With so many breeds of rabbits today, these animals have become popular pets to care for. They are also smart and adorable. But choosing the right one for you can be a challenge.
Whether you buy or adopt a rabbit, knowing some rabbit facts is important. That way, you can ensure you find the right match for you.
In this article, we will explore one of the unique features of rabbits – their diverse colors and patterns. They vary from white, black, beige, lilac, and many more. If you want to know more about this, keep on scrolling!
What Makes Up the Color of the Rabbits?
According to the Oregon State University (OSU), genes determine rabbits’ colors. Like humans, the skin color of rabbits is hereditary. So, if the mother and the father rabbits have a pure white color, their offspring is also white. But if both parents have different colors, this is where the patterns and changes in coloring happen.
OSU added that seven major color genes currently comprise rabbit fur and pattern. These seven colors can be combined and work together, and as a result, that is the color we see visually in rabbits’ fur. That is called phenotype, the observable traits in rabbits.
Want To Know More About Rabbit Facts, Then Click On This Article: Rabbits Facts: The Common Question About Your Rabbits
Colors of the Rabbits
Rabbits come in different forms. They have different characteristics, breeds, and other factors. But when it comes to their color, there is even more variety.
Rabbits have more than 20 different colors. It can also depend on the pattern in their fur. Some have a single color, and some rabbits have 2-3 more.
The color of the rabbit adds a lot to its overall cuteness or attractiveness. So once you buy or adopt a rabbit, we suggest you choose the one with a beautiful coat representing your favorite color.
White Color
White-colored- rabbit is one of the most colors you can see in rabbits. Most people love to have this color because it looks clean and majestic. There are different kinds of white colored-rabbits. You can find plain white, and sometimes there can be a bit of pattern from other colors.
Here are some of the white-colored rabbit breeds:
American White Rabbit
This white-colored rabbit originated and developed in California. They come in two different colors, blue and white. But most people opt for white because they look clean visually. According to the American Rabbit Breeder Association (ARBA), American white rabbits are good with people and have the temperament.
Dwarf Hotot Rabbit
Dwarf Hot Rabbit has distinct characteristics. They are pure white and have black markings that surround their eyes. They also belong to the small rabbit breed, weighing only 3-4 pounds. Their personality is one of the best because they are friendly and love to spend time with their owners.
Hulstlander Rabbit
Also known as Hussies. This breed has a pure white coat on its body. They are also part of the small rabbit breed because they can only weigh up to 5 pounds when they age. However, some people say that hussies’ characteristics are unlike other rabbits because they are shy. They also get easily distressed by a lot of things. When you plan to own this breed, ensure you know how to properly care for them to avoid problems.
Black Color
Opposite to white, black colors are rare to find. They looked majestic, especially if the rabbits had full black fur. Some owners prefer this color because it gives a strong and classic vibe. But you need to remember that they are still like other rabbits. They need the right care to live a healthy and long life.
Here are some of the black-colored rabbit breeds:
Havana Rabbits
This breed is known for its blackish-fur color. Their names originated from the color of tobacco, similar to their fur color. This article says that Havana rabbits are developed in Holland, Netherlands. They are known to be affectionate and love playing around, which is why people choose to adopt this breed.
American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit
American fuzzy lop rabbits come in different colors, including black. They are small but can be quite playful, especially outside their cage. According to ARBA, this breed has been recognized since 1989. Their distinct characteristics are their lopped ears and wooled fur. So grooming fuzzy lop rabbits can be quite a challenge.
Other rabbit colors:
Beige
Beige-colored rabbits are great for minimalist houses. It complements neutral colors and is pleasing to the eyes. Their fur is silky and comes in shades from dark to light brown. They can also be mixed with other colors depending on the genetic history.
Blue
Yes, there are blue rabbits. They are rare and beautiful in their eyes. However, they are not exactly blue, like the sky. Their color is a medium shade of gray. One of the common breeds for this is the American Blue Rabbit.
Lilac
Another calming color of rabbits is lilac. They have a similar shade of blue but with a hint of pale purple. Unfortunately, you will not find a strong shade of lilac. It’s just not in the genes of the rabbits unless you shade their fur with hair coloring, which is not advisable. One of the popular breeds for this color is the Lilac Rabbits.
Lynx
Lynx-colored rabbits are rare and unique. They have a beautiful orange undercoat that goes lighter toward their topcoat. What’s interesting about these rabbits is that their coat has a slight hint of Lilac color mixture. They also have a distinct eye color, bluish-gray.
Fawn
If you find a color lighter than a beige rabbit, then fawn is the right one. It resembles sand color, which makes it pleasing to the eyes. The breeds with fawn colors have a slight yellowish and browning coat. Fawn Flemish Giant is one of the breeds that has this color. However, they are a large type of rabbit, so you might consider owning this one because they can be challenging to care for.
Steel
Check out rabbits with a steel coat if you want a more interesting color. These rabbits can look like silver and gold steel. Most have a base coat colored blue, lilac, sable, chocolate, and black. Meanwhile, their eye colors are gray and brown.
The Pattern of the Rabbits
As stated above, the color of the rabbits does not only come in one shading. Depending on their genes and history, your pet can develop a pattern in its coat. Here are some basic patterns you can notice in rabbits:
Self Pattern
Self-pattern is the basic pattern of colors in rabbits. There is only one dominant color that covers the body of the animal. They are basic but look pleasing to the eyes, especially with colors like white and black rabbits.
Agouti Pattern
Agouti patterns are commonly seen in wild rabbits. According to a National Library of Medicine study, the color pattern sometimes results from evolution. This affects their survival in the wild, especially in the camouflage process. You must know that rabbits are prey animals, so predators always find them.
Regarding color, agouti patterns have three or more tones and a dark gray undercoat. These rabbits usually have eye-rings, and their bellies have lighter colors than the rest of their bodies. You can find agouti rabbits with coats colored lilac, chocolate, smoke pearl, and chestnut.
Broken Pattern
The broken pattern is very distinct. It composts two or more color coatings. You can easily notice this because the pattern appears like a broken color. For example, a dominant shade covers the body, but another shade will break that color. Hence, it is called the broken pattern.
Brindle Pattern
This pattern is also common to rabbits. They are a mix of two colors, but the key difference is that they are in two opposite shades- for example, a mix of dark and light colors. The typical shadings that are mixed are white and black.
Key Takeaways
- Rabbits come in different breeds, sizes, and colors. You need to understand these basics to help you know what type of rabbit will suit your personality and liking.
- The reason behind different color coatings is because of the genetic background of the rabbits. If the mother and father rabbit is white, their offspring is white. But if two shades are combined, the genes will develop a new pattern in the offspring.
- Here are the known colors of the rabbit coat: white, black, beige, blue, lilac, lynx, fawn, and steel.
- Here are the known patterns of the rabbits; self pattern, agouti pattern, broken pattern, and brindle pattern.
