Pet Rabbits Hutches & Cages Genetics Breeds Care of Rabbits Breeding Resources RAW Rabbit Store More
Different Breeds of Rabbits
This is the third page of our long list of different breeds of rabbits. This table of contents page links to history, breed information, pictures for each breed, and our other rabbit breed description and information pages.
Sponsored Links
You'll find different breeds of rabbits below, in alpha order from O through Z. If the rabbit breed title is a link, you can follow it to its full breed description page.
If the breed is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, our All Rabbit Breeds page may offer links to the National club, where you might find even more info, including breeder lists.
Skip O - Z, and learn about different breeds of rabbits from A to F Skip O - Z, and learn about different breeds of rabbits from G to N
Our Rabbit Breeds page lists all of the different breeds of rabbits, to help you find the breed you're looking for.
Enjoy learning about all the different breeds of rabbits!
Orange The Orange Rabbit is a Swedish breed that has been recognized since 1966. It is a true 'orange' color and weighs up to 3.2 kg (7 1/4 pounds).
Orestad The Orestad is a red-eyed-white (albino) rabbit found only in Scandinavia. Shown for the first time in 1970, the Orestad weighs 2.5 to 3.2 kg (up to 7.25 pounds).
Palomino Within the genetic pool of the Palomino is a mix of local purebred and mixed rabbits that could be found in Washington State from 1910 to the mid-50's. Palominos are a commercial meat breed available in Lynx and Golden. They weigh up to 11 pounds (5 kg). This beautiful breed is now considered somewhat rare.
Pani The Pani is an important livestock animal in Japan, where it is raised for both meat and fur. It is medium to large in size.
Pannon White The Pannon White rabbit was developed in Hungary. Using New Zealand Whites and Californians, fryer weight gains and dress-out percentages have been the chief criteria for selective breeding since 1988. They weigh up to 5.25 pounds (2.3 kg) by 10 weeks.
Perlfee The Perlfee rabbit breed was created in Germany in order to imitate the distinctive fur of the Siberian squirrel. Its fur is a light blue-gray agouti with pearling, due to guard hair tips that are both dark and light gray. In the UK, the Perlfee weighs 2.26 - 3.17 kg (5-7 pounds).
Petit Papillon Tricolor The Swiss breed, Petit Papillon Tricolor, looks every bit like a tri-colored English Spot, albeit slightly smaller in size (up to 7.25 pounds - 3.3 kg). Rhinelanders and Petit Papillons went into the gene pool.
Pointed Beveren The Pointed Beveren is a reconstitution of the once-extinct Pointed Fox rabbit breed. The Pointed Beveren is accepted in black, blue, brown and lilac, weighs a minimum of 3.17 kg (7 pounds), and has white-tipped guard hairs throughout, though less obvious on the points. The coat is "exquisitely soft," with one uniform shade on the usable pelt.
Polish The Polish rabbit dates to the mid-1800’s. These began as red-eyed-whites bred from native farm rabbits, most likely in the areas of both Poland and Prussia. Maximum weight for Polish rabbits in the USA is 3 1/2 pounds. These ‘self’-colored rabbits are accepted in black, blue, chocolate, REW, BEW and broken. The Polish of the UK are identical to the US breed of rabbits called Britannia Petite, are accepted in many colors, and weigh a maximum of 1.134 kg (2 1/2 pounds).
Prat The Prat rabbit is a red-eyed-white Spanish breed, developed for use as part of three-way crossbreeding for commercial meat production. Selection for Prats is based on litter size at weaning. They are a bit more compact than the Caldes rabbit, another Spanish breed used for commercial meat production.
Rex, Astrex The Astrex has a very wavy rexed coat. The wavy coat is the result of a simple recessive mutation that first occurred in 1931 in England. Astrex eventually went extinct in England when it was believed their pelts did not hold up to tanning. From time to time, the astrex mutation shows up in various breeds, especially if that breed carries rex and angora genes in the background. A few US breeders are raising Astrex today with an eye to eventual recognition by the ARBA.
Rex, Dwarf A Dwarf Rex is a Netherland Dwarf with rexed fur. The best quality animals are reportedly found in Germany. Breeding and showing of Dwarf Rex rabbits has been on the upswing since 1982. Fur quality and density offers an opportunity for improvement.
Rex, Micro Micro Rex rabbits are the size of Netherland Dwarfs. They were selectively bred using the smallest Mini Rex rabbits. No outcrosses were made to Netherland Dwarfs in order to lose size. (However, Mini Rex were created using Netherland Dwarfs.) Maximum weight is 2.25 pounds (1.02 kg) in does, and 2 pounds (0.90 kg) in bucks.
Rex, Mini The Mini Rex rabbit breed has become a huge favorite wherever it goes. The breed dates to the early 1980's. It was a brilliant idea - combine the wonderfully plush fur of the Rex rabbit in a very small, easy-to-handle rabbit. The Mini Rex is the result of crossing a small standard Rex doe with a Dwarf Rex buck.
Today Mini Rex typically have excellent type, though we haven't yet laid hands on a Mini Rex that can match the standard Rex for sheer density. All in all, this is a lovely breed which is a perennial favorite with show breeders, 4H and FFA members and pet owners alike. They are accepted in all the colors of the standard Rex, plus tortoise and blue-eyed white. Does and bucks should weigh no more than 4 1/2 pounds (2.04 kg).
Rex, Mini Satin Mini Satin Rex rabbits were accepted as a breed in Australia in 2003. They are a mix of standard Satin with the Mini Rex rabbit. They are accepted in all the many colors and patterns of the BRC. Mini Satin Rex rabbits should weigh no more than 4 1/2 pounds (2.04 kg).
Rex, Opossum If you can imagine it, the Opossum Rex rabbit looks just like a wooly lamb, only with long ears. They have coats of rexed angora. The rexing of the angora hair shaft results in very wavy wool that is around 1 1/2 inches long. The head is not wooled, and is darker in color as is usual for angoras. The BRC recognizes the Opossum Rex, where they should weigh 6-8 pounds (2.72-3.63 kg). The breed is not recognized in the USA, and is extremely rare in Europe and the UK.
Rex (Standard) The coat of the Rex rabbit is a result of a fur mutation that first occurred in France in 1919. Many of the first Rex rabbits had deformed extremities, earning them the nickname of Wrecks. Today, after years of careful breeding, the deformities are gone. Our Rex rabbits are absolutely stunning in both body type and in density of their plush velvet coats. Rex fur is sought after by furriers as it relieves the pressure on wild species.
In the USA: Rex fur should measure 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, with 5/8 inch being ideal. Bucks should weigh up to 9 1/2 pounds (4.3 kg). Does weigh up to 10 1/2 pounds (4.77 kg).
In the UK: Rex fur should measure 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) long. Adults weigh 2.72 - 3.62 kg (6-8 pounds)
Rex, Standard Satin Satin Rex is a rare breed recognized in the UK for many years. The satinized fur shaft is thinner than normal (rexed) fur, which although shiny, reduces the density of the rex coat. This could possibly be overcome by using extremely dense rex coats in the breeding program. The Satin x Rex cross was developed initially in the USA in the mid-1940's, but was never recognized.
Rhinelander Rhinelander rabbis originate from the North Rhine region of Germany, unsurprisingly. Called "The Calico of the Fancy," they are a black and orange spotted white rabbit created through the use of the Harlequin and the Papillon rabbits. Rhinelanders are to show specific and alternating patterns of color on nose butterflies, eye spots, cheek spots, ears, saddle and sides.
Recognized by the ARBA from 1924 to 1932, interest waned. The breed disappeared from the USA until the early 1970's, when 4 specimens were imported to California. The breed achieved ARBA recognition once again in 1975, but even so, the breed is rare. Bucks weigh 6 1/2 to 9 1/2 pounds (2.95 - 4.318 kg), while does weigh 7 to 10 pounds (3.18 - 4.545 kg).
Rhoen The Rhoen rabbit breed is a combination of Chinchilla, Harlequin, Aalaska and Silver Marten. The resulting coloration is a German take on a Magpie Harlequin. However, instead of alternating patterns, Rhoens are selectively bred for a mottled effect, described as the "bark pattern of the white birch tree." The Rhoen is primarily found in Germany, where a rexed variety has also been created.
Sable Sables are distinctively shaded sports of the chinchilla rabbit, originating in both England and the USA. They weigh 5-7 lb in England (BRC), and 7-9 lb in the USA.
Sable de Vosges The Sable de Vosges is a French breed, the result of crossing Sable Rex, Thuringer, Angora and Sable rabbits. The light brown coloration is stabilized, and resembles the Palomino Mink color, which is why furriers find it very attractive. Sable de Vosges have been recognized in France since 1964 however they are rare today.
Sachsengold (Saxon Gold) The Sachsengold is an orange-red rabbit developed in Germany using many different breeds. The idea was to achieve a brightly colored rabbit with the size and tipe of the chinchilla. The "Saxony Gold Rabbit" was finally recognized in 1961 in Germany. Sachsengolds are similar in coloration to the Thrianta however the color is somewhat muted in intensity. They are also a somewhat larger than Thriantas.
Sallander A Sallander rabbit is a tortoiseshell minus the yellow pigment. It is white, with iron-colored smut in all the usual places a tortoiseshell would show smut. The breed hails from Holland through crossing a Thuringer with a chinchilla. It is now recognized in both Holland and the UK. They weigh 3-4 kg (6 pounds 10 ounces to 8 pounds 12 ounces). No other rabbit breed is recognized in this coloration.
San Juan San Juan rabbits are the offspring of original European wild rabbits brought to San Juan Island off the coast of Washington State by settlers over 100 years ago. In all those years, interestingly, the colony of rabbits remained localized. The exact reasons are unclear - either because of their extreme friendliness and family attachments, or because the forage is rich on the temperate and rainy San Juan Island, and the rabbits had no need to forage far afield.
The now unique characteristics of San Juan rabbits make the breed a treasure trove of genetic material, especially as the local authorities have taken steps to eradicate the rabbits from the island. Just 500 individuals remain on the island, according to most estimates.
San Juan rabbits are wild-agouti colored and weigh only 3 - 5 1/2 pounds (1.36 - 2.5 kg).
Satin The Satin breed was an inevitable development after satinized rabbits were discovered in litters of Havanas in 1934. Satin fur is the result of a simple recessive gene narrowing the diameter of the hair shaft and resulting in translucent fur. The pigmentation is intensified and the fur carries an unmistakable sheen. The glassy brilliance of the fur is remarkable. Adult bucks weigh up to 10 1/2 pounds (4.77 kg); adult does weigh up to 11 pounds (5 kg).
Satin Dwarf Satin Dwarfs are Netherland Dwarfs with satinized fur, and are recognized in Germany and France. Rabbits should match the standard for Netherland Dwarfs, plus have satin fur.
Satin, Mini Mini Satin rabbits are miniaturized Satins using Netherland Dwarfs and Polish. In the USA, they are now accepted in Red-eyed White, Red, Chinchilla, Opal and Siamese, with 17 additional varieties under development. They weigh up to 4 3/4 pounds (2.15 kg). Breeders in Australia crossed Satins with Mini Rex, and now accept Mini Satins in a plethora of colors and patterns.
Schwarzgrannen Schwarzgrannen rabbits hail from Eastern Europe. Once extinct, the breed was recreated in Western Germany in the latter half of the 1990's. The rabbit is snow white with black tips to the hair shafts and dark brown eyes. The breed is slightly larger than the Separator, though similar in many other ways. Accepted weights are 2 - 3.725kg (4.4-7.75 pounds). Occasionally the Schwarzgrannen rabbit is seen with red-tipped fur, which is considered a fault.
Separator The Czech national rabbit breed is the Separator. Recognized in 1975, this is a chunky, meaty little rabbit weighing 2 - 3.25kg (4.4-7.15 pounds). The rabbit is white with brown eyes and horn-colored nails. It has distinctive black tipping to its guard hairs resembling the coat of a fox.
Siberian The Siberian rabbit is actually an English breed, rare and currently bred in the UK. It is found in black, blue, chocolate, and lilac. It has a dense roll-back coat with few visible guard hairs and a dense glossy sheen. The coat is uniquely flecked. Accepted weights are 2.68 - 3.175kg (5-7 pounds).
Sichuan White The Sichuan White is a very old Chinese farmer's meat rabbit breed of unknown heritage. Found mostly in the interior villages throughout China, this is a moderately sized albino rabbit with pink eyes. It weighs around 2.68kg (6 pounds).
Silver The Silver Rabbit is an English breed with a history that pre-dates 1631. Root stock is reported to have arrived in the UK via Thailand and Portugal, possibly via Sir Walter Raleigh. This is an evenly and brightly silvered rabbit in black, brown and fawn, weighing 4-7 pounds (1.818 - 3.18kg). UK and US Silvers are the same breed. Silvers in Europe have the same root stock, however 100 years of selective breeding has resulted in a rabbit called the Little Silver.
Silver Fox The Silver Fox (USA) is most likely the result of crosses between the Silver and the Checkered Giant by an Ohio rabbit breeder named Walter Garland. Initially known as the Heavyweight Silver, the name changed to American Silver Fox, and then to Silver Fox. It is a large black, distinctively silvered meat rabbit weighing 9-12 pounds.
Silver Marten (Silver Fox - UK) Tan-patterned rabbits were used in the early years of the 1900's in order to improve the fur of the chinchilla rabbit. It is no surprise that after the first couple generations, tan patterned rabbits popped up in chinchilla nestboxes. These were tan-patterned black rabbits with silvery-white where the tan should be.
These sports began appearing in the USA, Europe and in England circa 1921. These were culled, until some breeders perceived beauty and value in the new color. They began to be shown in France in 1926 and in the USA around 1930.
The UK calls this breed their "Silver Fox," and recognizes it in Black, blue, chocolate and lilac. There is also a Sable Martin, however it is included in their 'Sable' breed.
In the US, Silver Martens are accepted in Black, blue, chocolate, and Sable. They may weight up to 9 1/2 pounds.
Smoke Pearl The Smoke Pearl originated in Scotland around 1926, where it was called Smoke Beige till 1932. They are bred almost exclusively in the UK, and are recognized in 2 varieties: Siamese sable, and Marten-patterned. Allowable weights for the Smoke Pearl are 5 - 7 pounds (2.26 - 3.17kg).
Spanish Giant The Spanish Giant was for years Spain's premier meat rabbit, until the New Zealand White was introduced to the nation.
From what we can discover, breeders would do well to re-discover this rare giant breed due to unique, commercially valuable traits: Rare digestive problems, and rare reproductive problems.
Squirrel The Squirrel Rabbit was developed simultaneously in both Holland and Scotland around 1930. The Squirrel is a silvered blue chinchilla rabbit with cobby type and long silky fur up to 1.5 in (3.81cm) long. It is 5.5 - 6.75 pounds (2.47 - 3.06kg). The breed is now rare and bred only in the UK.
St Nicholas Blue St Nicholas Blue rabbits got their start in Belgium shortly after the Beveren rabbit was created, by combining Beverens with Flemish Giants and other Belgian breeds. They are self-blue, the lightest blue color of any blue rabbit, and large, up to 6 kg (13.2 lb). The breed is critically endangered.
Stone (Steenkonijn) This might be the rabbit that started it all. The Steenkonijn is reported to be based directly on wild European rabbits, presumably caught and then bred. Though the actual history of the rabbit is buried in antiquity, it is thought that the Steenkonijn may be the breed to which all other domestic rabbits can be traced.
The Steenkonijn was first bred in the Flanders region of Belgium. It eventually received the name, 'Stone' rabbit, because they typically weighed one stone, or 3.5kg (7lb 11oz), the accepted live market weight.
The ecological disaster developing in Australia in the 1800's resulted in millions of feral rabbits killed and exported overseas. By the 1890's, the demand for the Steenkonijn had been nearly obliterated.
Today the breed has been resuscitated but is still rare. The Steenkonijn no longer weighs a stone - the average weight hovers around only 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). It can be found in 3 varieties:
Chestnut Agouti (the wild rabbit color)
Steel Grey
Red agouti, which is similar to the belgian hare
Stor Egern The Stor Egern is a Scandinavian rabbit breed. Its name translates to "Large Lilac." Its lilac coloration is reported to be slightly darker and richer than the typical lilac rabbit. The breed is uncommon, and weighs around 4.6kg (10.25 pounds).
Stora (Large) Havana The Stora Havana is a Swedish breed, and is possibly related to the Stor Egern in that it is a "Large Chocolate" rabbit. Very rare, the Stora Havana weight is around 4.6kg (10.25 pounds).
Sussex
Swiss Fox Angoras, Chinchillas and Havanas were used to create a rounded, well-muscled rabbit weighing between 5 1/2 to 8 1/2 pounds (2.5 - 4 kg). The Swiss Fox boasts a 2 1/2 inch long smooth coat that is faulted if it is too wooly. They are recognized in the UK in "all" colors.
Vit Land (Hvid Land) The Vit Land rabbit is a red-eyed-white (albino) rabbit weighing up to 4.6 kg (10 1/4 pounds). Originally from Denmark, they are now recognized in other Scandinavian countries.
White Dendermode (Blanc de Termode) The White Dendermode hails from Belgium. They were initially blue-eyed-white rabbits, but in the effort to increase their size, various crosses with white Flemish Giants resulted in albino rabbits with red eyes, which are now standard. They date to the early 1920s, and weigh up to 5.5 kg (12 1/4 pounds).
Zemmouri Zemmouri rabbits are the result of the interbreeding of various European rabbits brought to Morocco by Spanish and French missionaries in the early 1900s. These imported rabbits were mated and interbred to native Moroccan rabbits, resulting in a medium-sized, roughly Dutch-marked rabbit that is fairly acclimated to the Moroccan heat.
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Many thanks to our visitors for these kind remarks...
From Tammy in Texas: "This has been the most useful, friendly and informational website I have ever used. Thank you so very much. We found our pet rabbit Sunday night. People in the neighborhood where we found her say she was loose for about 2 weeks before she hopped up to me to be picked up. Your website helped us find out what kind of rabbit we found (Himalayan), what sex our rabbit is (female), how to house it, feed it and handle it (she was launching herself at us and smacking us with her front feet! - I am now the BIG BUNNY or a Hawk, whichever is needed!)."
From Shannon in Alabama: "I can't thank you enough for your super informative website! I'm a mother of 4 looking for a way to add to our preparedness. I feel so much more secure and positive about my choice to start raising rabbits in our backyard. Thank you...."
From Jeanie in Florida: "Hello, I really enjoy reading your web site."
From Marco in Spain: "Thank you again for your advice, it really helped put our minds at ease... Keep up the good work with the website!"
Sponsored Links
