List of rabbit breeds

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (January 2007)

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 .

Table of contents
American • American fuzzy lop • American sable • Angora • Argente • Beveren • Blue of Sint-Niklaas • Blue of Ham • Blanc de Bouscat • Blanc de Hotot • Brazilian • British Giant • Britannia Petite • Californian • Checkered Giant • Chinchilla • Cinnamon • Dutch • Dwarf Hotot • Enderby Island Rabbit • English Spot • Flemish Giant • Florida White • German Grey • Havana • Himalayan • Jersey Wooly • Lilac • Lionhead • Lops • Mini rex • Mini Satin • Netherland Dwarf • New Zealand • Polish rabbit • Rex • Rhinelander • Satin • Siberian • Silver • Silver Marten • Silver Fox • Smoke Pearl • Sussex • Swiss Fox • Tan • Thrianta • Thuringer • Vienna
See also       References

[edit] American

• Weight: 9-12 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Blue, White

The American Blue was first standardized in the early 20th century in southern California and first exhibited in 1917. It quickly became one of the Blue varieties, the American White variety was created and standardized in 1925.

[edit] American fuzzy Lop

• Weight: under 4 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Broken, Solid

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.

[edit] American Sable

• Weight: under 7 - 10 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties:

A medium size rabbit that comes in different levels of "sable" (sandy) shading.

[edit] Angora

The Angora is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara, Turkey. They are bred largely for their long wool, which may be removed by shearing or plucking (gently pulling loose wool).

There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbits, four of which are ARBA recognized. Such breeds include, French, German, Giant, English, Satin, Chinese, Swiss, Finnish, to name a few.

[edit] English Angora

• Weight: 5-7 1/2 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Agouti, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Ticked, Wide Band

English Angoras were derived from commercially-used French Angoras as a show breed. Rabbits of this breed are adorned with "furnishings," growths of wool on the tips of the ears and front feet, along with their thick body wool. They are gentle in nature but not recommended for those who don't enjoy grooming their animals.

[edit] French Angora

• Weight: 7 1/2 to 10 lbs
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Agouti, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Ticked, Wide Band, and Broken.

The French Angora has guard hairs on the surface, with wool as an undercoat. Ear tufts are allowed but not preferred by breeders.

[edit] Giant Angora

• Weight: 9 1/2 lb. or larger
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Ruby-Eyed White

The Giant Angora is the largest variety of Angora rabbit. In addition to the underwool and guard hairs, it has an "Awn Fluff" that does not exist in the other three breeds of Angora.

[edit] Satin Angora

• Weight: 6 1/2 lb. to 9 1/2 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Agouti, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Ticked, Wide Band

Derived from a cross between a Satin and a French Angora, this breed is named for the extremely soft texture of its wool. It has no furnishings on face, ears, or feet, and it is also easy to groom compared to the English variety. Satin Angora's wool is said to be stronger for spinning than other varieties of Angora.

[edit] Argente

There are four types of Argente, two of which are ARBA-recognized. All Argente breeds originated in France.

[edit] Champagne d'Argente

• Weight: 9-12 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard

The Champagne d'Argente 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 grey 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Creme D'Argent

• weight: 8 - 11 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 undercolor should be a much more vivid orange. The Creme D'Argent is raised primarily for show and meat.

[edit] 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.^[clarify]

[edit] 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.

[edit] Blue of Ham

• Weight: 10-12 lb.
• 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, an it was reaccepted in 1977.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Brazilian

This breed is common to the Brazilian farmers and small markets in the mountains and backcountry. They are called a “Rustico” (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).

[edit] 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.

[edit] Britannia Petite

• Weight: 2.5 lb. or less
• 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Chinchilla

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] Standard Chinchilla

• Weight: 5-7 1/2 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Cinnamon

• Weight: 8 1/2-11 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard

Originating in Montana in the 1960s, this breed was accepted by the ARBA in 1972. It is a meat rabbit noted for its rust or "cinnamon" color complimented by grey ticking on the tips of the fur.

[edit] Dutch

• Weight: 3.5-5.5 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Steel, Gray, Tortoise

This old breed was first bred in the Netherlands and brought to England in 1864; it is still very popular 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.

[edit] 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 lbs., 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.

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.

More information can be achieved by contacting the American Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Club.

[edit] 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 colour, with a dark slate-blue undercoat, and dark, sometimes black, ears, nose and tail. A small proportion may be cream or beige in colour, 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.

[edit] English Spot

• Weight: 5-8 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Gold, Gray, Lilac, Tortoise

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 buttefly mark on the nose, colored ears, and eyecircles that usually have a little "fling" on the side but rarely have a perfect circle, and chains of colored spots along its sides including a herringbone stripe down it's back.It is also recognized in the show ring if it has symmetrical spots on each side. When litters are born they are 25% charlies,25% selfs and 50% marked. Charlies are spots with incomplete markings and selfs are one solid color but almost never pure white alsays lilac,black or any recognised colors. 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 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 included Guinea Pigs and familiarize themselves with domestic cats and dogs.

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.

[edit] Flemish Giant

• Weight: 13 lb (6 kg). or more
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, Steel Gray, White

Typically impressive in size, about 14 lb (6 kg)., and of a dirty iron grey color with sandy or white bars on the legs and long ears with bent tips. It is not uncommon to find 20 pound and more Flemish Giants.

Today Flemish Giants are a popular breed to show and own as pets.

Flemish Giants also have a unique, laid back and very 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. Flemish Giants can be found all over the United States.

[edit] Florida White

• Weight: 4-6 lb.
• ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard(white with pink eyes)

This breed was originally created in Florida in the 1960s as a small meat rabbit and white laboratory rabbit. It is generally thought that Polish, Dutch, and New Zealand White rabbits were combined to create the Florida White.

all other information was incorrect. I will be back to edit it.

[edit] German Grey Rabbits

• Weight: up to 23 lb (10 kg).

First bred in Germany by veteren breeder Karl Szmolinsky. The breed made world-wide news in 2006 when 23 lb (10 kg) "Robert" won a prize as Germany’s largest rabbit. As a result, the North Korean Government has begun a breeding program to use these very large rabbits to feed the population. It is reported however, that the rabbits sent by Szmolinsky were eaten at a birthday banquet for Kim Jong-il.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 children and are also a good choice 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, making it easy for young children to handle. 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.

[edit] Jersey Wooly

Jersey Woolies weigh about 3 pounds. They have a bold head and short, well furred ears. They need brushing often with an ideal length of wool being 3". Their wool can be described as "easy care", which is because of the texture and density of the wool. Jersey Woolys have gentle temperaments and make suitable pets. They come in Agouti, AOV, Broken, Self, Shaded, and Tan Pattern groups.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Lionhead

Is one of the newest breed of domesticated rabbits. It has particularly long hair surrounding the face, reminiscent of the mane of a male lion, hence the name. Other characteristic traits of the lionhead include a rounded head and small size, usually between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. It also tends to have slightly shorter ears than most breeds.

The Lionhead rabbit 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.

There are many coat types and colours. Some lionheads have single manes which is not showable. Single mane is when a lion head only has a little bit of the long fluffy on its head. Double mane is the showable type that has long hair all along the body except around the back area and face. The double mane is showable.

Baby lionheads (kits) are distinct from all others. When they are born they do not have a lot of hair around the tummy, butt, and cheeks. That hair grows in later as they mature.

This rabbit has a energetic, but sweet personallity and is for the more experienced bunny owner.

The breed has been recognized by the British Rabbit Council, however as of yet it is not a fully recognized breed in the ARBA.

[edit] 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. Here 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 an unknown breed.
  

  

  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: 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 breed under development in the US. The Plush is like a Mini Lop with Rex type fur.
• 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 3lb 6oz. Then there is the Dwarf Lop, these are around 5lb 4oz. Followed by the German Lop which is around 8lb, then finally the French Lop which is 10lb+.

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.

[edit] Mini Satin rabbit

A smaller version of the Satin. Over 6 Months weight can vary from 3 to 4.25 lbs and under 6 months they can reach a maximum of 4 lb. They were recognized as a breed in the ARBA standard in 2006 at the ARBA convention in Forth Worth, Texas. They were developed by J. Leo Collins. The only variety currently accepted is White.

[edit] Netherland Dwarf

This article appears to contradict the article Netherland Dwarf. Please see discussion on the linked talk page.

Introduced into the UK in 1949, this breed is one of the smallest and is widely considered one of the meanest. 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 Dwarf's 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, Netherland Dwarf's 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.

[edit] New Zealand

New Zealand rabbits are available in three ARBA-recognized colors: white, red, and black. Although 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.

SCHEDULE OF POINTS

    GENERAL TYPE:                   60 points
           Hindquarters:     20 points
           Midsection:       18 points
           Shoulders:        17 points
           Head & Ears:       5 points
           Feet & Legs:       0 points
    FUR:                            15 points
    COLOR:                          15 points
    CONDITION:                      10 points
    TOTAL POINTS:                  100 points

SHOW CLASSES & WEIGHTS

Senior Bucks - 8 months of age and over, weight 9 to 11 lbs. Ideal weight 10 lbs. Senior Does - 8 months of age and over, weight 10 to 12 lbs. Ideal weight 11 lbs. Intermediate Bucks - 6 to 8 months of age, not over 10 lbs. Intermediate Does - 6 to 8 months of age, not over 11 lbs. Junior Bucks - Under 6 months of age, not over 9 lbs. Junior Does - Under 6 months of age, not over 10 lbs. Pre-Jr. Bucks and Does - Under 3 months of age. Not over 4-1/2 lbs. Note: Juniors and intermediates which exceed maximum weight limits may be shown in higher age classifications. No animal may be shown in a lower age classification than its true age.

GENERAL TYPE

BODY: The body type should create an impression of balance and uniformity in the mind. The animal must exemplify meat producing qualities. It is to have well rounded hips, well filled loin, and ribs carrying forward to combine with shoulders that balance with the rest of the body. The shoulders should blend smoothly into the midsection, and the midsection should blend smoothly into the hindquarters. The body should be of medium length, with good depth. The top body line should rise in a gradual curve from the base of the ears to the center of the hips, and then fall in a smooth curve downward to the base of the tail. When viewed from the above, the sides should taper slightly from hindquarters toward the shoulders. A small dewlap is permitted on does.

HINDQUARTERS - Points 20: The hindquarters are to be broad, smooth, well filled with firm flesh, and with the lower sides of they hips well developed. Depth should equal width, consistent with a well rounded top.

MIDSECTION - Points 18: The midsection is to be broad, firm, meaty, and carry as much flesh as possible on both sides of the spine. The side appearance should be of good depth and conform with the width of body. The belly should be firm and free from potty appearance.

SHOULDERS - Points 17: The shoulders are to be well developed, with good depth and width.

Faults - Narrow, flat or low shoulders; swayback or mandolin type; long, narrow body or extremely short coupled body; chopped or hindquarters; hips undercut; protruding hips; rough spine; loose, flabby skin, excessively fat over shoulders.

HEAD & EARS - Points 5: The head is to be full, with well filled face and jaws, presenting a slight curvature between the eyes and nose. The size of the head should balance and conform with the body and be more massive in bucks than does. It should be set closely on the shoulders, with the neck as short as possible. Ears are to be medium thick, well shaped, in proportion to head and body, and with well rounded tips. They should be well set on the head, with a good heavy ear base, and carried erect. Faults - Long, narrow head; extreme curvature between eyes and nose; pinched muzzle; long, thin, or pointed ears; spread ear carriage.

FEET & LEGS - 0 points: Bone is to be straight, medium heavy, and medium length. Hind legs and feet are to be full, firm, and stout. All toenails on Red and Black varieties are to be uniform and as dark as possible. Disqualification from Competition: Extremely small bone.

FUR - 15 points: (Flyback) To Conform to the ARBA Commercial Normal Fur Standard.

COLOR - Points 15: BLACK - Color is to be uniform, jet black throughout. Under color is to be a dark slate blue. Eyes - dark brown. Faults - Stray white hairs; brownish cast. Disqualification from Competition: Patch(es) of excessive white hair; very conspicuous stray white hairs; excessive brownish cast; white shadow bars on front or hind feet.

RED - Color is to be a bright reddish sorrel, but not so dark as to reach a mahogany red. Color shall carry as deep down the hair shaft as possible. The belly color may be somewhat lighter in shade, approaching a deep creamy cast, but must not be pure white. White on the underside of the tail, or on front and rear feet pads is permitted. Eyes - Brown. Faults - Light or dark ticking, when sufficient to produce a frosty or smudgy effect; white hairs in pelt; large, white eye circles. Disqualification from Competition: A general or marked departure from the standard color , to the extent of being mahogany red or a pale yellowish shade. Extremely heavy ear lacing. White shadow bars on front or hind feet.

WHITE - Color is to be pure white.. Eyes - Pink. Faults - Dirt or Hutch stain.

CONDITION - Points 10: Per ARBA definition. with special emphasis on firmness of flesh.

[edit] 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 it’s 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 lbs. Palominos' have a good temperament and are very lovable. Coat should be coarse and full. Are very good show rabbits.

[edit] Polish

First bred in Holland. A small rabbit of about 3 pounds. The varieties recognized are Black, Blue, Blue Eyed White, Broken (recognized color in conjunction with white), Chocolate and Ruby Eyed White. 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.

[edit] Rex

[edit] Mini Rex

• Weight: 3 to 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)

The Mini Rex, also known as Velveteen rabbit, was derived from the Standard Rex breed. It's fur has a plush feel like velvet, 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. 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.

[edit] Standard Rex

• Weight: 7 to 10 1/2 lbs.
• ARBA accepted varieties: Amber, Black, Blue, Broken, Californian, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Black Otter, 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.

[edit] 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. 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Silver Marten

Weighing 6-9 1/2 pounds, four color varieties are available in this breed: black, blue, sable, and chocolate.

Longer white hairs should be ticked across each side of the body. There is also white in the form of a triangle at the nape of the neck, white inside the nostrils and ears, white circles around the eyes, white on the belly and inside of the legs, and white under the tail.

This is the breed. There is also a variety (color) called Silver Marten that is found in a few different breeds. They are, however, a separate breed, and they should not be crossed together. the breed was originally bred from the chinchilla rabbit.

[edit] 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. The Silver Fox's fur is more coarse than the fur of other rabbits, one and half to two inched 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 less than 200 registered breeding adult Silver Fox rabbits in the United States and a global population of fewer than 2,000.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Swiss Fox

Weighing about 5.5-7 pounds.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 how ever 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. Great show rabbits!

[edit] Thuringer 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] External links

• rex rabbit website

[edit] References

• 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
• French Angora Rabbit information website
• Brazilian Rabbit (USA) information website
• Giveusahome.co.uk Breed Listing
• Lionhead Rabbits information website
• Holland Lop Rabbits information website
• Snopes Urban Legends Reference Pages: Giant Rabbit
• [1]