RABBIT BREEDS:
Organised by:
The Irish Rabbit Club
Himalayan
The Himalayan Rabbits breed history is a bit sketchy. There are many thoughts behind it's origin with some people only choosing to believe one theory or another. The facts are this rabbit has been around for a long time and is one of the oldest breeds with a wider demographic distribution than any other. It is alleged they were imported to the UK from the Himalayas and surrounding regions in the mid 19th century. The himi is known by many different names world wide, some of them are Russian, Black Nose & Egyptian.
The Himalayan rabbit has to be one of if not the best pure bred rabbit to keep as pets. They are a small-medium breed, not exceeding 4 1/2 lbs for showing and the only rabbit breed in the world to be viewed as cylindrical or snaky in shape when it comes to shows. They are extremely docile, calm, tolerant, laid back and welcoming when you approach them, making them an ideal 'lap rabbit' and both sexes share these characteristics (keeping in mind they are all individuals, some will exhibit these traits more then others and you will get exceptions to the rule). Not only are they beautiful to look at with their distinctive markings but they are extremely interesting as their points are temperature controlled (the markings found on the nose, ears, feet and tail will fade or increase over time based on the temperatures the animal is exposed to) with kittens snow white at birth and the points coming in slowly over time.
HulstlanderThe Hulstlander, often referred to as 'hussies' by some keepers, was first bred in 1977 by a Mr. J. de Graaf in the Netherlands. He crossed a Polish with Vienna Whites (although some History reports suggest the original cross is BEW (Blue Eyed White) Netherland Dwarf x Vienna White) and so impressed with animals some generations down the line, that he went on to work to make this a new recognized breed, naming them after the area in the Netherlands they first originated.
The Hulstlander is a strikingly beautiful rabbit with snow white fur and bright blue eyes. They are active, inquisitive and interested in their surroundings, readily exploring an area when given outside enclosure time and have been known to be some what cheeky.
Netherland DwarfThe Netherland Dwarf is one of the smallest breeds in the fancy but most definitely the cutest which is why it is one of the most popular breed of rabbit around the world. The 'Nethie' first appeared back in the late 20th century with breeders cross breeding the Polish and line breeding those offspring which resulted in two types of rabbit, the slender Pole & the doe eyed, small eared Dwarf. They went on to further develop this little rabbit into the recognized breed it is today with credit being given to a Mr. Otto Lippolt for this achievement. Although at this time it is reported the only Netherland Dwarfs available where REW (Red Eyed Whites, Albino) and BEW (Blue Eyed Whites) it was a Dutch keeper by the name of Jan Meyering and some close friends of his who, through selectively introducing other breeds and line breeding from these offspring, made the 'coloured' Nethie a reality.
The Netherland Dwarf is a very cute 'forever young' looking rabbit which not only has huge appeal to perspective owners based solely on it's youngster type looks but also ease of care, requiring less space to house then many other breeds and easily becoming a non intrusive house rabbit due to it's size and cage requirements. It should be noted that although the Netherland Dwarf can be a nice animal to own, it is not unheard of for the feistiness seen in it's ancestry blood (Polish) to shine through in some individuals.
PolishThe Polish along with the Netherland Dwarf are the smallest recognized breeds of rabbit in the world. Both have a maximum adult showing weight of 2 1/2 lb (1.134 kilograms) or under, anything over this will be disqualified. It is unclear where the breed originated (some suggest Germany while others suggest England) although it has been around for 150yrs + but the first variety available or the only variety recognized at the time of this breed first making it to the showing table was the REW (Red Eyed White, Albino) and BEW (Blue Eyed White). This little rabbit has changed somewhat in appearance over the years with the English variety being fine boned, slightly elongated face in comparison to that of the apple shape seen in the Netherland Dwarf and the American variety being of more stocky build and going by the name of Britannia Petite.
The Polish is a slender, fine boned, alert rabbit who is always on the go. They are not for the beginner or children as they may be small but the have a big attitude and can be inclined to bite. One thing is for sure and that is this breed is entertaining and will keep owners on their toes!
LionheadThe Lionhead has two possible origins. One belief is they were first seen in the Dwarf Angora with a litter born who had the characteristics of todays Lionhead and it was these rabbits who were developed further to become a new recognized breed. The other is they originated in Belgium, the result of crossing a Swiss Fox and a Belgian Dwarf and introducing a woolly breed down the line, either or the Dwarf Angora and Jersey Woolly. Regardless of the origin, these are a wonderful rabbit with beautiful facial features which would remind one of the Pekingese dog as well as 'that main' and owners who attend general displays or information exhibitions are sometimes asked 'What is it?' with many people genuinely surprised to learn it's a rabbit. They have beautiful mains around the head & chest with normal fur covering the rest of the body. Many often have a woolly skirt along the side of the body too.
The Lionhead is a placid, laid back rabbit who is easy to handled and a joy to own. They are intelligent and rewarding pets to have with animals available in ALL recognized colours across all breeds, you are spoiled for choice.
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DWARF HOTOT
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DALMATIAN REX |
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BLACK REX |
TRI-COLOUR DALMATIAN REX |
