Different breeds of rabbit at an exhibition in the Netherlands, 1952

As of 2017, there were at least 305 breeds of the domestic rabbit in 70 countries around the world raised for in the agricultural practice of breeding and raising domestic rabbits as livestock for their value in meat, fur, wool, education, scientific research, entertainment and companionship in cuniculture. A rabbit breed is a distinct strain created through selective breeding (or occasionally natural selection) for specific characteristics, including size, fur, body type, color, feed conversion ratio, et cetera. Organizations such as the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC) have standards for the desired qualities of their respective recognized breeds. Each rabbit breed is considered to benefit when a reputable breeder strives to emulate the perfect example for the breed, defined by the individual breed standard by which it may be judged. The global diversity of breeds reflects the breadth of the rabbit's unique qualities. Listed below are 191 of the world's modern-day rabbit breeds.

  • Modern-day rabbit breeds
  • Extinct rabbit breeds
  • Scope
  • Terminology
  • Explanatory footnotes
  • Citation footnotes
  • References
  • See also
  • Further reading
  • External links

Modern-day rabbit breeds

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* indicates "Rabbits in COUNTRY or TERRITORY" links.

Breed nameImageSizeFur typeEar typeColors & markingsARBA recognized?BRC recognized?Origin
Alaskan7–9 lb (3.2–4.1 kg)ShortErectBlackNoYesEuropean Union Germany
Altex13 lb (5.9 kg)ShortErectPointed WhiteNoNoUnited States Alabama Texas
American9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)ShortErectBlue, WhiteYesNoUnited States California
American Chinchilla [US] See also: Chinchilla9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)ShortErectChinchillaYesNoUnited States
American Fuzzy Lop3.5–4 lb (1.6–1.8 kg)LongLop[All solid or broken colors/patterns]YesNoUnited States
American Sable7–10 lb (3.2–4.5 kg)ShortErectSableYesNoUnited States California
Angora4.4–12.1 lb (2.0–5.5 kg)LongErectAlbino or ColoredYesYesTurkey
Argente Bleu4 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine6 lb (2.7 kg)ShortErect[Argente Bleu markings]NoYesEuropean Union France
Argente Brun [UK]2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine6 lb (2.7 kg)ShortErect[Argente Brun [UK] markings]NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Argente Brun [US]2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine8–10.5 lb (3.6–4.8 kg)MediumErect[Argente Brun [US] markings]YesNoCanada
Argente Clair6 lb (2.7 kg)ShortErect[Blue base heavily silvered]NoNoEuropean Union France
Argente Crème [UK] See also: Creme d'Argent [US]2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine5 lb (2.3 kg)ShortErect[Argente Crème markings]NoYesEuropean Union France
Argente de Champagne [UK] See also: Champagne d'Argent [US]9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)ShortErect[Argente de Champagne markings]NoYesEuropean Union France
Argente Noir20 January 2019 at the Wayback Machine6 lb (2.7 kg)ShortErect[Argente Noir markings]NoYesEuropean Union France
Argente St Hubert6 lb (2.7 kg)ShortErect[Argente St Hubert markings]NoYesEuropean Union France
Armenian Marder8.8–9.9 lb (4.0–4.5 kg)ShortErect[Dark Brown or Light Brown (either having light to heavy chinchillation)]NoNoArmenia
Astrex See also: Rex [US]1 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)Rex Curly ShortErect"Any [BRC-]recognised Rex Colour."NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Aurora Negro—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/aNoNoGuatemala
Baladi Black6.0 lb (2.7 kg)ShortErectBlackNoNoEgypt
Baladi Red6.2 lb (2.8 kg)ShortErectRedNoNoEgypt
Baladi White4.3 lb (1.95 kg)ShortErectWhiteNoNoEgypt
Bauscat8 lb (3.6 kg)ShortErectAlbinoNoNoEgypt
Beige [UK] See also: Czech Solver [CZ] Separator [DE]5–6.5 lb (2.3–2.9 kg)ShortErect"Dark Chamois or light sandy colour, down to the skin, faintly ticked with blue."NoYesUnited Kingdom
Belgian Hare [UK]8–9 lb (3.6–4.1 kg)ShortErect"Rich, deep chestnut red, well extended down the sides. Black ticking of a wavy or blotchy appearance, plentiful on body; chest and face free."NoYesEuropean Union Belgium
Belgian Hare [US]8–9.5 lb (3.6–4.3 kg)ShortErect"Deep red 'rufous' coat with black, wavy ticking."YesNoEuropean Union Belgium
Beveren [UK] See also: Pointed Beveren2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine8 lb (3.6 kg)MediumErectBlack, Blue, Brown, Lilac, White [with blue eyes]NoYesEuropean Union Belgium
Beveren [US]2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg)MediumErectBlack, Blue, White [with blue eyes]YesNoEuropean Union Belgium
Big Silver Marten Also called: Große Weißgrannen [de] Veliki Bijeloopaljeni Kunić [hr] See also: Silver Marten8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg)ShortErect[Black, Blue, or Havana with white and/or tan markings, plus white ticking on the lower body]NoNoEuropean Union Croatia
Blanc de Bouscat11–15.5 lb (5.0–7.0 kg)ShortErect"Completely snow white [...]. Guard hairs sprinkled regularly all over the coat give it a brilliant frosty look."NoYesEuropean Union France
Blanc de Hotot8–11 lb (3.6–5.0 kg)ShortErectWhite with dark rings around the eyesYesYesEuropean Union France
Blanc de Popielno Also called: Popielański Biały [pl] Popielno White8.8–11.0 lb (4–5 kg)ShortErectAlbinoNoNoEuropean Union Poland
Blanc de Termonde19 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)ShortErect"Immaculately white. Eyes are ruby red"NoYesEuropean Union Belgium
Blue of Ham22 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine9.9–13.2 lb (4.5–6 kg)LongErect"Slate blue with a blue sub-color" but "not as dark as the blue Vienna"NoNoEuropean Union Belgium
Blue of Sint-Niklaas5–12 lb (2.3–5.4 kg)ShortErectBlueNoNoEuropean Union Belgium
Bourbonnais Grey Also called: Gris du Bourbonnais [fr]7–11 lb (3.2–5.0 kg)ShortErect"Overall color is slate blue with longer gray guard hairs tipped black."NoNoEuropean Union France
Brazilian7–11 lb (3.2–5.0 kg)ShortErect—N/aNoNoBrazil
Britannia Petite [US] See also: Polish [UK]1.5–2.5 lb (0.68–1.13 kg)ShortErectBlack, Black Otter, Blue-Eyed White, Chestnut, Red-Eyed White, Sable MartenYesNo
British Giant12.5–25 lb (5.7–11.3 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Brown Grey, Dark Steel Grey, Opal, WhiteNoYesUnited Kingdom England
Brown Chestnut of Lorraine Also called: Brun Marron de Lorraine [fr]4.4–5.3 lb (2.0–2.4 kg)ShortErect"Chestnut brown uniform color with a well-defined orange-brown outer-color. Under-color bluish including the belly. Ears bluish on their inner side and edged with a black border."NoNoEuropean Union France
Caldes9.5–9.9 lb (4.3–4.5 kg)ShortErectRed-Eyed WhiteNoNoEuropean Union Spain
Californian [UK]7.5–9.5 lb (3.4–4.3 kg)ShortErectFour varieties, all being white (with red eyes) with dark points: Normal ("dark sepia" points), Chocolate ("milk chocolate" points), Blue ("slate blue" points), or Lilac ("pink shade of dove" points)NoYesUnited States California
Californian [US]9–10.5 lb (4.1–4.8 kg)ShortErectOne variety, being white (with red eyes) with dark points: Standard (black points)YesNoUnited States California
Canadian Plush Lop See also: Rex [US]3.5–6.5 lb (1.6–2.9 kg)Rex Curly MediumLop[Includes at least 19 stated colors/patterns]NoNoCanada
Carmagnola Grey7.7–9.9 lb (3.5–4.5 kg)ShortErect[Chinchilla]NoNoEuropean Union Italy
Cashmere Lop See also: Miniature Cashmere Lop4.25–5.25 lb (1.93–2.38 kg)LongLop[Includes >35 different colors/patterns]NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Champagne d'Argent [US] See also: Argente de Champagne [UK]9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)ShortErect[Champagne d'Argent markings]YesNoEuropean Union France
Chaudry8–9 lb (3.6–4.1 kg)ShortErectRed-Eyed WhiteNoNoEuropean Union France
Checkered Giant [US] See also: Giant Papillon [UK]11–25 lb (5.0–11.3 kg)ShortErectBlack (i.e, white with black markings), Blue (i.e., white with gray markings)YesNoEuropean Union Germany
Chinchilla See main entries: American Chinchilla [US] Chinchilla [UK] Chinchilla Giganta [UK] Giant Chinchilla [US] Standard Chinchilla [US]—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Chinchilla [UK]7 lb (3.2 kg)ShortErect"To resemble real Chinchilla."NoYesEuropean Union France
Chinchilla Giganta [UK]8.5–12 lb (3.9–5.4 kg)ShortErect[Chinchilla, but with] "Desired top colour considerably darker grey than the Chinchilla [i.e., Chinchilla [UK]] rabbit."NoYesEuropean Union France
Cinnamon10–11 lb (4.5–5.0 kg)ShortErectCinnamonYesNoUnited States Montana
Continental Giant Coloured2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine12.4–25 lb (5.6–11.3 kg)ShortErectAgouti, Black, Chinchilla, Dark Steel, Light Steel, Opal, Red Agouti, YellowNoYesEuropean Union
Continental Giant White1 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine11–25 lb (5.0–11.3 kg)ShortErect"Immaculate white, eyes pink or blue."NoYesEuropean Union
Creme d'Argent [US] See also: Argente Crème [UK]18 June 2021 at the Wayback Machine8–11 lb (3.6–5.0 kg)ShortErect"Creamy white with an orange cast"YesNoEuropean Union France
Criollo3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg)ShortErect"Many colors and patterns."NoNoMexico
Cuban Brown9.9–11.0 lb (4.5–5 kg)ShortErectGlossy brownNoNoCuba
Czech Red4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg)ShortErectChestnutNoNo
Czech Solver [CZ] Also called: Český Luštič See also: Beige [UK] Separator [DE]7.9–8.6 lb (3.6–3.9 kg)ShortErect[sandy colored]NoNoEuropean Union Czech Republic
Czech Spot6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)ShortErectAgouti, Black, Blue, Isabella (Beige), Tortoise, Tri-colorNoNoEuropean Union Czech Republic
Czech White Also called: Český Albín8.8–11.0 lb (4.0–5.0 kg)ShortErectWhiteNoNoEuropean Union Czech Republic
Dalmatian6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)Rex Straight ShortErectWhite with "numerous little coloured patches" of "black, blue, brown, orange, or fawn".NoYesEuropean Union France
Deilenaar5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)ShortErectRed AgoutiNoYesEuropean Union Netherlands
Dutch [UK]4.5–5 lb (2.0–2.3 kg)ShortErect["Dutch" markings on] Black, Blue, Brown Grey, Chocolate, Pale Grey, Steel Grey, Tortoiseshell, YellowNoYesUnited Kingdom England
Dutch [US]3.5–5.5 lb (1.6–2.5 kg)ShortErectBlack Dutch, Blue Dutch, Chinchilla Dutch, Chocolate Dutch, Gray Dutch, Steel Dutch, Tortoise DutchYesNoUnited Kingdom England
Dutch (Tri-Colour) See main entry: Tri-Colour Dutch—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Dwarf Hotot2–3 lb (0.91–1.36 kg)ShortErectWhite with black around the eyesYesNoEuropean Union Germany
Dwarf Lop [UK] See also: Mini Lop [US]4.25–5.25 lb (1.93–2.38 kg)ShortLop[Many]NoYesEuropean Union Germany
Elfin See main entry: Swedish Hare—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Enderby Island3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg)ShortErect"Silver-grey" (with chinchillation) or "Cream or beige"NoNoAustralia *
English Angora5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)LongErect[Many]YesYesEuropean Union France
English Lop10–11 lb (4.5–5.0 kg)ShortLop[Many]YesYesUnited Kingdom England
English Spot5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)ShortErectWhite with colored butterfly patternYesYesUnited Kingdom England
Fauve de Bourgogne7–11 lb (3.2–5.0 kg)ShortErectOrange/RedNoYesEuropean Union France
Fee de Marbourg See main entry: Marburger Feh [UK]—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Feh de Marbourg [FR] See main entry: Marburger Feh [UK]—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Feu Noir [FR] See main entry: Tan—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Flemish Giant [UK]11–25 lb (5.0–11.3 kg)ShortErect"Dark steel grey, with even or wavy ticking [...] except belly & under tail which shall be white [...]."NoYesEuropean Union Belgium
Flemish Giant [US]14–25 lb (6.4–11.3 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Fawn, Light Grey, Sandy, Steel, WhiteYesNoEuropean Union Belgium
Florida White4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg)ShortErectWhiteYesNoUnited States Florida
Fox[de]28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine6.6–11.0 lb (3–5 kg)LongErect"It is most common in the color white."NoNoSwitzerland
Fox–Silver [UK] See also: Silver Fox [US]5.5–7 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Chocolate, LilacNoYesUnited Kingdom England
French Angora7.5–10.5 lb (3.4–4.8 kg)LongErect[Many]YesNoEuropean Union France
French Lop10 lb (4.5 kg)ShortLop[Many]YesYesEuropean Union France
Gabali6–7 lb (2.7–3.2 kg)ShortErectAgoutiNoNoEgypt
German Angora5.5–12.1 lb (2.5–5.5 kg)LongErect[Albino or colored (but not bi-colored)]NoNoEuropean Union Germany
German Lop6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)ShortLop[Many]NoYesEuropean Union Germany
Giant Angora10 lb (4.5 kg)LongErect—YesNoUnited States Massachusetts
Giant Chinchilla [US] See also: Chinchilla10–16 lb (4.5–7.3 kg)ShortErectChinchillaYesNoUnited States Missouri
Giant Havana Also called: Stor Havana [da] Stora Havana [se] See also: Havana [UK] Havana [US]28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine10–11 lb (4.6–5 kg)ShortErect"Dark brown and glossy color. The eyes are brown, but from certain points of view they are ruby red."NoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Giant Marburger Also called: Stor Marburger Egern [da] See also: Marburger Feh [UK]28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine10–11 lb (4.6–5 kg)MediumErect"A grey-blue outer color with a brownish undertone."NoNoEuropean Union Denmark
Giant Papillon [UK] See also: Checkered Giant [US] Miniature Papillon11–25 lb (5.0–11.3 kg)ShortErect[Colored butterfly, eye circles, cheek spots, ear base, saddle, and rump spots; all on a base of white.] "All [BRC] recognised colours are admissible."NoYesEuropean Union Germany
Giant Silver Also called: Stor Sølv [da] Stora Sølv [se] See also: Silver [UK] Silver [US]28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine10–11 lb (4.6–5 kg)ShortErect"The entire body has a black base color mixed with hair with white tips that gives the rabbit a silver sheen."NoNoEuropean Union France
Giant Smoke Pearl Also called: Stor Zobel [da] Stora Zobel [se] See also: Smoke Pearl28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine8.8–11.0 lb (4–5 kg)ShortErect"A mixture of brown, so-called sepia-colored and beige tones" [with darker points].NoNoEuropean Union Germany
Giza White5.6–7.6 lb (2.53–3.45 kg)ShortErectAlbinoNoNoEgypt
Golden Glavcot2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine5–6 lb (2.3–2.7 kg)ShortErect—NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Gotland6.6–9 lb (3.0–4.1 kg)ShortErect—NoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Gouwenaar7 September 2022 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7.1 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect"The body color has a light grey-blue tone throughout the body."NoNoEuropean Union Netherlands
Grey Pearl of Halle Also called: Gris Perle de Hal Lille Egern Parelgrijze van Halle28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7.1 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect"The body color is a light grey-blue tone throughout the body."NoNoEuropean Union Belgium
Güzelçamlı5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)ShortErectWhite with chocolate markingsNoNoTurkey
Harlequin [UK]6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)ShortErectHarlequin (includes: Black, Blue, Brown, Lilac) Magpie (includes: Black, Blue, Brown, Lilac)NoYesEuropean Union France
Harlequin [US]6–9 lb (2.7–4.1 kg)ShortErectJapanese (includes: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac) Magpie (includes: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac)YesNoEuropean Union France
Harlequin Dutch See main entry: Tri-Colour Dutch—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Harlequin Rex Also called: Magpie Rex Japanese Rex6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)Rex Straight ShortErect[ Same as for Harlequin [UK] ]NoYesEuropean Union France
Havana [UK] See also: Giant Havana3 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine5.5–6.5 lb (2.5–2.9 kg)ShortErect"A rich, dark chocolate with a purplish sheen, [...] pearl-grey undercolour."NoYesEuropean Union Netherlands
Havana [US] See also: Giant Havana4.5–6.5 lb (2.0–2.9 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Broken, Chocolate, LilacYesNoEuropean Union Netherlands
Himalayan Also called: Russian6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)ShortErectWhite with points of either black, blue, chocolate, or lilacYesYesChina
Holland Lop [US] See also: Miniature Lop [UK/NL]4–6.5 lb (1.8–2.9 kg)ShortLopAgouti, Broken, Pointed White, Self Colors, Shaded Colors, Tan Pattern, Ticked, Wide BandYesNoEuropean Union Netherlands
Hulstlander31 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg)ShortErectWhite with blue eyesNoYesEuropean Union Netherlands
Hungarian Giant11–15 lb (5–7 kg)ShortErect[Many]NoNoEuropean Union Hungary
Isabella28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine6.6–8.8 lb (3–4 kg)ShortErect"The yellowish brown color is 'coated' with a blue veil, caused by blue hair tips. In front of the head there is the 'mask', which when seen from the front, is oval."NoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Jamora[de]28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine4.2–5.3 lb (1.9–2.4 kg)LongErect"[L]ike [Harlequin or] Japanese. The most common color is black / yellow, but black and white may occur."NoNoEuropean Union Germany
Japanese Dutch See main entry: Tri-Colour Dutch—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Japanese White Also called: 日本白色種 [ja] Includes: ジャンボうさぎ [ja] Jumbo Usagi6.6–22.0 lb (3–10 kg)ShortErectAlbinoNoNoJapan
Jersey Wooly2.5–3.5 lb (1.1–1.6 kg)LongErect[Many]YesNoUnited States New Jersey
Kabyle4.4–6.6 lb (2.0–3.0 kg)ShortErect[Many]NoNoAlgeria
Lilac [UK]18 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect"An even pink shade of dove colour"NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Lilac [US]18 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)ShortErect"Pinkish dove-gray"YesNoUnited Kingdom England
Lionhead [UK]3.0–3.7 lb (1.36–1.7 kg)LongErect"All [BRC] recognised colour[s] and pattern[s]"NoYesEuropean Union France Belgium
Lionhead [US]3.25–3.75 lb (1.47–1.70 kg)LongErectChocolate, Ruby-Eyed White, Seal, Siamese Sable, Tortoise (includes Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac)YesNoEuropean Union France Belgium
Liptov Baldspotted Rabbit Also called: Liptovský lysko8.8–9.4 lb (4–4.25 kg)ShortErectAgouti, Blue-Agouti, or BlackNoNoEuropean Union Slovakia
Lynx Also called: Luchskaninchen Lux28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7.1 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect"Lux has a wild factor and the outermost part of the hair is light grey. Under this color, the middle color is reddish-brown. The middle color is so high that it shines through the entire color. The entire color therefore appears as a reddish-brown tone 'coated' with a light grey-blue cut."NoNoEuropean Union Germany
Marburger Feh [UK] Originally named: Fee de Marbourg Renamed: Feh de Marbourg [FR] See also: Giant Marburger4.15–7.2 lb (1.88–3.27 kg)ShortErect[Lilac:] "The top colour is a delicately toned light blue which appears to be covered with a brownish veil."NoYesEuropean Union France
Mecklenburger Piebald Also called: Mecklenburger Schecke9.9–12.1 lb (4.5–5.5 kg)MediumErect"[Broken pattern: mostly solid color with neck, chest, belly, legs. Includes Agouti, Black, Blue, Red, Steel]"NoNoEuropean Union Germany
Meissner Lop10–12 lb (4.5–5.4 kg)ShortLop[Many]NoYesEuropean Union Germany
Mellerud rabbit6.6–7.7 lb (3.0–3.5 kg)ShortErectAlbino, Black with inexact "Dutch" markingsNoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Mini Cashmere Lop See main entry: Miniature Cashmere Lop—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Mini Lion Lop See main entry: Miniature Lion Lop—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Mini Lop [US] Not to be confused with: Miniature Lop [UK/NL]5–6 lb (2.3–2.7 kg)ShortLop[To be supplied]YesNoEuropean Union Netherlands
Mini Rex See also: Rex [US]3–4.5 lb (1.4–2.0 kg)Rex Straight ShortErectBlack, Blue, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Marten, Opal, Otter, Red, Sable, Sable Point, Seal, Tortoise, Red-Eyed White, Blue-Eyed White, Broken (white with any accepted color), Tri-Color (white with one of the following four pairs: Black & Orange, Lilac & Fawn, Chocolate & Orange, Blue & Fawn), PatternYesYesUnited States Texas
Mini Satin [US] Not to be confused with: Miniature Satin [UK]4 lb (1.8 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Broken, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Agouti, Copper, Himalayan (includes Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac), Opal, Red, Siamese (includes Blue, Chocolate, Lilac), Silver Marten (includes Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac), Squirrel, Tortoise, WhiteYesNoUnited States Michigan
Miniature Cashmere Lop See also: Cashmere Lop3.5 lb (1.6 kg)LongLop[same as Cashmere Lop]NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Miniature Lion Lop3.3–3.5 lb (1.5–1.6 kg)LongLopChocolate Point Also: "Any [BRC] colour or pattern [...] apart from the broken pattern."NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Miniature Lop [UK/NL] Not to be confused with: Mini Lop [US] See also: Holland Lop [US]3.4–3.8 lb (1.5–1.7 kg)ShortLop"Any [BRC] colour or pattern [...] apart from the broken pattern."NoYesEuropean Union Netherlands
Miniature Papillon Also called: Dværgschecke [da] See also: Giant Papillon [UK]28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine2.6–4.2 lb (1.2–1.9 kg)ShortErectBlack/White, Blue/White, Tri-colour (Black & Gold) [Colored butterfly, eye circles, cheek spots, ear base, saddle, side-body patches, and top of tail; all on a base of white]NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Miniature Satin [UK] Not to be confused with: Mini Satin [US]4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg)ShortErectIvoryNoYesUnited States Michigan
Moshtohor Also called: Line M5.3–8.6 lb (2.40–3.91 kg)ShortErectYellowish-Brown, White, or GreyNoNoEgypt
Netherland Dwarf1.1–2.5 lb (0.50–1.13 kg)ShortErect[Many]YesYesEuropean Union Netherlands
New Zealand [US]9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Broken, Red, WhiteYesNoUnited States California
New Zealand red [UK]8 lb (3.6 kg)ShortErect"Bright golden red or reddish gold with sheen"NoYesUnited States California
New Zealand white [UK]9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, WhiteNoYesUnited States California
Nitransky7.7–12.1 lb (3.5–5.5 kg)ShortErect[White with diluted "Californian" markings]NoNoEuropean Union Slovenia
Opossum See also: Rex [US]15 May 2019 at the Wayback Machine6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)Rex Curly LongErect"Any [BRC-]recognised colour."NoYesSwitzerland
Orange5.5–7.1 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect" A strong and warm yellow-red outer color."NoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Orylag[fr] Also called: Rex du Poitou[permanent dead link]5.5 lb (2.5 kg)Rex Straight ShortErect[Many]NoNoEuropean Union France
Ørestad28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7.1 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErectRuby-Eyed WhiteNoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Palomino10–11 lb (4.5–5.0 kg)ShortErectGolden, LynxYesNoUnited States Washington
Pannon White5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg)ShortErectWhiteNoNoEuropean Union Hungary
Perlfee31 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)ShortErect"Blue Agouti"NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Plush Lop (Miniature) See also: Rex [US]3.7–4.0 lb (1.7–1.8 kg)Rex Straight ShortLop"Any colour and pattern accepted by the [BRC] apart from the broken pattern."NoNoAustralia *
Plush Lop (Standard) See also: Rex [US]5.1–5.7 lb (2.3–2.6 kg)Rex Straight ShortLop"Any colour and pattern accepted by the [BRC] apart from the broken pattern."NoNoAustralia *
Pointed Beveren See also: Beveren7 lb (3.2 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Brown, LilacNoYesEuropean Union Belgium
Polish [UK] See also: Britannia Petite [US]2.5 lb (1.1 kg)ShortErect[Includes >25 different colors/patterns]NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Polish [US]2.5–3.5 lb (1.1–1.6 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Blue-Eyed White, Broken, Chocolate, Red-Eyed WhiteYesNoUnited Kingdom England
Rex [US] Originally called: Castorrex Sometimes called: Standard Rex NOTE: To see all breeds with rex fur, sort on the "Fur Type" column.6–10.5 lb (2.7–4.8 kg)Rex Straight ShortErect[Over 19 stated colors/patterns]YesNoEuropean Union France
Rex du Poitou See main entry: Orylag—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Rhinelander See also: Rhinsk Schecke [da]9–10 lb (4.1–4.5 kg)ShortErectWhite with coloured butterfly patternsYesYesEuropean Union Germany
Rhone[de] Also called: Rhön29 March 2022 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7.1 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect"A white/black rabbit whose color/pattern is intended to resemble the surface of a birch tree."NoNoEuropean Union Germany
Russian See main entry: Himalayan—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
SA Phendula8.8–11.5 lb (4.0–5.2 kg)ShortErectChestnut Agouti, Gold or Silver Tipped Steel, BlackNoNoSouth Africa
Sachsengold[de] Also called: Saxon Gold6.1–7.2 lb (2.75–3.25 kg)ShortErectChestnutNoNoEuropean Union Germany
Sallander[uk]5–9 lb (2.3–4.1 kg)ShortErect—NoYesEuropean Union Netherlands
San Juan3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg)ShortErectAgoutiNoNoUnited States Washington
Satin [UK] See also: Miniature Satin [UK]6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)MediumErect[Includes >33 different colors/patterns]NoYesUnited States Indiana
Satin [US] See also: Mini Satin [US]9.5–10 lb (4.3–4.5 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Broken, Californian, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Copper, Lilac(under development), Otter, Red, Siamese, WhiteYesNoUnited States Indiana
Satin Angora6.5–9.5 lb (2.9–4.3 kg)LongErect[White or Colored]YesNoCanada
Schwarzgrannen [UK][de]28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine4.41–7.17 lb (2.00–3.25 kg)ShortErect"[P]ure white [with] black ticking"NoYesEuropean Union Germany
Separator [DE] See also: Beige [UK] Czech Solver [CZ]6.6–8.3 lb (3–3.75 kg)ShortErect[sandy colored]NoNoUnited Kingdom
Siamese Sable5–7 lb (2.3–3.2 kg)ShortErectLight Siamese Sable, Medium Siamese Sable, Dark Siamese SableNoYesEuropean Union France
Siberian2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine5–7 lb (2.3–3.2 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Brown, LilacNoYesUnited Kingdom England
Silver [UK] See also: Giant Silver5–6 lb (2.3–2.7 kg)ShortErectBlue, Brown, Fawn, GreyNoYesUnited Kingdom England
Silver [US] See also: Giant Silver4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg)ShortErectBlack, Brown, FawnYesNoUnited Kingdom England
Silver Fox [UK] See main entry: Fox–Silver [UK]—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Silver Fox [US]9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)LongErectBlack, Blue(under development), Chocolate(under development)YesNoUnited States Ohio
Silver Marten Also called: Beloresavec [sl] Weißgrannen [de] See also: Big Silver Marten9.5 lb (4.3 kg)ShortErectBlack, Blue, Chocolate, SableYesNoEuropean Union France
Simenwar2.95 lb (1.337 kg)—N/a—N/a—N/aNoNoEgypt
Slovenian Rabbit Also called: Slovenski kunec [si]6.6–11.0 lb (3–5 kg)ShortErect"Blue velvet" with "yellowish-brown" substrate and flecking. [Similar to the "St Hubert" hairshaft?] "The tail and belly are white, and the eyes are brown."NoNoEuropean Union Slovenia
Smoke Pearl Also called: Sinisoopeli [fi] Zobel blå [sv] Zobel blue [da] See also: Giant Smoke Pearl3 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine5–7 lb (2.3–3.2 kg)ShortErectMarten type ["smoke in colour, shading to pearl grey beige" with certain white touches, including eye circles] or Siamese type [same but with no white touches]NoYesUnited Kingdom Scotland
Spanish Giant12.5–15 lb (5.7–6.8 kg)ShortErect—NoNoEuropean Union Spain
Squirrel2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine5–7 lb (2.3–3.2 kg)ShortErect—NoYesUnited Kingdom Scotland
Standard Chinchilla [US] See also: Chinchilla5–7.5 lb (2.3–3.4 kg)ShortErectChinchillaYesNoEuropean Union France
Standard Rex See main entry: Rex [US]—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a—N/a
Stone rabbit Also called: Steenkonijn [nl]22 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine6.1 lb (2.75 kg)ShortErectHaaskleur ("hare" = red agouti), Konijngrijs ("rabbit grey" = grey agouti), Ijzergrauw ("iron grey" = steel agouti)NoNoEuropean Union Belgium
Sussex12 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine7–8 lb (3.2–3.6 kg)ShortErect[Shaded] Cream, [Shaded] GoldNoYesUnited Kingdom England
Swedish Fur Also called: Svensk Pels21 September 2021 at the Wayback Machine6.6–8.2 lb (3–3.7 kg)ShortErect"Glossy black with evenly spaced white hair."NoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Swedish Hare Includes the breed prev. named: Elfin5 lb (2.3 kg)ShortErectAll colors and markings are acceptableNoNoEuropean Union Sweden
Swiss Fox5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)LongErect—NoYesSwitzerland
Tadla4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg)ShortErectAgoutiNoNoMorocco
Tan Also called: Feu Noir [FR]4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg)ShortErectBlack & Tan, Blue & Tan, Chocolate & Tan, Lilac & TanYesYesUnited Kingdom England
Tax-XiberMalta
Teddy Dwarf Also called: Teddyzwerg [DE]1.8–3.7 lb (0.8–1.7 kg)LongErect[Many]NoNoEuropean Union Germany
Teddy Lop Also called: Teddywidder [DE]2.9–4.4 lb (1.3–2.0 kg)LongLop[Many]NoNoEuropean Union Germany
Thrianta6 lb (2.7 kg)ShortErectChestnutYesYesEuropean Union Netherlands
Thuringer Also called: Thüringer9 lb (4.1 kg)ShortErect[Sable with dark points]NoYesEuropean Union Germany
Tri-Colour Dutch Also called: Harlequin Dutch Japanese Dutch4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg)ShortErect[Tri-Colour Dutch markings]NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Tri-Colour English6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)ShortErect[Tri-Colour English markings]NoYesUnited Kingdom England
Trønder28 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine8.8–13.2 lb (4–6 kg)ShortErect"The color is shiny black with evenly distributed white hair. The white hairs are white in their full length"NoNoNorway
V-line Also called: Line V7.3 lb (3.32 kg)—N/a—N/a—N/aNoNoEgypt
Velveteen Lop See also: Rex [US]5–6.5 lb (2.3–2.9 kg)Rex Straight ShortLop[Includes "all patterns and colors of the English Lop breed"]NoNoUnited States
Vienna Coloured7.7–11.6 lb (3.5–5.25 kg)MediumErectAgouti, Black, BlueNoYesEuropean Union Austria
Vienna White7.7–11.6 lb (3.5–5.25 kg)ShortErect"[P]ure white [...] very lustrous"NoYesEuropean Union Austria
Wheaten24 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect"Wheaten (the fawn or pale yellow colour of wheat)"NoYesUnited Kingdom
Wheaten Lynx12 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine5.5–7 lb (2.5–3.2 kg)ShortErect"Orange-shot-silver"NoYesUnited Kingdom
White Country Also called: Hvid Land [da] Hvit Land [no] Vit Lant [se]8.4–10.1 lb (3.8–4.6 kg)ShortErectAlbinoNoNoEuropean Union Denmark
Zemmouri4.0–6.4 lb (1.8–2.9 kg)ShortErect[Black with "Dutch" markings]NoNoMorocco
Zika7.1 lb (3.2 kg)ShortErectAlbinoNoNoEuropean Union Germany
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Scope

The table of modern-day rabbit breeds includes those that are:

  • recognized as a distinct breed by ARBA, the BRC, or another country's established organization for the national promotion of rabbit breeds,
  • recognized as "in development" for potential formal recognition (as judged by multiple authoritative sources), or
  • recognized as a distinct breed that resulted from natural selection (as judged by pertinent authoritative sources).

Rare breeds are denoted with pink highlighting.

Terminology

Confusion sometimes arises regarding the name of a rabbit breed versus the name of a rabbit's color/pattern (or fur type). For example, Harlequin is the name of a breed whose color/pattern is known as harlequin. (This arose from the traditional Harlequin character, who, like this rabbit, always wears a motley-colored check-patterned coat and is also native to France.) The harlequin color/pattern is found now in a different breed of rabbit: the Tri-Colour Dutch, also known as the Harlequin Dutch. Such evolutions in terminology pertain also to some fur types, where (for example) the Rex breed has rex fur. There are now other rabbit breeds that also have rex fur. For example, the unusually "rexed" Astrex rabbit breed.

It is sometimes difficult to ascertain which came first, the breed name or the color/pattern name (or fur-type name). What is certain is that, in such situations, the two at some point were synonymous but subsequent developments in other breeds (likely hinging on similar genetic changes) have caused the terms to diverge.

The definition of a distinct breed relies on clusters of complex individual gene-sets—clusters that may include the gene-set for a body type, the gene-set for an ear type, the gene-set for a color/pattern, and/or the gene-set for a fur type. The determination of when a group of rabbits is considered to have become a new breed (as a result of overarching genetic distinction) is left, in the following table, to the authority of ARBA, the BRC, or other reputable source.

Extinct rabbit breeds

Many rabbit breeds that are now extinct contributed to the development of a modern-day breed or breeds. An example of this was the Blue Imperial which contributed to the American and Lilac. Many rabbit breeds went extinct following the collapse of the American fur industry, though some breeds mainly raised for fur were preserved. In some cases, little is known of these nearly forgotten breeds. For some, the only records are descriptions in old breed books. At least sixty rabbit breeds have gone extinct.

Breed nameImageSizeFur typeEar typeColors & markingsOriginAncestor of the modern
Beaver————Silky & luxurious coat——
Blanc de Chauny————Snow white——
Blanc de L'Oural—8–10 lb (3.6–4.5 kg)——AlbinoEuropean Union France—
Blue Imperial7 lbsNormalErectSelf-BlueEnglandAmerican, Lilac
Golden Fawn——————New Zealand red
Old English Red—————United Kingdom England—
Patagonian—————European UnionFlemish Giant
Petite Brabancon—————European Union BelgiumDutch
Rouennais—8–10 lb (3.6–4.5 kg)ShortErect—European Union FranceFrench Lop
Sitka——Long——United Kingdom England—
Swan—16–20 lb (7.3–9.1 kg)——Brown, GreyUnited Kingdom Isle of Man—

Explanatory footnotes

Citation footnotes

See also

  • "Alba", a genetically modified "glowing" rabbit
  • Animal coloration, reasons and mechanisms
  • Brachycephalic, mesaticephalic, and dolichocephalic rabbit breeds
  • Disruptive selection, a form of natural selection (with a rabbit example)
  • Dwarf rabbit, regarding the smallest rabbit breeds
  • Fur attributes in rabbits
  • Genetics–Linkage maps in the domestic rabbit
  • Genetics–Color genes in the domestic rabbit
  • Lop rabbit, regarding ear carriage in rabbits
  • Point coloration in rabbit breeds

Further reading

  • The Official Guide Book Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies, from the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.
  • Rabbitlopaedia - A complete guide to Rabbit Care, by Meg Brown & Virginia Richardson, Ringpress

External links

  • (Includes links to national rabbit breed clubs in the US)
  • (Includes links to national rabbit breed clubs in the UK)
  • (Lists over 150 rabbit varieties)
  • (Information about 60+ Pet Rabbit Breeds from A to Z)
  • (Information about Domestic Rabbit Animal Breeds)
  • - List of rabbit breeds approved by American Rabbit Breeders Association
  • (Includes body-type and fur-type classifications for over 45 ARBA-recognized rabbit breeds)
  • (Lists over 170—and provides information on over 50—"global domestic" rabbit breeds)