having a wild temperament; because of this they are often found unsuitable for pets. However, when handled properly these rabbits can be calm.
"The Britannia Petite is and will continue to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. They are truly one of the most unique rabbits in the Standard of Perfection, which are known for their very distinctive poses. They are also quite animated animals that love to show off for anyone willing to watch. They instinctively adore to be alert and in charge. From jet black to the unique sable marten; from the striking otter to the brilliant chestnut and even the polished white; all five colors offer an experience like no other." ABPRS President - Scott Wiebensohn
Californian
- Weight: 8–10 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard (Pointed White)
The Californian was first bred from crosses between Chinchilla, Himalayan, and New Zealand rabbits in the 1920s, with the intent of creating a better commercial meat rabbit. It was first brought to the UK from the United States in the 1950s. The colour of the points on the ears, feet, and tail can be black, chocolate, blue or lilac.
Checkered Giant
- Weight: 11 lb (5 kg). or larger
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue
The Checkered Giant, a large, very active, Black or Blue spotted rabbit, were first recognized as a breed in Germany. Among its ancestors were the Flemish Giant and purportedly a breed known as the Checkered Lop, a spotted lop. Other spotted breeds or white breeds may have been used. The breed was imported to America in 1910 and has since been developed into a type distinct from European Checkered Giants.
Chinchilla Rabbit
There are three breeds of Chinchilla rabbit recognized by the ARBA.
American Chinchilla
- Weight: 9–12 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard
The American Chinchilla, originally called "Heavyweight Chinchilla Rabbit", is larger than the Standard Chinchilla but otherwise identical. Standard Chinchillas bred for large size produced this breed. Chinchilla Rabbits originated in France and were bred to standard by M. J. Dybowski. They were introduced to the United States in 1919.
These stocky rabbits have a slight curve to their medium length bodies, beginning at the nape of their necks and following through to the rump. They carry their ears straight erect. In show, type is judged to be more important than color. American Chinchilla Rabbits will be disqualified in show for having a body type that resembles a Flemish Giant Rabbit. Junior and intermediate American Chinchilla Rabbits may be shown in age classifications higher than their own if they are overweight. Bucks and does under six months and nine pounds are considered juniors. Intermediate American Chinchilla Rabbits are bucks and does six to eight months of age. Bucks weigh less than eleven pounds and does less than twelve. Senior bucks and does are over eight months of age and bucks weigh between nine and 11 pounds. Doe American Chinchilla Rabbits weigh between ten and 12 pounds.
American Chinchilla Rabbits are good breeders, with an average litter of 7-10 babies.
Standard Chinchilla
- Weight: 5–7.5 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard
This breed originated in France and was first introduced after the First World War. The coat color is distinctive: the undercolour of the fur should be slate blue at the base, the middle portion pearl grey, merging into white and tipped with black—much like the chinchilla, the fur-producing rodent after which this breed is named.
The standard chinchilla Rabbit is a Compact breed.
Giant Chinchilla
- Weight: 12–16 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard
The Giant Chinchilla is a result of crosses between Chinchilla breeds and Flemish Giants; it originates in the United States. This breed is used primarily as a commercial meat rabbit. Other chinchillas include the Standard and the American Chinchillas.
The Giant Chinchilla Rabbit Association is the National Specialty Club chartered by ARBA sponsoring the American Giant Chinchilla Rabbit.
Cinnamon
- Weight: 8.5–11 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard
Originating in Montana in the 1960s, this breed was developed by rabbit breeder Ellis Houseman and accepted by the ARBA in 1972.[1] It is a meat rabbit noted for its rust or "cinnamon" color complimented by grey ticking on the tips of the fur.
The Cinnamon rabbit is a Commercial rabbit.
Dutch
- Weight: 3.5–5.5 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Steel, Gray, Tortoise
- BRC-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Steel, Brown Grey, Pale Grey, Yellow, Tortoise
"Although the name suggests that the Dutch rabbit is from the Netherlands, it was actually developed in England. During the 1830s rabbits were imported to England from Ostend in the Netherlands every week for the meat market. Amongst these rabbits was a breed known as the Petite Brabancon, as it originated from Brabant in Flanders. The Petite Brabancon may still be found in paintings from the fifteenth century. The Dutch rabbit has its genetic roots in this old breed. The Petite Brabancon would often display Dutch markings, and breeders in England selected those with even markings, fixing those markings into the breed we know today."[2]
The markings consist of a white wedge down the face (the blaze), round colored circles around the eyes and extending to the whisker bed (the cheek marking), white on the ends of the hind feet (the stops),a thin white line between the ears (the hairline), a wedge-shaped white marking on the back of the neck (the neck marking), the contrast line dividing the colored section of the body from the white portion (the top part is called the saddle, and the line extending under the belly is called the undercut). Dutch rabbits are judged with the markings accounting for 50% of the total score, and the body type, fur, color and condition making up the other half. As the markings are a pure genetic trait, Dutch patterns can also appear in other breeds of rabbit. Dutch rabbits do well in the sport of rabbit hopping. They also make excellent pet and show rabbits.
The Dutch rabbit is a Compact breed.
Dwarf Hotot
- Weight: 3 lb or less
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Chocolate
As the name implies, the Dwarf Hotot should be small and compact, a stocky, docile little rabbit much like the Netherland Dwarf. The head itself is round, with a broad skull. There should be no visible neck. Eyes are round, bold and bright. Ears should be short, well furred, and of good substance. Ears should balance with the head and body. The body should be uniformly wide from shoulders to hips, with well rounded hindquarters. The topline should have very slight gradual curve from the ear base to the highest point over the hips, and fall in a smooth curve to the base of the tail. Maximum weight for the Dwarf Hotot is 3 lb, ideal weight 2 1/2. Their fur should be soft, dense, fine with good luster. Fur is to roll back gently back into position when stroked. Color is to be uniform and of pure white over the entire body, except for eye bands. Eyes to be dark brown. Eyebands are to be narrow, well defined bands of black colored fur forming a complete outline of the eye. Color to be as intense and dark as possible. Ideal eyeband width is to be equal to the thickness of two pennies.The Dwarf hotot rabbit can be litterbox trained.
Two different German breeders created this breed almost simultaneously in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, the breed first entered the United States. These small rabbits are sweet and affectionate. They tend to be curious with playful personalities, and most are eager for attention.
After the ARBA National Convention in FT. Worth Texas, 2006 The Chocolate Variety became a fully recognized variety.They are very loving and great children's pets. More information can be achieved by contacting the American Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Club.
The Dwarf hotot is a Compact breed.
Elfin
- Weight: ideal weight less than 5 lb.
- Not on ARBA-list, Related to Swedish hare
The Elfin Rabbit was bred especially for rabbit sporting events and is recognized by the American Association of Sporting Events for Rabbits. This fully arched breed is athletic and bold. Temperament is outgoing and active. Unusual colors differentiate competitors and are encouraged. Any trait that interferes with the ability to jump competitively is faulted. Since it is likely that a judged rabbit has been trained to jump, it is NOT recommended that they run on the table to be judged. A natural pose is preferred.
Enderby Island Rabbit
- Weight: 2 kg.
The Enderby Island Rabbit, or Enderby Rabbit, is a rare breed derived from a small population of rabbits of uncertain origin isolated on a subantarctic island in New Zealand's Auckland Islands group for 130 years. It is silver-grey in color, with a dark slate-blue undercoat, and dark, sometimes black, ears, nose and tail. A small proportion may be cream or beige in color, due to a recessive gene. The original population on Enderby Island was exterminated in the 1990s, but not before 49 individuals were rescued by the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand, which has subsequently bred them successfully.
English Spot
The English Spot is an old breed suspected to have origins similar to that of the Checkered Giant, including Flemish Giants and some kind of spotted wild rabbit. English Spots have been bred in England since the 1880s, and the first English Spots imported to America were from England. This breed is mostly white, with a butterfly mark on the nose, colored ears, and eyecircles that have a comma-like marking on the side.They have a chain pattern of spots on both sides of the body. On a show quality rabbit these are to be well graduated and separated.The herringbone stripe down its back should not be broken all the way from the nape of the neck to their tail. They are also recognized in the show ring if it has symmetrical spots on each side. When litters are born they are 25% charlies,25% selfs (also called "Sports") and 50% marked. Charlies are spots with incomplete markings and selfs/sports are one solid color but almost never pure white, normmally a recognized variety such as lilac or tortoise. Marked is an English spot with complete markings. Breeders have to carefully breed the colors that won't make an unrecognised color.
The English Spot is a Full Arch breed.
The English Spot is a very active breed because of its high arch and needs at least 2 hours of running time each day. On the show table they are supposed to run on the table to demonstrate their full-arch type (this is true for all full-arch breeds except the Britannia Petite). English Spots make good pets because they are generally quite docile, but like most rabbits, they do have a few ‘mad March hare moments’! They will happily tolerate other pets such as domestic cats and dogs, although guinea pigs are not a good choice for any breed of rabbit. These need entirely different diets and are often dangerouse to each other. If wanted though, supervised interactions are okay.
More recently, breeders in the UK have been able to cross the English Spot with smaller rabbit breeds. It has been quite a slow process, although the latest families of offspring are showing muted-grey markings of the English Spot including the spine stripe, eye patches, and nose patch. Currently, this ‘scaled down’ version of the Scottish Spot is not recognized by professional bodies, but is recognized amongst some breeders as the 'Mini English'. The Netherland Dwarf, however can be shown in the UK in any recognized colour for any breed so there are a few dedicated breeders who can be seen with English marked Netherland Dwarves. These are not an ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Asousiation) recognized breed.
The English Spot Rabbit tends to have an affectionate calm tranquil personality from years of selective breeding. For children trained in handling rabbits this is often the rabbit breed of choice as it will often tolerate children extremely well as long as not abused and well cared for. Children tend to love the patterns of English rabbits but a smaller well bred dwarf mixture of less than 5 pounds is often easier for a smaller child to handle along with care for. Too small the rabbit may be too delicate in body structure for small children to handle safely.
Recognized Varietys (Colors): Lilac - Blue - Black - Chocolate - Tortoise - Gold - Grey
Breed Weights: Senior Bucks & Does (6 months of age or over) - 5-8 pounds. Ideal: Does - 7 pounds Bucks - 6 pounds. Junior Bucks & Does (6 months of age or under) - Not over 6 pounds. Minimum weight 3 pounds. Note: If a junior exceeds max. weight they may be shown in a higher age classification. They may NOT be shown in a lower age class.
Pictures of proper markings and more information can be found at www.therabbitrychannel.webs.com on the Breeds page.
Flemish Giant
- Minimum Weight as Seniors: 18 lb or more for bucks. 14 lb or more for does
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, Steel Gray, White
Typically impressive in size, about 14 lb (6 kg), although it is not uncommon to find adult Flemish Giants weighing 22 lb (10 kg) or more.
Today Flemish Giants are a popular breed to show and own as pets. Flemish Giants have a laid back and docile personality; they are often said to be more like dogs than rabbits.
Flemish Giants are also one of the oldest recognized domestic breeds in existence, and can be found all over the United States.
The Flemish Giant rabbit is a Semi arch breed.
Havana
- Weight: 4.5–6.5 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Broken
In the Netherlands in 1898, the first Chocolate Havana appeared in a litter from a Dutch doe that was housed with other breeds. They gained recognition throughout Europe in the early 1900s, and they were accepted by the ARBA in 1916. In 1965, Blues were recognized, and the Black variety was recognized in 1980. The Broken variety was accepted in 2007 and became eligible to show in February 2008.
The Havana is a compact breed. They also have the flyback fur type. Fly back is characterised by snapping back to place when the fur is stroked backwards. The Havana is a very calm and great show rabbit. Their nature is gentle and they are great for children.
Himalayan
- Weight: 2.5–4.5 lb.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac
The Himalayan is an old breed long-known in Asian countries in the region of the Himalayan Mountains. It is more widely distributed throughout the world than any other rabbit breed, and has been known by more names, such as the Chinese, Russian, Egyptian, and the Black Nose. They are known for their gentle temperament, and make great pets for a first-time rabbit owner - or anyone who wants a rabbit that is content to sit in their lap sometimes. Like a Himalayan cat, the Himalayan rabbit is white with dark points on the nose, ears, tail and feet. The breed also has a slender, cat like body. The original variety had Black points, but later breeders created the Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac varieties. They are born all white, but their markings come in as they age. They are delicately built and always have pink eyes.
The Himalayan is the only breed classified as cylindrical - long bodied like a cylinder or tube. When shown, the judge judges this breed posed in a "stretched out" position.It is comen to see smut, a coloration around the eyes appear.
Holland Lop
Weight: 2.5-4 lbs., 3 lbs. ideal ARBA-Accepted Varieties: Agouti, Broken, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Ticked, Wide Band, and Tan Pattern
The Holland lop is the smallest breed in the lop family. They need to eat 1/2 cup of 16% protein rabbit pellets each day. The fur should be rollback, dense, fine, glossy, and about 1 inch in length.The Holland lop is a very calm, and curious bunny. The Holland lop is a compact breed.
Jersey Wooly
- ARBA accepted varieties: Jersey Wools are judged by groups, rather than individual varieties.
Accepted Groups
- Agouti group Chestnut, Chinchilla, Opal, Squirrel
- AOV group Black or Blue Pointed White (sometimes called Himi), Orange
- Broken group any recognized breed varieties combined with white
- Self group Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Blue-Eyed-White, Ruby-Eyed-White
- Shaded group Tortoise Shell, Blue Tortoise Shell, Seal, Sable Point, Siamese Sable, Smoke Pearl
- Tan Pattern Black otter, Blue otter, Black silver marten, Blue silver marten, Chocolate silver marten, Lilac silver marten, Sable marten, Smoke pearl marten.
Jersey Woolies have a max show weight of 3.5 pounds, although they range in size from 2 pounds to a bit over 4 pounds. They have a bold head and short, well furred ears. They need brushing more often than most long hairs with an ideal length of wool being 3". Their wool is not easy to care for, as they need brushing constantly to reduce matting and hair knots. Hair accumulation and blockage due to self-grooming, in itself, will cause gastric sluggishness and, if the blockage becomes severe enough, death. Regular grooming and brushing of the coat will help this breed to live a long and happy life. Jersey Woolies have gentle temperaments and make suitable pets. They are easily trained. As with all herbivores, chewing may be a problem. You may purchase wire guards to wrap around electrical cords and in places where you find your bunny chewing on wood, paint some pepper extract. This will deter any additional gnawing.
History
The Jersey Wooly was first introduced at the 1984 A.R.B.A. Convention in Orlando, Florida by Bonnie Seeley of Highbridge, NJ. In 1988 at the A.R.B.A. Convention, in Madison, Wisconsin, it became a recognized breed. Bonnie originally developed the breed in order to produce a small pet rabbit with wool that was easy to care for. Today, the Jersey Wooly is that, and much more, as one of the most popular breeds of rabbits exhibited around the country with a club membership of over 700 worldwide.
Broken Jersey Wooly were accepted as a recognized variety at the 2004 ARBA Convention in Rhode Island. The Orange Jersey Wooly was accepted as a recognized variety at the 2008 ARBA Convention in Kentucky [3]
The Jersey wooly is a compact breed.
Lilac rabbit
Weighing up to 7 pounds, first bred in the UK around 1913. It has a dense silky fur evenly coloured throughout in a pinkish dove shade, and of course lilac to lavender color. This is a very fading and slightly rare breed.
Lionhead
The Lionhead rabbit is one of the newest breed of domesticated rabbits.The lionhead rabbit is a hard type of rabbit to find. It has a normally furred body, but Angora-like wool surrounding the face, reminiscent of the mane of a male lion, hence the name. There may also be wool along the flanks, though this is not a desirable characteristic. Lionheads come in many of the same colors as other breeds. However, the wool on the mane and flanks diffuses the color, so that black rabbits will often have gray-looking manes and flank wool.
The Lionhead rabbit is a compact breed, usually weighing between 2.5 and 4.0 pounds. It also tends to have a rounded head and slightly shorter ears than most breeds.
Origins
The Lionhead rabbit is thought to have originated in Belgium. It is reported to have been produced by breeders trying to breed a long coated dwarf rabbit by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox and a Belgian dwarf. The Lionhead seemed to have been more popular than the long coated dwarf, and so breeders carried on this trend in breeding them intentionally, and so came what we know today as the Lionhead rabbit.
The Mane
Some lionheads have single manes which is not showeable. Single mane is when a lion head only has a little bit of the long fluffy on its head. Double mane is the showeable type that has long hair all along the body except around the back area and face.
While single-maned Lionhead kits look like other rabbits, double-maned kits are distinct from all others. When they are born, they are bald around the abdomen, sides, bottom, and cheeks, giving them a peculiar "mohawk" appearance. The bald areas are where the wool grows in later as they mature.
This rabbit has an energetic, but sweet personality and is for the more experienced rabbit owner. Lionhead rabbits are easy to breed and are good mothers, even fostering kits from other litters or breeds.
The breed has been recognized by the British Rabbit Council, however, as of yet it is not a fully recognized breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Assiciation. Gail Gibbons passed her first of three required presentations before the ARBA Standards Committee with Siamese Sable at the 2008 National Convention. Siamese Sable Lionheads are now accepted at all ARBA shows.
Lops
Among the oldest breeds of domesticated rabbits, lops are known for their distinctive floppy ears. There are five types of American Rabbit Breeders accepted lop varieties as well as a few other breeds being created. The ARBA recognized lop breeds are the French Lop, English Lop, Mini Lop, American Fuzzy Lop and the Holland Lop. In the UK the Dwarf Lop is the equivalent of the US Mini Lop, and the US Holland Lop is called a Miniature Lop in the UK. In the US, two of the proposed new breeds that are under development are the Velveteen Lop which is similar to an English Lop with a rex rabbits plush fur, and the Plush Lop which is similar to a Mini Lop with plush Rex rabbit fur.
- American Fuzzy Lop: Similar to a Holland Lop in structure and type, but with angora wool
- French Lop: Large lop that is thought to have been produced by crossing the English Lop with the Giant Normande rabbit.
A French lop rabbit
- Holland Lop: A small dwarf variety of lop rabbits. The Holland Lop is to be heavily muscled, short coupled, compact and well balanced in length, width, and depth. The shoulders and chest should be broad and well filled, same as the hindquarters. The head being massive in appearance setting high on the shoulders and close to the shoulders showing no neck. With the depth almost equal at the top of the shoulder as over the hindquarters. The legs are to be short, thick, straight, and heavily boned for the size of the animal. Ears are to be bell-shaped and short, no longer than 1 inch below the chin. -Taken from the ARBA Standard of Perfection.
- English Lop: A large Lop with really long ears. Usually reaching over 22 inches in length. Bred in a limited variety of colours, the most popular being sooty fawn. Others are black, fawn and marked varieties of these colours. Famous for their long ears, often growing over 20 inches in length.
- Velveteen: A breed under development originating in the US. The Velveteen has long ears like that of the English, but rex type fur.
- Plush Lop: A lop rabbit with the same type as a Dwarf Lop with a Rex fur. An Australian developed breed is now undergoing the standardisation process in the UK.
- Mini Plush Lop: A lop rabbit with the same type as a Mini Lop with a Rex fur. An Australian developed breed is now undergoing the standardisation process in the UK. The breed is also under development in the US.
- Mini Lop: Also known as a "German Lop".
Within the UK, Miniature Lops are very much the same as Holland Lops. The ideal weight for showing a mini lop is 3 lb 6oz. Then there is the Dwarf Lop, these are around 5 lb 4oz. Followed by the German Lop which is around 8 lb, then finally the French Lop which is 10 lb+.
The smallest of these is the Holland Lop [in the US otherwise known as the Miniature Lop] in the UK weighing around 3 lb (1.4 kg) and being a close relative of the Netherland Dwarf. The next largest is the Mini Lop in the US which has a weight range of 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds, followed by the English, German, Meissener and French Lop breeds. The Meissener is a very rare breed available in only a couple of colours and is hardly ever seen at shows. They weigh around 3 and 1/2 and live to be approximately eight years.
Mini Satin
A smaller version of the Satin. Over 6 Months weight can vary from 3 to 4.25 lb and under 6 months they can reach a maximum of 4 lb. They were recognized as a breed in the ARBA standard in 2005 at the ARBA convention in Indianapolis, IN. They were developed by J. Leo Collins. The color varieties are Red, Chinchilla, Opal, Siamese, and White.
Netherland Dwarf
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Introduced into the UK circa 1948, this breed is one of the smallest. It is bred in a wide range of colours and patterns usually derived from larger rabbits - everything from albino whites through to jet blacks and agoutis (native coloured). Does (females) have a more placid, parental nature than the bucks (males) which can be grumpy and somewhat aggressive - so much so that they can become dominant over much larger rabbits. All Netherland Dwarfs can become very tame towards their owners and are now considered a very suitable pet which is relatively easy to handle. It is the breed of rabbit most commonly kept as a pet nowadays.[citation needed]
Although a very small rabbit (1–2.5 pounds), Netherland Dwarfs do benefit greatly from daily use of a good sized outdoor run or grazing ark. Some individuals exercise an incredible ‘vertical leap’ behavior when playing and would appreciate a run height the same as that of larger rabbit breeds and an equal ‘perimeter size’ to scamper round.
The netherland dwarf is a compact breed.
New Zealand rabbit
New Zealand rabbits are available in three ARBA-recognized colors: white, red, and black. Although, cross breeding can result in many different combinations of these three basic pigmentations. There are efforts with certificates of development on a blue and broken variety. The Red has bright golden red fur with a slightly harsher fat. One of the larger breed of rabbit, it can weight anywhere from 9 lb. to 12 lb (5 kg). New Zealands are a breed that can be used for meat, pelts, show, and laboratory uses. Adult New Zealands can be more aggressive than other breeds although not all are aggressive.
The New Zealand rabbit is a commercial breed.
Palomino rabbit
- Weight: 9–10 pounds.
- ARBA-accepted varieties: Golden, Lynx
The body of a Palomino is to be of medium length with firm flesh, well developed shoulders, and well-filled and rounded hindquarters. The top line should have a gradual arc smoothly rising upward from the neck reaching its high point at the loin hip and sloping downward towards the tail.
The surface color is to have as little variation as possible. The Golden variety is to be a bright golden shade over a cream to white undercolor. The Lynx variety has a medium pearl grey surface color blending to an orange beige intermediate color over a cream to white undercolor.
The palomino rabbit has a brown eye. There are two varieties; golden and lynx. The average weight for a full grown rabbit is 9 lb. Palominos have a good temperament and are very lovable. Coat should be coarse and full. Are very good show rabbits.
The palomino is a commercial breed.
Polish
- ARBA accepted varieties:Black, Blue, Blue Eyed White, Broken (recognized color in conjunction with white), Chocolate and Ruby Eyed White.
First bred in Holland. A small rabbit of about 3 pounds. The English Polish rabbit has only recently been introduced into the USA, it has a separate classification and is called the Britannia Petite. The Polish known in the US is nothing like the Britannia Petite, which is small, full arched, and in possession of a nasty temperament. Polish are the exact opposite, having a sweet disposition. Showroom Classification: 4 Class Breed, Senior Weights Ideal Bucks and Does 2-1 1/2 lb
General Description:
The body is to be small, compact, and close coupled with well rounded hips that are wider than the shoulders. The body top line should rise gradually from the nape of neck to its highest point at the center of the hips and then fall in a smooth curve to the base of the tail. The fur is short, fine, and dense with a flyback coat. The head is medium full and short, with full cheeks. When viewed from the side, there should be a slight curve in the skull from the base of the ears toward the nose, with a slight roundness between the eyes.
The polish is a compact breed.
Rex
Mini Rex
- Weight: bucks- 4 1/4, does- 4 1/2 lbs.
- ARBA accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Blue Eyed White, Broken Group, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Red, Sable Point, Seal, Tortoise, White, Otter (blue, black, chocolate, lilac)
The Mini Rex was derived from the Standard Rex breed and the Netherland Dwarf. Its fur has a plush feel like velour, which offers a distinct springy resistance to the touch, like the standard Rex. For ARBA rabbit shows, the fur is worth 35% of their total score, along with their body type, which is compact with no showing of a shoulder. Their bodies should all be equal lengths, width length and height. They are very popular with exhibitors in the ARBA. They are also one of the easiest to breed of the compact type rabbits, and are very good mothers. Mini Rex excel in the sport of Rabbit Hopping.
Standard Rex
- Weight: 7.5–9.5 lb for bucks and 8–10.5 lb for does
- ARBA accepted varieties: Amber, Black, Blue, Broken, Californian, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Otters in Black, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac, Red, Sable, Seal, and White.
The Rex breed is distinguished by its specific velvet-like fur that is often used to substitute for the use of other animals in fur coats. Rex fur has shortened guard hairs. The resulting coat is short and very dense, and is what would be called undercoat on a normal furred rabbit. They are full of personality.
Standard Rexes have been used for their fur and meat production. Since 1985, the breeding of Rexes for fur almost stopped, after people realized that there are larger animals that are just as soft. These are prolific rabbits having large litters with odd numbers of kits, often numbering nine or more. They are known as good mothers and are used as foster mothers for other rabbit breeds.
This breed of rabbit is also known as the "Velveteen" rabbit for its incredibly soft fur.
The rex is a commercial breed.
Rhinelander rabbit
Weighing 7–10 pounds, the body is to be well arched carried off the table, avoiding any tendency toward heaviness in the shoulder or hindquarters. This tri-colored rabbit has black, golden brown, and white and their body type is very similar to that of a wild hare. Rhinelanders should exhibit length that gives a graceful appearance, width of a well rounded body, and a smooth top line blending into a rounded hindquarter. They should also display an appearance of alertness and springiness. The unique quality of the Rhinelander is based on three things: Type being first, Coloration and Markings being next with equal values. it needs to desperatly be taken care of
The Rhinelander is a Full Arch breed..
Satin
Weighing 8–11 pounds, the Satin is recognized in 11 varieties by the ARBA. A genetic mutation found first in a litter of Havanas, the Satin fur is distinguished by a glass clear sheath to their guard hairs giving them a very high sheen. They are a commercial type rabbit, with one of the best meat to bone ratios. Excellent mothers, easy breeders and good growth rate makes them a very good choice for backyard meat production. They have beautiful colors with fur that can be worked into many beautiful items. They are the most popular of the commercial type rabbits exhibited in America today, and good quality stock can be found almost everywhere.
The Satin is a commercial breed.
Siberian rabbit
Weighing between 5–7 pounds, the Siberian Rabbit was first bred in the UK around 1930 although its ancestry is unclear. It is a very graceful rabbit with an attractive coat, coloured black, blue, brown or lilac.
Silver rabbit
Weighing around 4–7 pounds. The silver is known for the even Silver Ticking throughout the body. Colors come in black, brown, and fawn. There are only 200 rabbits registered in ARBA. They are one of the most rare species of rabbits in the US.
The silver rabbit is a compact breed.
Silver Fox
Weighing 9–12 pounds, two color varieties are available in this breed: black and blue, black being the only one recognized by the ARBA's Standard of Perfection.(As of summer 2008 the Blue variety can be shown. It is in development.) The Silver Fox's fur is coarser than the fur of other rabbits, one and half to two inches long, and when stroked from tail to head, the fur stands up. This is referred to as "no flyback" fur. The guard hairs are white. This combined with the length and coarseness of the fur resembles the fur of the Arctic Silver Fox for which the Silver Fox rabbit is named. The Silver Fox Rabbit is listed as "Critical" by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, meaning there are fewer than 200 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 2,000.
The silver fox is a commercial breed.
Smoke Pearl
The Smoke pearl was created in Scotland in 1926, it was originally known as Smoke Beige, the name was changed in 1932. The colour is light pearl grey and beige. The Siamese version has smoke on the saddle shading to pearl grey beige on the flank, chest and belly. The Marten version has white ticking, eye circles and belly. This breed is recognised by the British Rabbit Council; however contrary to popular belief this breed is not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association as a breed, but is rather a series of color.hi
Spanish giant
Weight: 12.5-15 lbs.
Also known as the Valenciano breed,[4] these rabbits are the size of a small lamb. The breed was established in 1912 when farmers in Valencia cross-bred domestic rabbits with the Flemish giant to produce as much meat as possible.[4][5]
Sussex
The Sussex, a recent introduction is becoming increasingly popular. It is named after the county of origin, It comes in two colours, gold and cream.
Swiss Fox
Weighing about 5.5–7 pounds.
Tan
Adults weighing about 4–6 pounds, tan rabbits make a good show animal. The undersides of this rabbit, which include the tail, stomach, chin, and ears, are colored in "tan" fur (almost more of a bright orange). The rest of the rabbit is colored in black, blue, chocolate (brown), or lilac (dove gray). They are a full-arched breed and are to run on the table during judging at shows. They are very energetic rabbits.
The Tan rabbit is a Full arch breed. Tan is a pretty color
- Very clever breed.
Thrianta
Weight: 4–6 pounds
ARBA accepts: all purebreeds
The Thrianta is a beautiful orange breed of rabbit. It originated in the Netherlands and was produced by Mr Andrea. Thrianta rabbits are sometimes cross bred with the Sachsengold (which was developed in Germany by a breeder called Mr Bennack). The Sachsengold was very similar to the Thrianta, but the colour is not nearly as intense, have a longer body type, and snipper heads. This cross breeding was intended to deepen the Sachsengold's colour. The Sachsengold was mistakenly thought to be renamed the Thrianta in 1979; however, this is untrue. One of the first importers to the USA of these rabbits was Judith Oldenburg, of Iowa. She selected some of the finest stock that could be had at the time, which contained no Sachsengold blood. Almost all of the best stock in America can be traced back to her imported rabbits. They have beautiful fur and are very friendly and curious. An ideal pet for responsible children and make great show rabbits. de er store
Thüringer rabbit
Weighing around 9 pounds, this thickset rabbit was first bred in Germany from Himalayans and Argentes. Its coat is yellow ochre or buff with bluish black guards hairs. It has darker hairs on its face and boots. This breed is usually only available from specialist breeders. They can come in a range of colours, although most commonly are yellow.
Vienna rabbit
Weighing 8–12 pounds, the Vienna is an old Austrian breed which has recently been introduced into the UK. They come in two colours the Vienna Blue which has a dark, slate blue top colour with a lighter under colour and the Vienna White which has a silky white coat. They also have very soft fur.
The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a species of rabbit native to southern Europe. It has been widely introduced elsewhere often with devastating effects on local biodiversity. However, its decline there (caused by the diseases myxomatosis and rabbit calicivirus as well as over-hunting and habitat loss) has caused the decline of its highly dependent predators, the Iberian Lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle.
External links
References
- ^ Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association
- ^ Benbrook J, "GreenPatch - Dutch Rabbits", 2007 Greenpatchrabbits.com
- ^ National Jersey Wooly Rabbit Club
- ^ a b Telegraph.co.uk
- ^ Typicallyspanish.com
- The Official Guide Book Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies, from the American Rabbit Breeders' Association, Inc.
- American Blue & White Rabbit information website
- Angora Rabbit information website
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