Shraddha Rabbit Breeding & Farming Research Centre: Breeds

Rabbit breeds are different varieties of the domestic rabbit created through selective breeding or natural selection. Breeds recognized by organizations such as the American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA) or the British Rabbit Council may be exhibited and judged in rabbit shows. Many breeds of rabbits are allowed in different shows. Breeders attempt to emulate the breed standard by which each breed is judged.

Angora Rabbit

An English Angora rabbit

The Angora rabbit (Turkish: Ankara tavşanı) is a variety of domestic rabbit bred for its long, soft wool. The Angora is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara (historically known as Angora), Turkey, along with the Angora cat and Angora goat. The rabbits were popular pets with French royalty in the mid 18th century, and spread to other parts of Europe by the end of the century. They first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century. They are bred largely for their long Angora wool, which may be removed by shearing, combing, or plucking. There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbits, four of which are recognized by ARBA; English, French, Giant, and Satin. Other breeds include German, Chinese, Swiss, and Finnish.

American

American Blue Rabbit

American White Rabbit

ARBA-accepted varieties: Blue, White

Arba approved The blue American rabbit was developed in Pasadena, California by Lewis Salisbury in 1917. The white variety was introduced in 1925. At least three different breeds were used in the development. The breed was originally known as the German Blue, but was renamed after World War I. The Blue American is the deepest, darkest colored of all the blue rabbits. The American has a mandolin or semi-arch body type. The American rabbit was developed for its meat and fur. Since the development of the commercial rabbit breed, such as the Californian and New Zealand, the Americans are pretty much ignored by the commercial market. Americans are listed as critical by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy. They are included in the Slow Food USA project under Ark of Taste, Meat and Poultry.

Weight:

Senior Buck - 8 months of age or over, weight 9 to 11 lbs. Ideal weight 10 lbs Senior Doe - 8 months of age or over, weight 10 to 12 lbs. Ideal weight 11 lbs Intermediate Buck - 6 to 8 months of age, not over 10 lbs Intermediate Doe - 6 to 8 months of age, not over 11 lbs Junior Bucks and Does - Under 6 months of age, not over 9 lbs. Minimum weight 4 1/2 lbs

Argente

There are five species of Argente, two of which are ARBA recognized. All Argente breeds originated from France.

Champagne d'Argent

Weight: Sr Bucks - 9-11 lbs, Sr Does - 9 1/2-12 lbs, 6/8 Bucks - Not over 10 lbs, 6/8 Does - Not over 10 1/2 lbs, Junior Bucks & Does - 4 1/2-9 lbs, Pre Junior Bucks and Does - Not over 6 lbs lbs.
ARBA-accepted varieties:

The Champagne d'Argent is one of the oldest known rabbit breeds. 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 grey. Champagnes are not common in America today, but are increasing in popularity each year.

Belgian Silver

Weight: 8–9 lbs.
Not on the ARBA list

Due to the different standards for the breed 'Silver of Champagne', the breeds of Belgian Silvers and French Silvers were separated during the sixties. The pelt of the Belgian rabbit has a darker undertone.

Creme d'Argent

Weight:6-9 lbs.

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 under-color is a vivid orange. They are used primarily for meat and show. They are born orange and gradually creme as they mature. White as Snow.

Belgian Hare

Weight: Senior Bucks and Does - 6 months of age or over, weight 6 to 9 1/2 lbs. Ideal weight 8 lbs Junior Bucks and Does - under 6 months of age. Minimum weight 3 lbs.

Usually red in color, and with hazel eyes, the Belgian Hare is a breed that is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and is also one of the most intelligent breeds of rabbit out there. (ARBA) The female Belgian Hare's ideal breeding age is about 9 months old. The first litter MUST be born before one year of age. This is because after a year of age, the Belgian Hare's pelvic bones fuse and the rabbit won't be able to have birth naturally. They should have no more litters after 3 years of age. The Belgian Hare has about 5-12 kits in a litter, and the average gestation period for the Belgian Hare is most usually 30–32 days. Very similar to the wild hare, the Belgian Hare has a long, thin body, legs, and ears. Although an attractive rabbit, the Belgian Hare typically isn't suited for children, because of their size and speed. They are a specialist breed, so they are not suited for pets. Usually has a great temperament, especially if given an adequate amount room to play and exercise. As with all rabbits, the Belgian Hare is most active during morning and night, and sleep mostly in the day. In order to stay healthy, the Belgian Hare needs plenty of exercise. It's coat is short and dense. Showing characteristics is that the Belgian Hare must be fit, lean, and healthy. It's coat should shine and gray hairs are undesirable in the coat. Should appear graceful with an arched back, and the eyes are hazel and should sort of blend in with the coat. The ears long, narrow, and erect. Should also appear alert and fine in bone. The Belgian Hare originates in Flanders.

Below is a link, click on it to see what the Belgian Hare looks like.

http://www.gopetsamerica.com/small-animals/rabbit/belgian-hare-rabbit.jpg

Beveren

Weight: 8-12 lbs.
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, blue-eyed white, black, brown and lilac, though only the black, blue, and blue eyed-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.

The Beveren rabbit's fur length is rather long, having an average of 1¼ to 1½ inches. It has a pronounced mandolin body and 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. 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 for hygiene purposes.

Blue of Sint-Niklaas

Weight: 5-12 lbs.
Not on ARBA-list, internationally accepted: Blue

The Blue of Sint-Niklaas rabbit was bred in the Flemish city of Sint-Niklaas as a unique mutation in the pelt-color. This breed is only recognized in the blue variety and has become rare since the end of the pelt-industry in Flanders.

Blue of Hem

Weight: Up to 12 lb
Not on ARBA-list internationally accepted: Dark-blue

The Blue of Hem species was bred in Ham-sur-Heure, a small village in Wallonia, Belgium. This rabbit was popular in Europe during the first decades of the 20th century, but went extinct during the sixties. A Belgian breeder succeeded in recreating the rabbit by using offspring, and it was re-accepted in 1977

Blanc de Bouscat

NOT ABRA accepted This breed of rabbit originated in France. It 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

ARBA accepted 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 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 back-country. They are called “Rústico” (pronounced “Hus’tico” and means “rustic”). There has been a small population of it in Arizona, USA since 1980. It is not recognized by ARBA. This is a breed of Oryctolagus cuniculus and is different from the Brazilian/Forest rabbit (Sylvilagus brasiliensis).

British Giant

The British Giant is a giant breed existing predominantly in the UK. As it is uncommon in the United States it is not ARBA accepted. It appears in a number of different varieties: dark steel grey, black, white, blue, brown, grey and opal. Weight is {{convert|12.5|lb|kg|abbr=on} or more.

Britannia Petite

Weight: maximum weight- 2½ lbs.
ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Black Otter, Chestnut, Sable Marten, Ruby-Eyed White

A REW Britannia petite

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.

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: 9–10 lbs
ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard (Pointed White)

The Californian was initially 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.These are very popular in the commercial rabbit breeding industry. Also a popular pet rabbit in the United States and often used in 4-H shows throughout the country. The color of the points on the ears, feet, tail and nose are to be as near black as possible. Eye stains or colored spots confined to the dewlap are permissible. Body color is to be pure white. Eyes are pink.

Cashmere

NOT ARBA accepted Rather than being a distinct breed of rabbit, the term "cashmere" is sometimes attached to "rabbit", or to a specific rabbit breed name, in order to denote it being of a long-haired variety. The term's use relating to rabbit breeds is colloquial, in that it is used by owners and breeders of domestic rabbits, but it is not a term officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association or in scientific circles. The term is also not related to cashmere fiber, which is generally acquired from cashmere goats.

Checkered Giant

American Black Checkered Giant Buck

Weight: 11 lb (5 kg). or larger
ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue

The Checkered Giant, a large, active, and either 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. The Checkered Giant's that are blue-spotted look gray spotted instead of blue spotted.

Chinchilla Rabbit

There are three breeds of Chinchilla rabbit recognized by the ARBA.

American Chinchilla

Weight: 9–12 lbs.
ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard

A Standard Chinchila

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.

A Standard Chinchilla eating a leaf during the Fall

American Chinchilla Rabbits will be disqualified in shows 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. They can also be disqualified if they have any clear/ white nails, their nails are supposed to be all black.

The two most popular rabbits for fur production are the Rex and the American Chinchilla according to .http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/alt-ag/rabbit.htm

American Chinchilla Rabbits are good breeders, with an average litter of 7-10 young.

Standard Chinchilla

Weight: 5–7.5 lbs.
ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard

This breed originated in France and was first introduced after World War I. The coat color is distinctive: the under-color 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. they are common in big back yards.

Giant Chinchilla

Weight: 12–16 lbs.
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 American Giant Chinchilla rabbit can be used for meat, show and fur.

Cinnamon

Weight: 8.5–11 lbs.
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. It is a meat rabbit noted for its rust or "cinnamon" color complemented by grey ticking on the tips of the fur.

Dutch

Weight: 3.5–5.5 lbs.
ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Steel, Gray, Tortoise
BRC-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Steel, Brown Grey, Pale Grey, Yellow, Tortoise

American Grand Champion Black Dutch

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.

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.

Although many of the Dutch do look alike a lot of them can be fun to breed, because of the fact that there are different colors. As with the other strictly marked breeds such as the harlequin and the english spot, a show breeder should plan ahead for what is to be done with any mis-marked offspring. True to its roots, the dutch has a good meat to bone ratio (the best of the smaller rabbits) and can be used for the table as well as pet or show.

This breed can also be fun for children because of their pleasant personalities and colors.

The Dutch rabbit is a compact breed.

Dwarf Hotot

Weight: 3 lbs or less
ARBA-accepted varieties: Black Banded, Chocolate Banded

a hotot rabbit

The Dwarf Hotot is 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 or dew lap. 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 2½. 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 is dark brown. Eyebands are narrow, well defined bands of black or chocolate colored fur forming a complete outline of the eye. Color is 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 Fort 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

Tan Elfin doe

Weight: Less than 5 lbs.
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. Its temperament is outgoing and active. Unusual colors differentiate competitors and are encouraged. Any trait that interferes with the ability to jump competitively is faulted.

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.

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 eye circles 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, normally 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 unrecognized color.

The English Spot is a full-arch breed.

It 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 dangerous 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 English 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 Association) 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. If it is too small however, the rabbit may be too delicate in body structure for small children to handle safely.

Recognized Varieties (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.

Flemish Giant

A sandy Flemish Giant

Flemish Giants are a popular breed raised for show, meat production, and pets. Flemish Giants are also one of the oldest recognized domestic breeds in existence, and can be found all over the United States. Flemish Giants have a laid back and docile personality. Typically about 16 lb (7 kg), although it is not uncommon to find adult Flemish Giants weighing 22 lb (10 kg) or more.

The Flemish Giant rabbit is the largest breed recognised by ARBA in the United States and is a semi-arch breed meaning the arch of the spine carries from the back of the shoulders and rises gracefully over the hips and rounding down to the base of the tail giving a "mandolin" shape. The body of a Flemish Giant Rabbit is long and powerful with good muscular development and relatively broad hindquarters. Bucks have a broad, massive head in comparison to does. Does may have a large, full, evenly carried dewlap (the fold of skin under their chins). The fur of the Flemish Giant is known to be glossy and dense, and when stroked from the hindquarters to the head, the fur will roll back to its original position. ARBA standard has seven different colors, black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray and white.

Minimum Weight as Seniors: Minimum weight for show- Bucks-13 lbs Does- 14
ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, Steel Gray, White

Giant Papillon

The Giant Papillon can be more than 6 kg (13 lb 4 oz) in weight.

Havana

Weight: 4.5–6.5 lbs.

This breed is typically black with a smooth shiny coat can can have a few small patches of white, usually on their feet.

Harlequin rabbit

Weight: lbs.

This breed is typically marked in a banded pattern. Some varieties are marked in black & white, blue & white or lilac & white. Another group are marked with orange/red & white or fawn & white.

Himalayan

Weight: 2.5–4.5 lbs.
ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac

Chocolate-colored male Himalayan Rabbit

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 (though it is important to remember that the cat was named Himalayan after the rabbit and not vice versa). The Himalayan is born white but gets the spots as it grows. 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. Delicately built, they always have pink or blue 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.

Holland Lop

Weight: 3–4 lbs.
ARBA-Accepted Varieties: Orange, Agouti, Broken, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Ticked, Wide Band, Tan Pattern, and Black

The Holland lop is the third smallest breed in the lop family in the US. The fur should be rollback, dense, fine, glossy, and about 1 inch long. The Holland lop is a compact breed. To be showed a Holland Lop should have a flat face, and sit up in a distinct manner. Most holland lops seem to lose that figure as they get older. This breed often makes a very good pet due to their generally friendly temperament. Female Rabbits should start having babies at 6 months old.

Jersey Wooly

A Silver Marten Jersey Wooly

ARBA accepted varieties: Jersey Wools are judged by groups, rather than individual varieties.

Accepted Groups

Agouti group Chestnut, Chinchilla, Opal, Squirrel, Fawn

AOV group Black or Blue Pointed White
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.

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

The Jersey Wooly is a compact breed.

Lilac rabbit

Weighing up to 7 pounds, it was 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.

Lionhead

A Lionhead rabbit

The Lionhead rabbit is one of the newest breeds of domesticated rabbits. It has a 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.

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 "Lionhead" mane appearance comes from a mutation of the M-gene in rabbits. It exhibits a simple dominant expression, with MM resulting in a "double-maned" lionhead, and a Mm resulting in a "single-maned" lionhead. The single-maned lionhead will usually exhibit the breed's characteristic wool growth around the head and chest, potentially with some wool growth in other areas such as the flanks. The double-maned lionheads will have extensive wool growth in most areas besides the back.The breed standard demerits for growth in uncharacteristic areas like the flank and out right eliminates rabbits due to wool high on the ears. This standard prevents most double-maned lionheads from successfully showing, and thus most show rabbits are single-maned lionheads.

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. They are great loving pets. But they do tend to act conceited.They are for the more experiened 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. Theresa Mueller passed her first of three required presentations before the ARBA Standards Committee with Black, Black Tortoise and Ruby Eyed White at the 2010 National Convention. The current COD (Certificate of Development) varieties (20):Black, Blue, Chestnut Agouti, Chinchilla, Chocolate Agouti, Chocolate, Orange, Otter (all 4 varieties shown as one class),Red, Ruby-eyed White, Sable Marten, Sable Point, Seal, Siamese Sable, Smoke Pearl, Pointed White(all 4 varieties shown as one class), Squirrel, and Tortoise(each variety to be shown separately): Black, Blue, & Chocolate are showable at most ARBA shows in the exhibition class.

Lop Bunnies

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 rabbit's 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.

The skull of a lop-eared rabbit (right) compared with that of a European wild rabbit (left)

English Lop: A large Lop with really long ears, usually reaching over 22 inches. Bred in a limited variety of colors, the most popular being sooty fawn. Others are black, fawn and marked varieties of these colors.
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 standardization 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 standardization process in the UK. The breed is also under development in the US.
Mini Lop: Also known as a "German Lop", or a "Dwarf Lop" in the UK.
Miniature Lop: A small dwarf variety of lop rabbits. It is the equivalent of the US Holland Lops, and is often being called 'Mini Lop' in the UK. This breed is approved by the British Rabbit Council in 1994.

Within the UK, Miniature Lops are very much the same as Holland Lops. The ideal weight for showing a miniature lop is 3 lb 6oz. Then there is the Dwarf Lop, these are around 5 lb 4oz, equivalent to a mini lop in the US. 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 4½ to 6½ 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 Lop

Weight: 3-5 kg(4.5–6.5 lbs).
ARBA-Accepted Varieties: Solids and Brokens.

A Mini Lop

The Mini Lop is a very popular rabbit breed that is featured in numerous rabbit shows throughout the United States. In the USA, it is the third smallest Lop overall, the Holland lop and American fuzzy lops are smaller, as well as the smallest non-dwarfed lop.

It is a different breed from the Holland Lop, which is the smallest (and only dwarf lop) of lop breeds in the USA.

Its equivalent in the UK is the Dwarf Lop; however there is a breed called the Miniature Lop in that area, which is the equivalent of the Holland Lop in the United States.

Miniature Lop

Weight: 1.2-1.6 kg(2.7–3.6 lbs).
BRC-Accepted Varieties: Orange, Agouti, Broken, Pointed White, and Black^[13] ^[14]

A fawn colored Miniature Lop

The Miniature lop is the smallest breed in the lop family. The Miniature Lop was recognised by the British Rabbit Council in 1994 (Lop Breeds-No.8), with a maximum weight of 1.6 kg (3 lb 6oz).

There are also miniature Lop Rabbits with cashmere fur called Miniature Cashmere Lop (Lop Breeds-No.2) and miniature Lop Rabbits cross-bred with Dwarf Lionheads called Miniature Lion Lop (Lop Breeds-No.9).

The Miniature Lop, is often called the Mini Lop in the UK, however, it is a different breed from US Mini Lop. The Miniature Lop is the equivalent of the US Holland Lops, however it can be smaller than the US Holland Lops.

The fur should be rollback, dense, fine, glossy, and about 1 inch long. To be showed a Miniature Lop should have a flat face, and sit up in a distinct manner. This breed often makes a very good pet due to their generally friendly temperament. Female Rabbits should start having babies at 6 months old.

Netherland Dwarf

A Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

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 have a more placid, parental nature than the bucks which can be grumpy and somewhat aggressive when provoked — Sadly they tend to be bullied by other rabbit species. 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. They are also good pets for kids to handle but not good for very small children because they need to know not to step on or hit a rabbit

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 and a cute breed of rabbit.

New Zealand rabbit

New Zealand Bucks - Black, White, Red

New Zealand rabbits are shown in three colors white, red, and black. A broken variety and a blue variety are under certificates of development but are not currently recognized by the ARBA. However, cross breeding can result in many different combinations of these three basic pigmentations. One of the larger breed of rabbit, it can weight anywhere from 9 lb. to 12 lb (5 kg).

These rabbits are among the most widely raised rabbits in the United States.

Palomino rabbit

Weight: 9–10 lbs.
ARBA-accepted varieties: Golden, Lynx

Golden Palomino Buck

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. The Palomino is a commercial breed.

Polish

Weight: 2.5-3.5 lbs.
ARBA accepted varieties:Black, Blue, Blue Eyed White, Broken (recognized color in conjunction with white), Chocolate and Ruby Eyed White.

The Polish rabbit was first bred in Holland. 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.

The Polish rabbit is a compact breed.

Pygmy Rabbit

The pygmy rabbit is a wild hare native to the western North America.

Rex

Astrex

The astrex is not recognized by ARBA.

The astrex has a curly plush velvet coat.

Mini Rex

Weight: bucks- 4¼, does- 4½ 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. It has a plush, velvet like fur 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.

Opossum Rex

The Opossum Rex is not recognized by the ARBA.

The Opossum Rex has the rex genetic trait which reduces the guard hair length to that of the underwool but in the case of the Opossum rex, both the guard hairs and the underwool are about 1 inch in length. The guard hairs are silvered, or lacking in pigment. The hairs also stick out from the body rather than lying flat or smooth.

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.

A Rex rabbit

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 because the undercoat and the guard hairs are the same length unlike a normal furred rabbit where the guard hairs extend past the undercoat hairs.

Rex are used for fur, meat production, show and pet. Since 1985, the large scale breeding of rabbits for fur has declined in the US, although they are still farmed and used today in the fur and meat market. The two most popular rabbits for fur production are the Rex and the American Chinchilla according to .http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/alt-ag/rabbit.htm

These are prolific rabbits having large litters, often numbering nine or more. They are known as good mothers and are used as foster mothers for other rabbit breeds. Some lines of Rex are prone to sore hocks. Some breeders have developed lines of Rex with broader feet and thicker fur to reduce the incidence of sore hocks in the Rex breed.

This breed of rabbit has been referred to by some as the "Velveteen" rabbit for its velvety soft fur. This is likely the inspiration for development of the velveteen lop.

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 tricolored rabbit has black, golden brown, and white and its 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.

The Rhinelander is a full-arch breed.

Satin

Weighing 8.5–11 pounds, the Satin is recognized in the following 11 varieties by the ARBA: Black, Blue, Broken, Californian, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Copper, Otter, Red, Siamese, and White. 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, blue, 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, three color varieties are available in this breed: black, blue, and chocolate (A Minnesota breeder is currently working on the chocolate, but they are very rare), 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. They are born without the silvering (solid color)and their coloring silvers out later as they mature.

Spanish giant

Weight: 12.5–15 lbs.

Also known as the Valenciano breed,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.

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

Weight: 5.5–7 lbs.

A strikingly beautiful rabbit, the Swiss Fox Rabbit was a rare breed until quite recently. Though docile in temperament, the Swiss Fox has hair so long that it may prove too time-consuming to groom as a pet rabbit that will not be shown.

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.

Thrianta

The Thrianta prenounced (tree-aunt-a) was accepted as a recognized breed in 2006 by the ARBA. They are most noted for having a gleaming red-orange fiery coat. Thrianta rabbits were the 46th breed to be recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder's Association (ARBA). The breed association has adopted the slogan "Fire of the Fancy". A small body type offers a compact pet that stands out whether on the show table or simply hopping around as a pet. They have great personalities that shine through and make them a part of the family for years to come. While only in the United States for a short time, the Thrianta breed has strong roots overseas dating back to before World War II.

The beginnings of this docile breed began with the kindling of a golden rabbit in Germany in 1925. Richard Bennack bought the rabbit from a friend and bred it with a black/orange Japanese variety. This allowed the yellow gene to become dominant, making for an interesting start to the today's thrianta's. After test mating to a Silver Fawn, Bennack achieved negative results. The Silver gene was too strong. He then to breed the Thrianta with Havanas, Black Tans and Red New Zealands. With this combination, the Gold of Saxony was created.

While Bennack was creating his Gold of Saxony breed, a teacher in Netherlands was working on a new breed as well. H. Andreae had been breeding Havanas, Black Tans and a self colored Tort variety to achieve a golden orange rabbit. It was named the Thrianta for the area in which it was first bred. Andreae had a strong relationship with the House of Orange, which was ruled by Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands. He worked at creating this orange rabbit along with gardens filled with orange blooms in honor of the Queen. He continued crafting the breed standard, recommending many changes to the original draft. The Thiranta was admitted into the Dutch standard on May 1, 1940. A section was contributed to the color of the animal, requiring a hint of brown coloration to the coat to pay tribute to the Tan breeding background.

Thüringer rabbit

Weighing around 9 lbs., this thickset rabbit was first bred in Germany from Himalayans and Argentes. Its coat is yellow ochre or buff with bluish black guard 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 lbs., the Vienna is an old Austrian breed which has recently been introduced into the UK. They come in two colors 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. Its possible for them to have blue eyes or partially blue eyes.

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.

Pages

Breeds