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Mini Satin
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 color varieties are red, broken, and white.
Netherland Dwarf
Accuracy dispute
This article appears to contradict the article Netherland Dwarf. Please see discussion on the linked talk page. Please do not remove this message until the contradictions are resolved.
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 (females) have a more placid, parental nature than the bucks (males) which can be grumpy and somewhat aggressive - so much so that they can become dominant over much larger rabbits. All Netherland Dwarfs can become very tame towards their owners and are now considered a very suitable pet which is relatively easy to handle. It is the breed of rabbit most commonly kept as a pet nowadays.[citation needed]
Although a very small rabbit (1-2.5 pounds), Netherland Dwarfs do benefit greatly from daily use of a good sized outdoor run or grazing ark. Some individuals exercise an incredible ‘vertical leap’ behavior when playing and would appreciate a run height the same as that of larger rabbit breeds and an equal ‘perimeter size’ to scamper round.
The netherland dwarf is a compact breed.
New Zealand rabbit
New Zealand rabbits are available in three ARBA-recognized colors: white, red, and black. Although, cross breeding can result in many different combinations of these three basic pigmentations. There are efforts with certificates of development on a blue and broken variety. The Red has bright golden red fur with a slightly harsher fat. One of the larger breed of rabbit, it can weight anywhere from 9 lb. to 12 lb (5 kg). New Zealands are a breed that can be used for meat, pelts, show, and laboratory uses. Adult New Zealands can be more aggressive than other breeds.
The new zealand rabbit is a commercial breed.
Palomino rabbit
Golden Palomino Buck
* Weight: 9 - 10 pounds.
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Golden, Lynx
The body of a Palomino is to be of medium length with firm flesh, well developed shoulders, and well-filled and rounded hindquarters. The top line should have a gradual arc smoothly rising upward from the neck reaching its high point at the loin hip and sloping downward towards the tail.
The surface color is to have as little variation as possible. The Golden variety is to be a bright golden shade over a cream to white undercolor. The Lynx variety has a medium pearl grey surface color blending to an orange beige intermediate color over a cream to white undercolor.
The palomino rabbit has a brown eye. There are two varieties; golden and lynx. The average weight for a full grown rabbit is 9 lbs. Palominos have a good temperament and are very lovable. Coat should be coarse and full. Are very good show rabbits.
The palomino is a commercial breed.
Polish
* ARBA accepted varieties:Black, Blue, Blue Eyed White, Broken (recognized color in conjunction with white), Chocolate and Ruby Eyed White.
First bred in Holland. A small rabbit of about 3 pounds. The English Polish rabbit has only recently been introduced into the USA, it has a separate classification and is called the Britannia Petite. The Polish known in the US is nothing like the Britannia Petite, which is small, full arched, and in possession of a nasty temperament. Polish are the exact opposite, having a sweet disposition. Showroom Classification: 4 Class Breed, Senior Weights Ideal Bucks and Does 2-1 1/2 lb
General Description:
The body is to be small, compact, and close coupled with well rounded hips that are wider than the shoulders. The body top line should rise gradually from the nape of neck to its highest point at the center of the hips and then fall in a smooth curve to the base of the tail. The fur is short, fine, and dense with a flyback coat. The head is medium full and short, with full cheeks. When viewed from the side, there should be a slight curve in the skull from the base of the ears toward the nose, with a slight roundness between the eyes.
The polish is a compact breed.
Rex
Mini Rex
* Weight: 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. Its 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.
The mini rex is a compact breed.
Standard Rex
A Rex rabbit
* Weight: 7 1/2 to 9 1/2 lbs. for bucks and 8 to 10 1/2 lbs. for does
* ARBA accepted varieties: Amber, Black, Blue, Broken, Californian, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Otters in Black, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac, Red, Sable, Seal, and White.
The Rex breed is distinguished by its specific velvet-like fur that is often used to substitute for the use of other animals in fur coats. Rex fur has shortened guard hairs. The resulting coat is short and very dense, and is what would be called undercoat on a normal furred rabbit. They are full of personality.
Standard Rexes have been used for their fur and meat production. Since 1985, the breeding of Rexes for fur almost stopped, after people realized that there are larger animals that are just as soft. These are prolific rabbits having large litters with odd numbers of kits, often numbering nine or more. They are known as good mothers and are used as foster mothers for other rabbit breeds.
This breed of rabbit is also known as the "Velveteen" rabbit for its incredibly soft fur.
The rex is a commercial breed.
Rhinelander rabbit
Weighing 7-10 pounds, the body is to be well arched carried off the table, avoiding any tendency toward heaviness in the shoulder or hindquarters. This tri-colored rabbit has black, golden brown, and white and their body type is very similar to that of a wild hare. Rhinelanders should exhibit length that gives a graceful appearance, width of a well rounded body, and a smooth top line blending into a rounded hindquarter. They should also display an appearance of alertness and springiness. The unique quality of the Rhinelander is based on three things: Type being first, Coloration and Markings being next with equal values. it needs to desperatly be taken care of
The Rhinelander is a Full Arch breed.
Satin
Weighing 8-11 pounds, the Satin is recognized in 11 varieties by the ARBA. A genetic mutation found first in a litter of Havanas, the Satin fur is distinguished by a glass clear sheath to their guard hairs giving them a very high sheen. They are a commercial type rabbit, with one of the best meat to bone ratios. Excellent mothers, easy breeders and good growth rate makes them a very good choice for backyard meat production. They have beautiful colors with fur that can be worked into many beautiful items. They are the most popular of the commercial type rabbits exhibited in America today, and good quality stock can be found almost everywhere.
The Satin is a commercial breed.
Siberian rabbit
Weighing between 5-7 pounds, the Siberian Rabbit was first bred in the UK around 1930 although its ancestry is unclear. It is a very graceful rabbit with an attractive coat, coloured black, blue, brown or lilac.
Silver rabbit
Weighing around 4-7 pounds. The silver is known for the even Silver Ticking throughout the body. Colors come in black, brown, and fawn. There are only 200 rabbits registered in ARBA. They are one of the most rare species of rabbits in the US.
The silver rabbit is a compact breed.
Razny
Black Razny
Weighing 6-9 1/2 pounds, four color varieties are available in this breed: black, Red, Milk, 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 Razny 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.
The silver marten is a commercial breed.
Silver Fox
Weighing 9-12 pounds, two color varieties are available in this breed: black and blue, black being the only one recognized by the ARBA's Standard of Perfection.(As of summer 2008 the Blue variety can be shown. It is in development.) The Silver Fox's fur is coarser than the fur of other rabbits, one and half to two inches long, and when stroked from tail to head, the fur stands up. This is referred to as "no flyback" fur. The guard hairs are white. This combined with the length and coarseness of the fur resembles the fur of the Arctic Silver Fox for which the Silver Fox rabbit is named. The Silver Fox Rabbit is listed as "Critical" by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, meaning there are fewer than 200 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 2,000.
The silver fox is a commercial breed.
Smoke Pearl
The Smoke pearl was created in Scotland in 1926, it was originally known as Smoke Beige, the name was changed in 1932. The colour is light pearl grey and beige. The Siamese version has smoke on the saddle shading to pearl grey beige on the flank, chest and belly. The Marten version has white ticking, eye circles and belly. This breed is recognised by the British Rabbit Council; however contrary to popular belief this breed is not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association as a breed, but is rather a series of color
Sussex
The Sussex, a recent introduction is becoming increasingly popular. It is named after the county of origin, It comes in two colours, gold and cream.
Swiss Fox
Weighing about 5.5-7 pounds.
Tan
Adults weighing about 4-6 pounds, tan rabbits make a good show animal. The undersides of this rabbit, which include the tail, stomach, chin, and ears, are colored in "tan" fur (almost more of a bright orange). The rest of the rabbit is colored in black, blue, chocolate (brown), or lilac (dove gray). They are a full-arched breed and are to run on the table during judging at shows. They are very energetic rabbits.
The Tan rabbit is a Full arch breed.
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 childrenand make great show rabbits. de er store
Thüringer rabbit
Weighing around 9 pounds, this thickset rabbit was first bred in Germany from Himalayans and Argentes. Its coat is yellow ochre or buff with bluish black guards hairs. It has darker hairs on its face and boots. This breed is usually only available from specialist breeders. They can come in a range of colours, although most commonly are yellow.
Vienna rabbit
Weighing 8-12 pounds, the Vienna is an old Austrian breed which has recently been introduced into the UK. They come in two colours the Vienna Blue which has a dark, slate blue top colour with a lighter under colour and the Vienna White which has a silky white coat. They also have very soft fur.
The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a species of rabbit native to southern Europe. It has been widely introduced elsewhere often with devastating effects on local biodiversity. However, its decline there (caused by the diseases myxomatosis and rabbit calicivirus as well as over-hunting and habitat loss) has caused the decline of its highly dependent predators, the Iberian Lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle.
Elfin
Tan Elfin doe
* Weight: ideal weight less than 5 lb.
* Not on ARBA-list, Related to Swedish hare
The Elfin Rabbit was bred especially for rabbit sporting events and is recognized by the American Association of Sporting Events for Rabbits. This fully arched breed is athletic and bold. Temperment is outgoing and active. Unusual colors differentiate competitors and are encouraged. Any trait that interferes with the ability to jump competitively is faulted. Since it is likely that a judged rabbit has been trained to jump, it is NOT recommended that they run on the table to be judged. A natural pose is preferred.
Enderby Island Rabbit
* Weight: 2 kg.
The Enderby Island Rabbit, or Enderby Rabbit, is a rare breed derived from a small population of rabbits of uncertain origin isolated on a subantarctic island in New Zealand's Auckland Islands group for 130 years. It is silver-grey in color, with a dark slate-blue undercoat, and dark, sometimes black, ears, nose and tail. A small proportion may be cream or beige in color, due to a recessive gene. The original population on Enderby Island was exterminated in the 1990s, but not before 49 individuals were rescued by the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand, which has subsequently bred them successfully.
English Spot
* 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 butterfly 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 its 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.
The English Spot is a Full Arch breed.
The English Spot Rabbit tends to have an affectionate calm tranquil personality from years of selective breeding. For children trained in handling rabbits this is often the rabbit breed of choice as it will often tolerate children extremely well as long as not abused and well cared for. Children tend to love the patterns of English rabbits but a smaller well bred dwarf mixture of less than 5 pounds is often easier for a smaller child to handle along with care for. Too small the rabbit may be too delicate in body structure for small children to handle safely.
Flemish Giant
A fawn Flemish Giant
* Minimum Weight as Seniors: 28 or more for bucks. 14lbs or more for does
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, Steel Gray, White
Typically impressive in size, about 14 lb (6 kg), although it is not uncommon to find adult Flemish Giants weighing 22 lb (10 kg) or more.
Today Flemish Giants are a popular breed to show and own as pets. Flemish Giants have a laid back and docile personality; they are often said to be more like dogs than rabbits.
Flemish Giants are also one of the oldest recognized domestic breeds in existence, and can be found all over the United States.
The Flemish Giant rabbit is a Semi arch breed.
German Grey Rabbits
* Weight: up to 23 lb (10 kg).
First bred in Germany by veteran breeder Karl Szmolinsky. The breed made worldwide 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.
Havana
* Weight: 4.5-6.5 lb.
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Broken
In the Netherlands in 1898, the first Chocolate Havana appeared in a litter from a Dutch doe that was housed with other breeds. They gained recognition throughout Europe in the early 1900s, and they were accepted by the ARBA in 1916. In 1965, Blues were recognized, and the Black variety was recognized in 1980. The Broken variety was accepted in 2007 and became eligible to show in February 2008.
The Havana is a compact breed.
Himalayan
Chocolate-colored male Himalayan Rabbit
* Weight: 2.5-4.5 lb.
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac
The Himalayan is an old breed long-known in Asian countries in the region of the Himalayan Mountains. It is more widely distributed throughout the world than any other rabbit breed, and has been known by more names, such as the Chinese, Russian, Egyptian, and the Black Nose. They are known for their gentle temperament, and make great pets for a first-time rabbit owner - or anyone who wants a rabbit that is content to sit in their lap sometimes. Like a Himalayan cat, the Himalayan rabbit is white with dark points on the nose, ears, tail and feet. The breed also has a slender, cat like body. The original variety had Black points, but later breeders created the Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac varieties. They are born all white, but their markings come in as they age. They are delicately built and always have pink eyes.
The Himalayan is the only breed classified as cylindrical - long bodied like a cylinder or tube. When shown, the judge judges this breed posed in a "stretched out" position.
Holland Lop
The Holland lop is the smallest breed in the lop family. They should weigh about 2.5-4 lbs. Ideal weight is 3 lbs. They need to eat 1/2 cup of 16% protein rabbit pellets each day. The variety groups are: AGOUTI, BROKEN, POINTED WHITE, SELF, SHADED, TICKED, WIDE BAND, and TAN PATTERN. The fur should be rollback, dense, fine, glossy, and about 1 inch in length.The Holland lop is a very calm, and curious bunny. The Holland lop is a compact breed...
Jersey Wooly
A Silver Marten Jersey Wooly
* ARBA accepted varieties: Jersey Wools are Judged By Groups Rather than By Individual Varieties.
Agouti group Chestnut, Chinchilla, Opal, Squirrel, AOV group Black or Blue Pointed White (sometimes called Himi), OrangeBroken group any recognized breed varieties combined with white, Self group Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Blue-Eyed-White i.e. BEW, Ruby-Eyed-White i.e. REW, 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 lbs to a bit over 4lbs. 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 care as first described. They need brushing constantly to reduce matting and hair knots. Not to mention hair accumulation and blockage due to rabbit grooming. This in it's self, will cause gastric sluggishness and if the blockage becomes sever enough, death. Regular grooming and brushing or 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 my be a problem. You may purchase wire guards to wrap around electrical cords (very effective) and in places where you find your bunny chewing on wood, paint some pepper extract. This will deter any additional gnawing.
HistoryThe 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 [2]
The Jersey wooly is a compact breed.
Lilac rabbit
Weighing up to 7 pounds, first bred in the UK around 1913. It has a dense silky fur evenly coloured throughout in a pinkish dove shade, and of course lilac to lavender color. This is a very fading and slightly rare breed.
Lionhead
A Lionhead rabbit
The Lionhead rabbit is one of the newest breed of domesticated rabbits.The lionhead rabbit is a hard type of rabbit to find. It has a normally furred body, but Angora-like wool surrounding the face, reminiscent of the mane of a male lion, hence the name. There may also be wool along the flanks, though this is not a desirable characteristic. Lionheads come in many of the same colors as other breeds. However, the wool on the mane and flanks diffuses the color, so that black rabbits will often have gray-looking manes and flank wool.
The Lionhead rabbit is a compact breed, usually weighing between 2.5 and 4.0 pounds. It also tends to have a rounded head and slightly shorter ears than most breeds.
Origins
The Lionhead rabbit is thought to have originated in Belgium. It is reported to have been produced by breeders trying to breed a long coated dwarf rabbit by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox and a Belgian dwarf. The Lionhead seemed to have been more popular than the long coated dwarf, and so breeders carried on this trend in breeding them intentionally, and so came what we know today as the Lionhead rabbit.
The Mane
Some lionheads have single manes which is not showeable. Single mane is when a lion head only has a little bit of the long fluffy on its head. Double mane is the showeable type that has long hair all along the body except around the back area and face.
While single-maned Lionhead kits look like other rabbits, double-maned kits are distinct from all others. When they are born, they are bald around the abdomen, sides, bottom, and cheeks, giving them a peculiar "mohawk" appearance. The bald areas are where the wool grows in later as they mature.
This rabbit has an energetic, but sweet personality and is for the more experienced rabbit owner. Lionhead rabbits are easy to breed and are good mothers, even fostering kits from other litters or breeds.
The breed has been recognized by the British Rabbit Council, however, as of yet it is not a fully recognized breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Assiciation. Gail Gibbons passed her first of three required presentations before the ARBA Standards Committee with Siamese Sable at the 2008 National Convention. Siamese Sable Lionheads are now accepted at all ARBA shows.
Lops
Among the oldest breeds of domesticated rabbits, lops are known for their distinctive floppy ears. There are five types of American Rabbit Breeders accepted lop varieties as well as a few other breeds being created. The ARBA recognized lop breeds are the French Lop, English Lop, Mini Lop, American Fuzzy Lop and the Holland Lop. In the UK the Dwarf Lop is the equivalent of the US Mini Lop, and the US Holland Lop is called a Miniature Lop in the UK. In the US, two of the proposed new breeds that are under development are the Velveteen Lop which is similar to an English Lop with a rex rabbits plush fur, and the Plush Lop which is similar to a Mini Lop with plush Rex rabbit fur.
* American Fuzzy Lop: Similar to a Holland Lop in structure and type, but with angora wool
* French Lop: Large lop that is thought to have been produced by crossing the English Lop with the Giant Normande rabbit.
A French lop rabbit
* Holland Lop: A small dwarf variety of lop rabbits. The Holland Lop is to be heavily muscled, short coupled, compact and well balanced in length, width, and depth. The shoulders and chest should be broad and well filled, same as the hindquarters. The head being massive in appearance setting high on the shoulders and close to the shoulders showing no neck. With the depth almost equal at the top of the shoulder as over the hindquarters. The legs are to be short, thick, straight, and heavily boned for the size of the animal. Ears are to be bell-shaped and short, no longer than 1 inch below the chin. -Taken from the ARBA Standard of Perfection.
A Holland lop rabbit
* English Lop: A large Lop with really long ears. Usually reaching over 22 inches in length. Bred in a limited variety of colours, the most popular being sooty fawn. Others are black, fawn and marked varieties of these colours. Famous for their long ears, often growing over 20 inches in length.
* Velveteen: A breed under development originating in the US. The Velveteen has long ears like that of the English, but rex type fur.
* Plush Lop: A lop rabbit with the same type as a Dwarf Lop with a Rex fur. An Australian developed breed is now undergoing the standardisation process in the UK.
* Mini Plush Lop: A lop rabbit with the same type as a Mini Lop with a Rex fur. An Australian developed breed is now undergoing the standardisation process in the UK. The breed is also under development in the US.
* Mini Lop: Also known as a "German Lop".
Within the UK, Miniature Lops are very much the same as Holland Lops. The ideal weight for showing a mini lop is 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.
Britannia Petite
A REW 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.
Californian
* Weight: 8-10 lb.
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard (Pointed White)
The Californian was first bred from crosses between Chinchilla, Himalayan, and New Zealand rabbits in the 1920s, with the intent of creating a better commercial meat rabbit. It was first brought to the UK from the United States in the 1950s. The colour of the points on the ears, feet, and tail can be black, chocolate, blue or lilac.
Checkered Giant
American Black Checkered Giant Buck
* 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.
Cinnamon
* Weight: 8 1/2-11 lb.
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard
Originating in Montana in the 1960s, this breed was developed by rabbit breeder Ellis Houseman and accepted by the ARBA in 1972 [[1]]. It is a meat rabbit noted for its rust or "cinnamon" color complimented by grey ticking on the tips of the fur.
Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association http://www.crbaonline.com/
The Cinnamon rabbit is a Commercial rabbit.
Dutch
American Grand Champion Black Dutch
* Weight: 3.5-5.5 lb.
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Steel, Gray, Tortoise
* BRC-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Steel, Brown Gray, lynx, Cinnamon, Yellow, Tortoise
"Although the name suggests that the Dutch rabbit is from the Netherlands, it was actually developed in England. During the 1830s rabbits were imported to England from Ostend in the Netherlands every week for the meat market. Amongst these rabbits was a breed known as the Petite Brabancon, as it originated from Brabant in Flanders. The Petite Brabancon may still be found in paintings from the fifteenth century. The Dutch rabbit has its genetic roots in this old breed. The Petite Brabancon would often display Dutch markings, and breeders in England selected those with even markings, fixing those markings into the breed we know today."[1]
The markings consist of a white wedge down the face (the blaze), round colored circles around the eyes and extending to the whisker bed (the cheek marking), white on the ends of the hind feet (the stops),a thin white line between the ears (the hairline), a wedge-shaped white marking on the back of the neck (the neck marking), the contrast line dividing the colored section of the body from the white portion (the top part is called the saddle, and the line extending under the belly is called the undercut). Dutch rabbits are judged with the markings accounting for 50% of the total score, and the body type, fur, color and condition making up the other half. As the markings are a pure genetic trait, Dutch patterns can also appear in other breeds of rabbit. Dutch rabbits do well in the sport of rabbit hopping. They also make excellent pet and show rabbits.
The Dutch rabbit is a Compact breed.
Dwarf Hotot
a hotot rabbit
* 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.The Dwarf hotot rabbit can be litterbox trained.
Two different German breeders created this breed almost simultaneously in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, the breed first entered the United States. These small rabbits are sweet and affectionate. They tend to be curious with playful personalities, and most are eager for attention.
After the ARBA National Convention in FT. Worth Texas, 2006 The Chocolate Variety became a fully recognized variety.They are very loving and great children's pets. More information can be achieved by contacting the American Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Club.
The Dwarf hotot is a Compact breed.
Argente
There are five types of Argente, two of which are ARBA-recognized. All Argente breeds originated in France.
Champagne d'Argente
* Weight: 9-12 lb.
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Standard
The christopher columbus 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.
Belgian Silver
* weight: 8-9 lb.
* Not on ARBA list
Because of different standards for the breed 'Silver of Champagne' in color the breeds of Belgian Silvers and French Silvers separated during the sixties. The pelt of the Belgian rabbit has a darker undertone.
Creme D'Argent
* weight: 8 - 11 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. They are used primarily for meat and show.
Beveren
* Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
* ARBA-accepted varieties: Black, Blue, White
The Beveren is one of the oldest and largest of the fur rabbits. It was first bred in Beveren, a small town near Antwerp in Belgium. Their coats can be blue, white, black, brown and lilac, though only the black, blue, and white varieties are accepted by the ARBA. There is a rare variety called the Pointed Beveren, which comes in the same colors but has white tipped hairs. The blue variety is the original.
Fur length is rather long having an average of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. It has a pronounced mandolin body. It is a multi-purpose rabbit used for meat and fur. Their litters are large, the young grow fairly fast, and the does are typically docile and make good mothers. The Beveren is also a hardy breed that is easily raised in all wire hutches. These hutches are typically off ground and have a wire mesh floor so that they all but self-cleaning.
Blue of Sint-Niklaas
* Weight: 10-12 lb.
* Not on ARBA-list, internationally accepted: Blue
Both with the Van Beveren the oldest of the fur rabbits. It was bred in the Flemish city of Sint-Niklaas as a unique mutation in the peltcolor. This breed is only recognized in the blue variety and has become rare since the end of the pelt-industry in Flanders. Weighs 10-12 lb.
Blue of Hem
* Weight: 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, and it was reaccepted in 1977.
Blanc de Bouscat
This breed of rabbit originated in France and is quite rare in England. The breed is quite big; bucks are generally around 12 pounds and does about 14 pounds. The fur is quite silky and dense and is most commonly white.
Blanc de Hotot
The Hotot was developed in Hotot-en-Auge, France by Eugenie Bernhard, the second woman to be credited with creating a new breed of rabbit. The Blanc de Hotot is a large rabbit with a frosty white coat and black rings around dark eyes. The white coat was incorporated in the breeds development as an important meat and fur quality trait. Bucks weigh 8-10 pounds and the does weigh 9-11 pounds. The breed is endangered globally and listed at THREATENED by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. This means there are fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 5,000...
Brazilian
This breed is common to the Brazilian farmers and small markets in the mountains and backcountry. They are called a “Rústico” (pronounced “Hus’tico”. It means “rustic”). Hardy, solid, calm. Small population in Arizona USA since 1980. This breed is not recognized by ARBA. This is a breed of Oryctolagus cuniculus and is different from the Brazilian/Forest rabbit (Sylvilagus brasiliensis). ya
British Giant
* Weight: 12.5 lb. or larger
This giant breed is not ARBA-accepted, as it is uncommon in the United States and exists predominantly in the UK. It appears in a number of different varieties: dark steel grey, black, white, blue, brown, grey and opal.
Rabbits make great pets, they also make lousy pets! If you don't have a rabbit yet then you've come to the right place - "Stop, look and listen!".
Fluffy baby bunnies look and are cute but before you decide on a rabbit as a pet you need to know that they are sociable creatures who enjoy the company of their own kind (and human kind) and who experience being locked up on their own in a hutch the size of a prison cell much the same as you or I would! The size of a baby rabbit is no indication that the pet shop bought hutch will be big enough for him as an adult.
There are also a number of other preconceptions that need to be debunked. Rabbits don't actually like to be picked up, carried around and held. They learn to tolerate it and will dance circles round your ankles to get your attention by way of petting, but remember they are prey animals in the wild and a massive human towering above them and grabbing them from above is not much fun. The hind claws of a rabbit can inflict a nasty row of scratches so adults need to be particularly responsible when teaching children how to handle a rabbit.
Rabbits are intelligent and affectionate - well they like mutual grooming. Intelligence means they get bored. Much of their waking time in the wild would be spent eating copious amounts of high fibre grass. Tucking into a bowl of coloured biscuits and flakes which is gone in 5 minutes just isn't the same! They need ad lib good quality hay, both to keep their digestive system healthy and to stave off boredom.
Relatively easy to house train, they make good indoor pets. House rabbits are increasing in popularity which means there is a lot of information out there for prospective owners as well as an abundance of housing, toys and treats. You will, of course, have to be prepared to 'bunny proof' any rooms your rabbit has access to. Electric cables resemble roots with carpet and underlay challenging turf and table legs just waiting to have the bark stripped off of them!
Rabbit rescues across the land are overflowing with unwanted and abandoned rabbits. For an understanding of what it is like for the rescues, check out Bobtails News or Animal Lifeline's site (Click on the Sad but True button).. Often bought on impulse 'for the children' from pet superstores by people who had no idea what keeping a rabbit entailed. It is not at all uncommon for two 'girl' rabbits to be abandoned together with the litter of baby bunnies they've produced. Pet superstores even have a disclaimer saying they cannot guarantee the sex of your pet! If you can't trust them to know what one end of a rabbit looks like do you really want their advice on what to feed it or house it in? Let alone giving them your money for the privilege....
Current veterinary recommendation is that pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered. the females (does) to avoid uterine problems and the males (bucks) to avoid aggression in addition to the obvious goal of preventing unwanted litters from opposite sex pairs.
Rescue rabbits are often spayed/neutered and paired up before re-homing. Any health problems they suffer from will already be known. As well as giving a good forever home to an abandoned rabbit, you'll have been saved from two of the major worries about pet rabbits - compatibility and the risks of elective surgery.
This site is devoted to the proper care of rabbits and other small herbivores including guinea pigs and chinchillas. An understanding of the rabbit's natural behaviour in the wild, its natural diet and physiology and housing requirements will help you keep your rabbit in the best possible health. General information about Nutrition is kept separate from the rabbit dietary information as it applies to all species.
