About the Breed Each Breed is different and unique in their own special way. Here are some descriptions on each breed (by ARBA standards) we work on here at Happy Tails Rabbitry as well as their history/personality traits. If you have any farther Questions on a breed we work with feel free to shoot us an email or message us on Facebook! For more information on breeds not listed below be sure to check out this site: www.arba.net/breeds.htm
For more information on breed standards the Standard of Perfection ARBA book is recommended. |
Belgian Hares |
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Belgian Hares are a wonderful breed to work with. They have sweet, out-going, active personalities. They can be a tricky breed to work with due to being spooked easily and their natural nervousness; this also can effect how efficiently they mate. There is a lot of care that needs to be taken into consideration to ensure that they don't go into a running frenzy when they get spooked and accidentally hurt themselves. I personally announce my arrival before I open the barn doors to help prevent this as well as play a radio in the barn.
A Belgian hare is in fact not a hare but a rabbit, despite their name. Belgian hares were originally imported from Belgium and Germany to England in the 1870's. Their standards were first written in 1882; later in 1889 the breed was further refined to make them appear more like the English wild hare. In 1888, the first Belgian hare was brought to America; which were imported from the UK. According to a 2014 Rare Breed Ranking Belgian hares came in 7th out of 16. ARBA has only recognized one color of the Belgian hare which is the standard Rufus red. This color is described as a "rich, deep red, of a tan or chestnut shade." With only one more pass to be recognized is the Tan color; this color started in Holland many years ago. They were called black and Tan then. This color has to meet the same standards as the breed with the only difference being the color. When it comes to breeding these colors, the Rufus color is more dominate compared to the Tan color. So, to be guaranteed tan colored off-springs it is best to breed tan to tan. Belgian hares also come in broken, solid black, and REW colors, mostly found in to UK. Unlike the English spot breed, Belgian hares are posed by the judge at the show table. Judges and breeders use different methods of posing such as: Natural Pose, Shoulder Pressure Method, Ear Lift Method, Head Lift Method, and the Body Stretch Method. A adult Belgian hare (six months and over) should weigh 6 to 9 1/2 pounds. Belgian hare are considered a full arched, running breed; this implies that this breed needs room to stretch, run and move in their cage. Their cage should measure out to be: least 24 x 48 inch floor, 24 inch height with a solid floor. The solid floor is because of their bone structure in their feet, failure to do so may lead to broken toes and toe nails. Belgian hares do not require any special grooming or feed. For more information on this wonderful breed visit this website: belgianhareclub.com/About%20the%20Belgian%20Hare.html |
English Spots |
English Spots can be a fun breed to work with! If you enjoy a challenge this is the breed for you! English spots are mainly used as show rabbits, With all their qualifications for their markings they can be a challenge to raise; but a well-marked spot makes it all worthwhile.Their personalities can consist of being super playful, energetic, stubborn, out-going, and demand attention. This breed is considered a running breed which means they LOVE to run around and be active; this means they need a cage to meat those needs. They can also make great pets, since they generally have nice personalities and crave your attention. I personally chose this breed due to their unique markings and devoting personality.
English Spots are believed to be one of the oldest breeds of fancy rabbits. They started appearing in England around the 1850's and made its way to the United States around 1910; ARBA accepted the breed in 1924. According to ARBA standards (2016-2020), English spots should weigh at six months of age and over: 5 to 8 pounds. When judging English spots, they are not posed by the judge; instead they are encouraged to run the length of the judging table. This is the best way to view and properly judge their full arched body type and markings. The recognized varieties would include Black, Blue, Chocolate, Gold, Gray, Lilac, and Tortoise. Of course they come in many other colors however this is what is recognized by ARBA. English spots require minimum grooming due to their short flyback fur; except when molting, they will need groomed more often during this time. English spots come in three different marking types: Solid/sport (one solid color), Charlies (mustache butterfly, line down back, with little to no spots), and marked ( all required markings). All varieties can be used for breeding however only the marked are accepted for showing. |
English Lops
English lops are a wonderful breed! they are curious, friendly, easy going, and playful. English lops are well known for their super long ears and dog like personalities.English lops are gentle rabbits, which is makes them great for first-time pet parents as well as family pets! Even though they are not a running breed they still need enough room to completely spread out their bodies. Their cage must be well kept do to their long ears. English lops do require more grooming maintenance due to those adorable ears; their ears should be checked regularly and kept clean of wax buildup as well as their nails need to be regularly trimmed so in case they step on their own ears and rip them. If their ears are not cared for properly this can lead to infection. A water bowl is also not recommended, especially during winter this may lead to frost bite in the ears.
Like the English spot, English lops are one of the oldest known breeds making their origin unknown. Some research as suggested they have been around since the 1700's. Records have even indicated that they were exhibited in the British Isles in 1846. According to ARBA their recognized color groups would include: Black Chinchilla, Blue Chinchilla, Chocolate Chinchilla, Lilac Chinchilla, Sable Chinchilla, Smoke Pearl Chinchilla, Black Chestnut Agouti, Chocolate Chestnut Agouti, Lynx, Opal, Black/Orange Tri-color, Blue/Fawn Tri-color, Chocolate/Or ange Tri-color, Lila c/F awn Tri-color, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Blue Eyed White, Ruby Eyed White, Black Frosted Pearl, Blue Frosted Pearl, Chocol ate Frosted Pearl, Lilac Frosted Pearl, Sa ble, Sable Point, Seal, Smoke Pearl, Black Tortoise, Blue Tortoise, Chocol ate Tortoise, Lilac Tortoise, Black Silver (Fox), Blue Silver (Fox), Brown Silver (Fox) , Fawn Silver (Fox), Gold Tipped Black Steel, Gold Tipped Blue Steel, Gold Tipped Chocolate Steel, Gold Tipped Lilac Steel, Gold Tipped Sable Steel, Gold Tipped Smoke Pearl Steel, Silver Tipped Black Steel, Silver Tipped Blue Steel, Silver Tipped Chocolate Steel, Silver Tipped Lilac Steel, Silver Tipped Sable Steel, Silver Tipped Smoke Pearl Steel, Cream, Fawn, Orange, Red, Non Tri-colored brokens are to be listed as "Broken” followed by the color comprising the broken (i.e. Broken Black, Broken Black Tortoise, etc.) Adult bucks (8 months and over) should weigh 9 1/2 pounds and over; adult does should weigh 10 1/2 pounds and over. |