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Rabbit Breeds
American
The American breed was first established by Lewis H. Salisbury in 1917.
Available in blue and white varieties, the blue variety quickly became the most
popular blue breed in America. The ideal color for the blue variety is a rich,
clear, dark slate blue, probably the darkest of the blue rabbit varieties.
Bucks weigh about 10 pounds, does weigh about 11.
American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop originated from the Holland Lop when some breeders
on the West Coast introduces Angora into their Hollands in an effort to improve
the fur quality. Eventually, these Holland Lops began producing occasional kits
with Angora wool, which in turn were bred together. The American Fuzzy Lop was
accepted as a recognized breed in 1988. Groups include agouti, broken, pointed
white, self, shaded and solid. Buck and does weigh about 3 1/2 pounds.
American Sable
Sables are the result of Chinchilla crosses and have, at times, been
crossed with Chocolate Havanas to obtain a deeper sepia color. Bucks weigh
about 8 pounds, while does weigh 9 pounds.
Angora, English
it is believed that this unique breed originated in Ankara, Turkey,
hundreds of years ago. Some compare the English Angora to a round ball of
fluff. It is a distinct breed that is, in fact, classed as a wool-producing
animal, whereas all other breeds of rabbits are classed as fur producers.
Groups include agouti, pointed white, self, shaded, solid and ticked. Bucks
weigh about 5 1/2 pounds; does weigh 6 1/2.
Angora, French
Like the English Angora, French Angoras are classed as a wool-producing
animal. For many years, the French plucked this breed's wool, spun it into
strands with hand looms and knitted their product into finished garments.
Groups: agouti, pointed white, self, shaded, solid and ticked. Bucks and does
weigh about 8 pounds.
Angora, Giant
Originated by Louise Walsh, the Giant Angora was created to maximize wool
production. Groups include ruby-eyed white and blue-eyed white. Bucks weigh
more than 8 1/2 pounds, while does weigh more than 9 1/2.
Angora, Satin
Created by L.P. Meyer, the Satin Angora was a cross between a copper Satin
and a fawn French Angora. Like the English Angora, groups include agouti,
pointed white, self, shaded, solid and ticked. Bucks and does weigh about 8
pounds.
Belgian Hare
Like its name implies, the Belgian Hare is believed to have originated in
Flanders, Belgium. English breeders, however, adopted and selectively bred the
animal to produce the perfect Belgian Hare we know today. The breed has a long,
fine body and is often called the race horse of the rabbit family. Coat color
is a deep, rich red, or a tan or chestnut shade. Bucks and does weigh about 8
pounds.
Beveren
The Beveren rabbit, developed in the late 19th century in the city of
Beveren, was notable because the blue variety gained such rapid popularity.
Also available in black and blue-eyed white, the Beveren is one of the larger
breeds, with bucks weighing 9 pounds and does weighing 10.
Britannia Petite
Known in Britain as the "Polish" breed, the Britannia Petite is generally
thought to have been developed from small common rabbits before being bred and
developed as one of the smallest of the standard breeds. A neat, compact breed,
it is available in many colors. Bucks and does weigh about 2 1/4 pounds.
Californian
The Californian as it is known today was developed by George West in 1928
and received a working standard in 1939. One of the most popular breeds of
rabbit, the Californian is white with a black nose, ears, feet and tail - as
black as possible. Bucks weigh 8 to 10 pounds, while does weigh 8 1/2 to 10
1/2.
Champagne d'Argent
At one time called the French Silver, the Champagne is one of the oldest
breeds of rabbits and is known to have been raised in France for well over 100
years. The breed's name does not refer to its color but to the province in
which it is believed to have originated. Champagne d'Argent, then, means the
"silver rabbit from Champagne." Bucks weigh 10 pounds, and does weigh 10 1/2.
Checkered Giant
This large breed is believed to have been derived from the Flemish Giant
and a wild German wild hare. The resulting spotted sport was then selectively
bred until the desired markings were firmly established in successive litters.
Checkered Giants were imported to the United States in 1910. Since then,
American breeders have developed a distinctive American type of this breed. All
color markings on the Checkered Giant must be clear and distinct, and only two
colors are recognized - black and blue. Bucks weigh 11 pounds or more, while
does weigh 12 pounds or more.
Chinchilla, American
While all three breeds of Chinchilla share the same distinctive color
pattern, each has its own standard and breed specialty club. The American has
medium body length, well-rounded hips and well-filled loin and hips. The ideal
weight for bucks is 10 pounds; does, 11 pounds.
Chinchilla, Giant
Ed Stahl selectively cross-bred the Standard Chinchilla with other breeds,
including the Flemish Giant, to develop the Giant Chinchilla. Today's standard,
however, differs significantly from the original standard worked toward. Bucks
should weigh between 13 and 14 pounds, with does weighing between 14 and 15
pounds.
Chinchilla, Standard
The smallest of the Chinchilla breeds, the Standard Chinchilla has a
compact, chubby body. Bucks weigh 6 pounds, does weigh 6 1/2 pounds.
Cinnamon
Ellis Houseman created this breed through a series of cross-breedings with
New Zealand Whites. Chinchillas, Checkered Giants and Californians. The unique
coat color is comprised of a rust or cinnamon ground color with uniform smoke
gray ticking across the back, blending into a smoke gray shading on the sides
to a dark belly. The undercolor is orange. The breed was accepted in 1972.
Bucks weigh 9 1/2 pounds, and does weigh 10 pounds.
Creme d'Argent
Though the Creme d'Argent and the Champagne d'Argent both originated in
France, the two breeds differ in color. Best described as having a coat color
of "orange silver," the Creme d'Argent first appeared in the United States in
1934. The breed has attracted many admirers with its beautiful coat. Bucks
weigh 9 pounds, and does weigh 10 pounds.
Dutch
One of the oldest known rabbit breeds, the Dutch is believed to have
originated in Holland. In 1864, the breed found its way to England, and today
it is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The Dutch rabbit's
distinctive markings - available in black, blue, chocolate, tortoise, steel and
gray - add to its popularity. A compact breed, the Dutch weighs about 4 1/2
pounds.
Dwarf Hotot
The Dwarf Hotot originated in Germany and was first exhibited for ARBA
consideration in 1981. The short, compact body is entirely white, with a
narrow, black band around each eye. Bucks and does weigh about 2 1/4 pounds.
English Spot
The English Spot is a very old breed whose exact origins are not known.
Bred extensively in England since 1880, the English Spot is believed to have
originated from old Flemish breeds and some species of white or spotted wild
rabbit. The butterfly spot on its nose prompted the French name "Lapin Papillon
Angalias," or the English butterfly rabbit. Available in black, blue,
chocolate, gold, gray, lilac and tortoise varieties, the English Spot buck
weighs 6 pounds, while the doe weighs 7.
Flemish Giant
The Flemish Giant is and always will be a popular breed, sponsored by the
oldest and one of the strongest specialty clubs in the country. This breed, as
its name implies, should be as large as possible, with a powerful, massive,
properly proportioned build. Color varieties include black, blue, fawn, light
gray, sandy, steel gray and white. Bucks should weigh 13 pounds or more, with
does weighing 14 pounds or more.
Florida White
Originated by Orville Mulliken, the Florida White was accepted by ARBA in
the early 1960s. Coat color, of course, is white, and body type is short and
close coupled - well-rounded hips and hindquarters tapering to meaty shoulders.
Bucks and does should weigh 5 pounds.
Harlequin
Strictly of French origin, the Harlequin has been raised as a common rabbit
throughout France for many years. The Japanese and Magpie groups of this breed
are bred in basic colors of black, blue, chocolate and lilac. These colors
alternate with orange or its dilute in the Japanese or with white in the
Magpie. Bands or alternate color appear on the body and the legs. Bucks should
weigh 7 1/2 pounds; does should weigh 8 pounds.
Havana
In 1898, the chocolate variety of the Havana appeared in a litter of a
common Dutch Marked doe in Holland. The breed soon obtained great popularity
and were soon being bred extensively in France, Switzerland and Germany. After
several years of exhibition in Europe, the breed was taken up in America in
1916. Three varieties are recognized today: black, blue and chocolate. Bucks an
does should weigh between 5 1/4 and 5 1/2 pounds.
Himalayan
The Himalayan is one of the oldest established breeds with a wider
distribution throughout the world than any other breed of rabbit. The breed is
easily recognized by its distinctive markings (which come in two colors --
black and blue): erect, colored ears; an egg-shaped colored nose with the small
end coming up well between the eyes; front and hind feet colored up to the
body; a colored tail; and red eyes. Ideally, bucks and does should weigh 3 1/2
pounds.
Hotot
This French breed was created by Baroness E. Bernhard in approximately
1912, but Hotots were first imported to America in 1978 by Bobby Whitman of
Texas. The breed is easily recognized by its unusual frosty white coat with
thin black eye bands circling each eye. Ideal weight for bucks is 9 pounds,
does, 10 pounds.
Jersey Wooly
Developed in the late 1970s by Bonnie Seeley of New Jersey, the Jersey
Wooly was accepted as a recognized breed by ARBA in 1988. The jersey Wooly
often is noted for its extreme gentleness. Groups include agouti, pointed
white, self, shaded and tan pattern. This small breed has a short, compact body
covered by dense wool about 2 to 3 inches long. Bucks and does should weigh
about 3 pounds.
Lilac
The Lilac originated as a sport from the Havana and still occasionally
appears in Havana litters. The characteristic coat color is, in fact, a diluted
Havana brown. The ideal color is uniform, medium dove-gray color with a pinkish
tint on the surface. Bucks weigh 6 to 7 pounds, while does weigh 6 1/2 to 7 1/2
pounds.
English Lop
Though the exact origin as of the Lop in general are not known, English
breeders have long attempted to produce animals with outstanding ear length,
leading to the breed known as English Lop. Today, English Lops with ears
measuring 24 inches from tip to tip are quite common. The record now stands at
28 1/2 inches. The main objective of English Lop breeders today is to get the
ears as long and wide as possible. Groups include agouti, brindled, broken,
self, shaded, solid and ticked. Bucks should weigh more than 9 pounds, while
does weigh more than 10.
French Lop
Known as the French Lop since the mid 1800s, this breed is believed to have
been developed from a cross of the English Lop and Flemish Giant rabbits. The
ears of the French Lop are much shorter than those of the English Lop and
should extend about 1 1/2 inches or more below the jaw. Groups shown are the
same as the English Lop. Slightly larger in size than the English Lop, French
males should weigh more than 10 pounds, while does should weigh more than 11.
Holland Lop
Accepted by ARBA in 1980, the Holland Lop was developed by Adrian De Cock
of the Netherlands. Mr. De Cock called his new breed, which he started to
develop in 1949, the "Netherland Dwarf Lop," a name that aptly describes it
appearance. The Holland Lop is a small, compact animals with ears that should
hang close to the head, just behind the eyes, and extend 1/2 to 1 inch below
the jaw when held in a natural position. Groups include agouti, broken, pointed
white, self, shaded, solid and ticked. Bucks and does should weigh 3 pounds.
Mini Lop
Introduced in the United States in 1972 by Bob Herschbach, the Mini Lop
made its first show appearance at the 1974 ARBA Convention. A popular breed
with a strong following, the Mini Lop was accepted as a new breed soon after.
Groups include agouti, broken, pointed white, self, shaded, solid and ticked.
Bucks weigh 5 1/2 pounds, does weigh 6.
Mini Rex
A simple touch of the Mini Rex's fur is enough to make you an instant fan.
If that isn't enough, you may be attracted to its small size. A relatively new
breed, the Mini Rex was accepted at the 1988 ARBA Convention. Varieties
include, but are not limited to, blue, Californian, castor, chinchilla, lynx,
opal, red, seal, tortoise, white and broken group. Ideal weight for adult bucks
is 4 pounds, while does should weigh 4 1/4 pounds.
Netherland Dwarf
When you count all the groups and varieties of the Netherland Dwarf, you'll
discover that this compact breed comes in more than 30 colors and patterns.
After being accepted by ARBA in 1969, they became almost instantly popular,
perhaps explaining the abundance of colors and varieties. Small animals with
short, erect ears, adult bucks and does should weigh about 2 pounds.
New Zealand
Available in black, red and white varieties, the New Zealand is perhaps
best known in its red variety, which was introduced from New Zealand by
sailors. ARBA accepted the white variety in the mid 1920s, and the black
variety came much later. The New Zealand is an example of uniformity, with
bucks weighing 10 pounds and does weighing 11.
Palomino
Created by the Youngs of Washington, the Palomino is a combination of
breeds crossed to produce a true breeding animal of distinctive colors.
Varieties available are golden and lynx. The golden variety is a bright golden
shade with cream to white undercolor, while the lynx is medium pearl-gray over
an orange-beige intermediate color with a cream to white base color. Bucks
weigh 9 pounds; does weigh 10.
Polish
A small, compact breed, the Polish is available in several varieties -
black, blue, chocolate, blue-eyed white and ruby-eyed white. The fur is short,
fine and dense. Ideal weight for senior bucks and does is 2 1/2 pounds.
Rex
Because of its coat characteristics, the Rex is differentiated from
"normal" furred breeds and classifieds as a separate breed. The main Rex
characteristic is a short coat with no conspicuous guard hairs. This mutation
gives the coat a very soft texture. Varieties include black, black otter, blue,
California, castor, chinchilla, chocolate, lilac, lynx, opal, red, sable, seal,
white and broken group. A medium-sized breed, Rex bucks should weigh 8 pounds,
while does should weigh 9.
Rhinelander
A striking breed, this is one of very few tricolored rabbits of the earlier
breeds. An alert looking rabbit, the Rhinelander has a unique body type that
avoids heaviness in the shoulder and hindquarters. Bucks should weigh 8 pounds;
does should weigh 8 1/2 pounds.
Satin
Walter Huey of Indiana discovered the Satin mutation in a litter of
chocolate Havanas in the mid 1930s. The satin factor was subsequently bred into
a number of breeds, resulting in "Satin" counterparts to many solid and self
normal-furred breeds. The characteristic fur is fine, dense, thick and soft,
with a sheen that gives the color a brilliant richness. The Satin is available
in these varieties: black, blue, Californian, chinchilla, chocolate, copper,
red, Siamese, white and broken group. Bucks weigh 9 1/2 pounds; does weigh 10.
Silver
The Silver, strictly a fancy rabbit is believed to have descended from
silver gray rabbits that existed in India thousands of years ago and probably
were brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors in the early 1600s. Silvers come
in three colors - black, brown and fawn - but the black variety is most
popular. Bucks and does should weigh about 6 pounds.
Silver Fox
Originally known as the American Heavyweight Silver, the Silver Fox was
produced by W.B. Garland of Ohio and received a standard at the 1925
Convention. Available in black and blue varieties, the Silver Fox is a
medium-sized rabbit with long, evenly silvered fur that resembles fox fur.
Ideal weight is 9 1/2 pounds for bucks and 10 1/2 pounds for does.
Silver Marten
A sport from the Chinchilla breed, the Silver Marten actually is a Black
and Tan rabbit minus the yellow or tan factor. Varieties include black, blue,
chocolate and silver. A medium-sized animal, the Silver Marten is medium in
length with well-developed hindquarters and shoulders. Bucks should weigh about
7 1/2 pounds, while does should weigh 8 1/2.
Tan
A Tan rabbit is easily recognized by its distinctive markings. The body
color is solid and free of white hairs and misplaced tan hairs. The tan color
is confined to the triangle at the nape of the neck; the inner part of the
front and hind legs, with the toes wholly tanned; and the chest, belly, flanks
and underside of tail. Varieties include black, blue, chocolate and lilac.
Bucks weigh between 4 and 5 1/2 pounds; does weigh between 4 and 6 pounds.
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