RABBITS
Mini Rex
Mini Rex were derived from the Rex rabbit. Their unique, dense, plush, velvet-like fur, was caused by a mutation seen in wild rabbits in France in the late 19th century. The Rex mutation is recessive and causes the hair to protrude outwards from the body, instead of lying flat, and the guard hairs to be shortened to the length of the undercoat.
Their small size, plush coat and friendly personalities make them one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the United States. They were first recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1988, and been very popular with exhibitors ever since. It weighs 4 to 4½ pounds when fully grown. Short and rather close coupled, it is moderately well filled with flesh. The ideal length of its fur is 5/8 inch, and is to have a lustrous appearance, good body, and a plush-like effect which offers a distinct springy resistance to the touch.
For competitions, a Mini Rex should have a well-rounded back, with well-developed and filled shoulders, midsection and hindquarters. Their head should be well-filled and set on a short neck, with thick ears not longer than 3.5 inches. They should have medium-fine bone and rather short legs. Fur should be extremely dense, straight and upright. It should be smooth and springy, not too soft or silky. Fur must be between 1/2 inch and 7/8 inch long. Any missing toe nails can lead to disqualification of the rabbit. The Mini Rex is judged 35 points on body, 5 for head, 5 for ears, 35 for fur, 15 for color and 5 for condition, making a total of 100 possible points. They are a four-class rabbit, which means there are four age groups they can be shown in. They are Senior Bucks (3 – 4.25 lbs, ideal 4 lbs), Senior Does (3 – 4.5 lbs, ideal 4.25 lbs), Junior Bucks (2 – 3 lbs) and Junior Does (2 – 3 lbs).
Many Mini Rex rabbit shows are either local or national. Some shows are not sponsored by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), but rather by local or state Breeders Associations. Some Mini Rex shows are sanctioned by local show "designators" who set up and organize the event. Rabbit's are judged by national judges and the winners are announced at the end of judging. Rabbit shows are divided by class (color, age, and gender) and announced three times; If there are not enough show entries on the table or not enough show up, the class can be canceled. Rabbits can win a "leg" at sanctioned shows, that are noted as a winning, these can be won by having 5 rabbits or more in a class with 3 or more exhibitors. the "legs" can be classified by BIS (best in show) BOB (best of breed) BOS (best opposite sex) BOV (best of variety) BOSV (best opposite sex of variety)
The Mini Rex color spectrum includes Blue, Blue Eyed White, the Broken Group, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Otter, Red, Sable Point, Seal, Tortoise, and White. New certificates of development have been awarded by ARBA for Sable, Smoke Pearl, Silver Marten, and Tan Mini Rex, all to be presented in the next few years.
Their small size, plush coat and friendly personalities make them one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the United States. They were first recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1988, and been very popular with exhibitors ever since. It weighs 4 to 4½ pounds when fully grown. Short and rather close coupled, it is moderately well filled with flesh. The ideal length of its fur is 5/8 inch, and is to have a lustrous appearance, good body, and a plush-like effect which offers a distinct springy resistance to the touch.
For competitions, a Mini Rex should have a well-rounded back, with well-developed and filled shoulders, midsection and hindquarters. Their head should be well-filled and set on a short neck, with thick ears not longer than 3.5 inches. They should have medium-fine bone and rather short legs. Fur should be extremely dense, straight and upright. It should be smooth and springy, not too soft or silky. Fur must be between 1/2 inch and 7/8 inch long. Any missing toe nails can lead to disqualification of the rabbit. The Mini Rex is judged 35 points on body, 5 for head, 5 for ears, 35 for fur, 15 for color and 5 for condition, making a total of 100 possible points. They are a four-class rabbit, which means there are four age groups they can be shown in. They are Senior Bucks (3 – 4.25 lbs, ideal 4 lbs), Senior Does (3 – 4.5 lbs, ideal 4.25 lbs), Junior Bucks (2 – 3 lbs) and Junior Does (2 – 3 lbs).
Many Mini Rex rabbit shows are either local or national. Some shows are not sponsored by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), but rather by local or state Breeders Associations. Some Mini Rex shows are sanctioned by local show "designators" who set up and organize the event. Rabbit's are judged by national judges and the winners are announced at the end of judging. Rabbit shows are divided by class (color, age, and gender) and announced three times; If there are not enough show entries on the table or not enough show up, the class can be canceled. Rabbits can win a "leg" at sanctioned shows, that are noted as a winning, these can be won by having 5 rabbits or more in a class with 3 or more exhibitors. the "legs" can be classified by BIS (best in show) BOB (best of breed) BOS (best opposite sex) BOV (best of variety) BOSV (best opposite sex of variety)
The Mini Rex color spectrum includes Blue, Blue Eyed White, the Broken Group, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Otter, Red, Sable Point, Seal, Tortoise, and White. New certificates of development have been awarded by ARBA for Sable, Smoke Pearl, Silver Marten, and Tan Mini Rex, all to be presented in the next few years.
- Blue – dark blue, running as deeply towards the skin as possible, with a medium blue under color. Eyes are a blueish grey.
- Castor (Brown Agouti) – a rich chestnut color tipped with black. The under color is slate blue with an orange intermediate band of color. Ears are laced in black. Surface color of the belly is cream, as well as the eye circles and jowls. Eyes are brown.
- Chinchilla – sparkling mix of pearl and black. Slate blue under color, white belly color. Ears are laced with black, and eye circles are pearl. Upper of tail is black, bottom is white. Eyes are brown or blueish grey.
- Chocolate – lustrous chocolate brown. Dove-grey under color. Brown eyes.
- Himalayan – body is bright white. Ears, feet, tail and nose dark blue or black. Dark toenails, pink eyes.
- Lilac – dove grey lightly tinted with a lilac shade. Matching toenails and blueish grey eyes.
- Lynx – light fawn color tipped with lilac. White under color. Eye circles, jowls, belly, inside of ears and underside of tail are white. Eyes are blueish grey. '
- Opal – medium blue top color, fawn intermediate color and grayish blue under color. Underside of tail, jowls, belly, inside of ears and eye circles are to be white of cream. Eyes are blueish grey.
- Otter – Mainly gray, blue, chocolate or lilac, with tan under belly, chin, tail and circular eye markings..
- Red – rich red with as little shading as possible. White or cream belly color. Eyes are brown.
- Sable – light brown body, with even darker ears, nose, tail, & feet. Eyes are brown.
- Sable Point – lighter brown all over and darker ears, nose, tail, feet. Eyes are brown.
- Seal – dark, dark brown body, fading to lighter brown on the belly and chest. Eyes are brown.
- Tortoise – rich orange with dark shading on the belly, feet, rear, sides, face and ears. Eyes are brown.
- Red Eyed White – pure white. Eyes are pink.
- Blue Eyed White – pure white, eyes blue.
- Broken – Any accepted variety in conjunction with white.
- Tri-Color – white with Black & Orange, Lilac & Fawn, Chocolate & Orange, or Blue & Fawn.
- Pattern (Broken) – a broken with a balanced nose marking, eye markings, colored ears, colored tail and body spots. Colored area covering 10% to 50% of rabbit.
Lion Head
The Lionhead rabbit is one of the newest breeds of domestic rabbits in the United States, and is currently undergoing the American Rabbit Breeders' Association evaluation process. The Lionhead rabbit has particularly long wool surrounding the face, reminiscent of the mane of a male loin, hence the name. Other characteristic traits of the Lionhead include a partly rounded head and small size, usually between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. It also tends to have slightly shorter, thicker 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.
The Lionhead has a small body, and the head is bold, although not quite round from all sides, with well-developed muzzle. Their legs are of medium length and they are of medium bone. Their ears are not to exceed 3½ inches long. Their mane is at least 2 inches long and is to form a full circle around the head, extending to a 'V' at the back of the neck. It may fall into a fringe between the ears, creating a "wool cap". Lionheads may have longer fur around their back legs. Some Lionheads have noticeably longer wool on the cheeks and chest. They are to have a dense, roll back coat, of medium length and even all over body in adults.
The breed has been recognized since 2002 by the United Kingdom's British Rabbit Council. It currently is in "Certificate of Development" status with theAmerican Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA). The current breed presenter is Theresa Mueller of Seattle, WA. She made her first successful presentation at the 2010 ARBA Convention in Minneapolis, MN in November, 2010 in the varieties of REW, Black Tortoise and Black. Theresa must make two more successful presentations in order for the breed to attain recognized breed status within the ARBA. COD holders in line behind Theresa include Dawn Guth(OH), Lynne Schultz(NE), Lee A. Nevills(IN), Anita Moore(MI), Regina Mayhugh(OH), and Marilyn Stevens(PA). Arden Wetzel (MN) was the first Lionhead COD holder, but ultimately failed his presentation. Second COD holder Gail Gibbons (KS) also failed to successfully present the breed to ARBA. Bob Whitman (TX) and Kim Croak (PA), both recently deceased, also held Lionhead breed CODs.
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.
The Lionhead has a small body, and the head is bold, although not quite round from all sides, with well-developed muzzle. Their legs are of medium length and they are of medium bone. Their ears are not to exceed 3½ inches long. Their mane is at least 2 inches long and is to form a full circle around the head, extending to a 'V' at the back of the neck. It may fall into a fringe between the ears, creating a "wool cap". Lionheads may have longer fur around their back legs. Some Lionheads have noticeably longer wool on the cheeks and chest. They are to have a dense, roll back coat, of medium length and even all over body in adults.
The breed has been recognized since 2002 by the United Kingdom's British Rabbit Council. It currently is in "Certificate of Development" status with theAmerican Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA). The current breed presenter is Theresa Mueller of Seattle, WA. She made her first successful presentation at the 2010 ARBA Convention in Minneapolis, MN in November, 2010 in the varieties of REW, Black Tortoise and Black. Theresa must make two more successful presentations in order for the breed to attain recognized breed status within the ARBA. COD holders in line behind Theresa include Dawn Guth(OH), Lynne Schultz(NE), Lee A. Nevills(IN), Anita Moore(MI), Regina Mayhugh(OH), and Marilyn Stevens(PA). Arden Wetzel (MN) was the first Lionhead COD holder, but ultimately failed his presentation. Second COD holder Gail Gibbons (KS) also failed to successfully present the breed to ARBA. Bob Whitman (TX) and Kim Croak (PA), both recently deceased, also held Lionhead breed CODs.
Flemish Giant
The Flemish Giant is a very old and popular breed of domestic rabbit, most famous for its large size compared to other rabbits. Flemish Giants can be docile and tolerant of handling; frequent interaction with humans is a requirement for this to occur. Flemish Giants, like all rabbits, can become fearful, and sometimes violent, if handled incorrectly or irresponsibly. Their larger frame requires special attention paid to the spine alignment when handling a Flemish Giant, or any rabbit for that matter. Consequently, potential owners should consider these factors in addition to their size, level of food consumption, and substantial waste production before buying. The well-being of a Flemish Giant, like all rabbits, is dependent upon the care of a responsible owner. Consequently, rabbits may not be an ideal pet for younger or immature caregivers.
Due to its large size, the Flemish Giant needs substantial living quarters that provide ample opportunity for physical movement. The House Rabbit Society recommends keeping rabbits inside the home in a very large pen or room(s) in the home. Larger dog crates are often more appropriate than traditional rabbit and small-pet cages, which tend to be smaller and shorter. In the United States Department of Agriculture's standards for animal housing, rabbits over 12 pounds must have at least 5 square feet of floor space.The size of appropriate living quarters increases with size of the rabbit. Cages with incorrectly sized wire gauge bottoms (as opposed to small gauge wire or solid bottoms) can harm the feet of a Flemish Giant more so than smaller house rabbits due to their increased weight. A resting board may be required to prevent sore hocks for a larger breed rabbit. The Flemish Giant will require larger quantities of food compared to smaller breeds of domestic rabbits. Like some other short hair breeds of rabbits, the Flemish Giant will usually require mild attention to grooming due to its shorter hair. Shedding during the spring and fall transition periods tend to be the most dramatic, with smaller sheds often occurring in between.
The Flemish Giant is a old breed of domesticated rabbits, originating from the Flemish region. They have been bred as early as the 16th century around the city of Ghent, Belgium. It is believed to have descended from a number of meat and fur breeds, possibly including the Steenkonijn (Stone Rabbit - referring to the old Belgian weight size of one 'stone' or 3,5 kg) and the European "patagonian" breed (now extinct). This 'Patagonian' rabbit was a large landrace breed that was once bred in Belgium and France. The Patagonian breed was not related to the Patagonian rabbit of Argentina (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) a separate wild species which weighs less than two pounds (about 1 kg), nor the Patagonian Hare (Dolichotis patagonum), which is a variety of rodent (classified as a Cavy) and thus cannot interbreed with domesticated rabbits. Thomas Coatoam in his "Origins of the Flemish Giants" tells us "The earliest authentic record of the Flemish Giant Rabbit occurred about the year 1860. At that time, in England, stories were being circulated by travelers having recently returned from Flanders, of the enormous size of the rabbits raised in that country and in parts of France. Weights of certain specimen were stated to be 18 to 20 pounds. However, a close investigation of the matter of weights proved that 12to 14 pounds were the average weight of giant rabbits raised in the above mentioned country.
As one of the largest breeds of domestic rabbit, the Flemish Giant is a semi-arch type rabbit with its back arch starting back of the shoulders and carrying through to the base of the tail giving a "mandolin" shape. The body of a Flemish Giant Rabbit is long and powerful with relatively broad hindquarters. Bucks have a broad, massive head in comparison to does. Does may have a large, full, evenly carried dewlap (the fold of skin under their chins). The fur of the Flemish Giant is known to be glossy and dense. When stroked from the hindquarters to the head, the fur will roll back to its original position. ARBA standard has seven different colors, black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray and white. They are shown in six classes (three buck classes and three doe classes): Junior bucks and does under 6 months, Intermediate bucks and does 6–8 months, and Senior bucks and does 8+ months. The minimum show weight for a Senior (older than 8 months) doe is 14 lbs (about 6.4 kg), and the minimum weight of a Senior buck is 13 lbs (about 5.9 kg) (ARBA Standards of Perfection). A senior doe can take 1 year to reach full maturity. A senior buck can take 1.5 years to reach full maturity. It is not unusual to see a 10 kilo (22 pound) Flemish Giant, and specimens weighing over 50 kilos have been reported. The largest of rabbits weigh as much as 50 pounds, although these species technically constitute Continental and German Giants
Due to its large size, the Flemish Giant needs substantial living quarters that provide ample opportunity for physical movement. The House Rabbit Society recommends keeping rabbits inside the home in a very large pen or room(s) in the home. Larger dog crates are often more appropriate than traditional rabbit and small-pet cages, which tend to be smaller and shorter. In the United States Department of Agriculture's standards for animal housing, rabbits over 12 pounds must have at least 5 square feet of floor space.The size of appropriate living quarters increases with size of the rabbit. Cages with incorrectly sized wire gauge bottoms (as opposed to small gauge wire or solid bottoms) can harm the feet of a Flemish Giant more so than smaller house rabbits due to their increased weight. A resting board may be required to prevent sore hocks for a larger breed rabbit. The Flemish Giant will require larger quantities of food compared to smaller breeds of domestic rabbits. Like some other short hair breeds of rabbits, the Flemish Giant will usually require mild attention to grooming due to its shorter hair. Shedding during the spring and fall transition periods tend to be the most dramatic, with smaller sheds often occurring in between.
The Flemish Giant is a old breed of domesticated rabbits, originating from the Flemish region. They have been bred as early as the 16th century around the city of Ghent, Belgium. It is believed to have descended from a number of meat and fur breeds, possibly including the Steenkonijn (Stone Rabbit - referring to the old Belgian weight size of one 'stone' or 3,5 kg) and the European "patagonian" breed (now extinct). This 'Patagonian' rabbit was a large landrace breed that was once bred in Belgium and France. The Patagonian breed was not related to the Patagonian rabbit of Argentina (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) a separate wild species which weighs less than two pounds (about 1 kg), nor the Patagonian Hare (Dolichotis patagonum), which is a variety of rodent (classified as a Cavy) and thus cannot interbreed with domesticated rabbits. Thomas Coatoam in his "Origins of the Flemish Giants" tells us "The earliest authentic record of the Flemish Giant Rabbit occurred about the year 1860. At that time, in England, stories were being circulated by travelers having recently returned from Flanders, of the enormous size of the rabbits raised in that country and in parts of France. Weights of certain specimen were stated to be 18 to 20 pounds. However, a close investigation of the matter of weights proved that 12to 14 pounds were the average weight of giant rabbits raised in the above mentioned country.
As one of the largest breeds of domestic rabbit, the Flemish Giant is a semi-arch type rabbit with its back arch starting back of the shoulders and carrying through to the base of the tail giving a "mandolin" shape. The body of a Flemish Giant Rabbit is long and powerful with relatively broad hindquarters. Bucks have a broad, massive head in comparison to does. Does may have a large, full, evenly carried dewlap (the fold of skin under their chins). The fur of the Flemish Giant is known to be glossy and dense. When stroked from the hindquarters to the head, the fur will roll back to its original position. ARBA standard has seven different colors, black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray and white. They are shown in six classes (three buck classes and three doe classes): Junior bucks and does under 6 months, Intermediate bucks and does 6–8 months, and Senior bucks and does 8+ months. The minimum show weight for a Senior (older than 8 months) doe is 14 lbs (about 6.4 kg), and the minimum weight of a Senior buck is 13 lbs (about 5.9 kg) (ARBA Standards of Perfection). A senior doe can take 1 year to reach full maturity. A senior buck can take 1.5 years to reach full maturity. It is not unusual to see a 10 kilo (22 pound) Flemish Giant, and specimens weighing over 50 kilos have been reported. The largest of rabbits weigh as much as 50 pounds, although these species technically constitute Continental and German Giants
Harlequin Rabbit
The Harlequin is a popular colourful breed of rabbit originating from France. It is a breed based around the coloration and markings, rather than fur type. The ideal weight of a standard Harlequin is 6-8 lb (2–3 kg).
The traditional Harlequin is part black (no silvering) and part orange (the brighter the better). It should have an even mix of both colours and ideally have a half and half colour on the head. Their colouration may also be called Magpie where the second colour is white rather than orange. The recognized colour patterns are:
The Harlequin rabbit is playful, docile, and intelligent. The rabbit can respond to its own name and even be litter box trained. They are gentle, so they would be ideal pets for kids and small children.
Harlequin rabbits come in two types: Japanese and Magpie. Japanese Harlequins are generally orange and black, while Magpie Harlequins are white (instead of orange) and black/brown. A "perfect" Harlequin will be split between the two colors on the head, ears, feet, and body. It kind of looks like a perfect stripe between the two colors. Some Harlequins will have grey or white bellys.
Some experts say[who?] that "Harlequin" is not a breed of rabbit, but just a color type. Others argue that it is a breed of rabbit with that color scheme. This is debatable.
It was developed from semi-wild Tortoiseshell Dutch rabbits. Originally it looked like a badly marked Dutch rabbit. Harlequins was first exhibited in Paris in 1887. They were then imported into England a few years later. Harlequins were used for meat during World War 2. Harlequins are nicknamed the clown of the rabbits and the royal jester because of the color separations.
The average life span for the Harlequin rabbit is 5 years or more.
The bucks usually weigh 6.5 to 9 pounds and the does weigh 7 to 9.5 pounds.
The traditional Harlequin is part black (no silvering) and part orange (the brighter the better). It should have an even mix of both colours and ideally have a half and half colour on the head. Their colouration may also be called Magpie where the second colour is white rather than orange. The recognized colour patterns are:
- Black Harlequin
- Blue Harlequin
- Brown (Chocolate) Harlequin
- Lilac Harlequin
- Black Magpie
- Blue Magpie
- Brown (Chocolate) Magpie
- Lilac Magpie
The Harlequin rabbit is playful, docile, and intelligent. The rabbit can respond to its own name and even be litter box trained. They are gentle, so they would be ideal pets for kids and small children.
Harlequin rabbits come in two types: Japanese and Magpie. Japanese Harlequins are generally orange and black, while Magpie Harlequins are white (instead of orange) and black/brown. A "perfect" Harlequin will be split between the two colors on the head, ears, feet, and body. It kind of looks like a perfect stripe between the two colors. Some Harlequins will have grey or white bellys.
Some experts say[who?] that "Harlequin" is not a breed of rabbit, but just a color type. Others argue that it is a breed of rabbit with that color scheme. This is debatable.
It was developed from semi-wild Tortoiseshell Dutch rabbits. Originally it looked like a badly marked Dutch rabbit. Harlequins was first exhibited in Paris in 1887. They were then imported into England a few years later. Harlequins were used for meat during World War 2. Harlequins are nicknamed the clown of the rabbits and the royal jester because of the color separations.
The average life span for the Harlequin rabbit is 5 years or more.
The bucks usually weigh 6.5 to 9 pounds and the does weigh 7 to 9.5 pounds.