Let’s start our study of rabbit coat color genes with the A genes. Genes in the A series don’t change what hue the rabbit is, but they affect the arrangement of the color pigments. There are three possible forms. We often call the A series the “agouti series”, because Agouti is the so-called normal form … Read more
The E/e gene controls whether the basic color on the rabbit (black, blue, chocolate, or lilac) is extended all of the way to the end of the hair shaft or whether the basic color stops and another finishes the hair shaft (such as the orange color on the back of a black tortoiseshell). When a … Read more
“Carries Dilute” is a notation you see on rabbits for sale. Why is that worth mentioning on a “for sale” rabbit? Well, if you are like me, dilute rabbits are among your favorite colors. So what are dilute rabbits? They are just like regular or “dense” rabbit colors except that there is less pigment in … Read more
Wait! This is part 2! if you came directly to this page via an internet search, don’t miss part 1 of this article! What Happens When You Breed C-genes together? Just like with other genes, if you breed two true-breeding color gene domestic rabbits together, you will have offspring of the same. That is, two … Read more
Although there are five main color genes than determine the color of a rabbit’s fur, the c-series of genes is called the “color gene.” The color gene, which controls where and how much color will be expressed rather than which color will be expressed, is definitely one of the most difficult to understand. The first … Read more
If your rabbit is not posed correctly, you cannot accurately evaluate its body type. These are step-by-step instructions for how to pose a rabbit for judging, evaluating, or 4-H showmanship. These instructions apply to most commercial and compact-type breeds such as Mini Rex, Polish, Dutch, Californian, Satin, New Zealand, and other meat pen breeds. These … Read more
The “B” color gene is pretty straightforward and easy to understand, especially compared to the “C” gene, or even the “A” or “E” color genes. That’s because it comes in only two varieties: the dominant “B” and the recessive “b.” “Easy” is relative, when it comes to genetics! But let’s just dive right in. Any … Read more
by Laurie Stroupe This Holland Lop is Posed Correctly One of the biggest complaints that Holland breeders have about judging revolves around the unique Holland pose. But I have found that many breeders themselves have problems with the pose. Improperly posed Hollands fail to show off their beautiful top lines or the important head mount … Read more
This article explores how condition should be evaluated when judging rabbits. You can also learn what you can feed your rabbit to condition it for show at this page. What is Condition in Show Rabbits? by Laurie Stroupe Our standard refers to the ARBA definition of condition. Have you ever read it? I hope so! … Read more