Rabbit genetics color chart
Confused? Can’t blame you! The basic colors weren’t that bad, but by the time I got through all 5 of the main genes and then added the important minor ones, things got pretty complicated!
So – here’s a chart that I put together with the genotypes and associated colors! I got the idea from a color chart on the NJWRC site which does this just for the showable colors in Jersey woolies. I’ve expanded the chart to cover everything that’s showable in our 4 primary breeds – Jersey woolies, French angora, American fuzzy lops and minirex – and added a lot of the names for unshowable colors too. I find it totally indispensable when planning breedings and looking at pedigrees!
Just remember - if you are working with a different breed, the color names may not be a match for the genotypes here. One I just learned - in satins a 'sable' is a non-extension self chin (aaB-chd-D-ee = sallander in other breeds).
So – here’s a chart that I put together with the genotypes and associated colors! I got the idea from a color chart on the NJWRC site which does this just for the showable colors in Jersey woolies. I’ve expanded the chart to cover everything that’s showable in our 4 primary breeds – Jersey woolies, French angora, American fuzzy lops and minirex – and added a lot of the names for unshowable colors too. I find it totally indispensable when planning breedings and looking at pedigrees!
Just remember - if you are working with a different breed, the color names may not be a match for the genotypes here. One I just learned - in satins a 'sable' is a non-extension self chin (aaB-chd-D-ee = sallander in other breeds).
Phenotype is the color which you see. Genotype is the color coded for in the genetics (including those 'hidden' in the phenotype).Now, you can jump directly to look up your color in the chart above if you want, or you can step through the genetics in the 101 section which works from genotype to phenotype and just try to put it in reverse, but hopefully this sections gives you a basic process for looking at your rabbit and figuring out as much as you can about it's genes. It will also hopefully help you determine which color/pattern a kit is.
Note with kits -- kits are usually born hairless -- or so that only the very tips of the hair are already poking through the skin. The base color of the tip of the hair can usually be seen on the skin of a newborn kit
-- pink skin will generally grow white fur,
-- the reddish skin that will grow orangish fur can be mistaken for pink
-- black skin will grow black fur,
-- blue skin will be blue or lilac fur (side by side, lilacs are often lighter already at birth)
-- chocolate, seal and sable fur grow from skin intermediate in color -- sometimes mistaken for black or blue, especially if you don't have a kit of the other color in the same litter for comparison
Pointed (ch) is an exception to this. Because the color on pointed develops only at colder temperatures, nice warm kits may have pink skin and show no sign of point color until they leave the nestbox.
Note that self pattern kits such as solid black will have black skin inside their ears while agouti and tan patterns will have pink skin. This can usually be distinguished at birth, but is sometimes easier to see at a few days old when the fur has grown in to a millimeter or so.
On wool breeds especially, it is often easier to tell the base color (black, blue, chocolate, lilac) when kits are at this stage (few millimeters of fur growth) - before the length of the wool 'dilutes' the pigment.
Agouti pattern and tan pattern can be first distinguished at a few days to a week old -- when the fur has grown in enough to see the start of the midband on the agoutis. Steel can be distinguished from the other agoutis only at a few weeks old when the midband shifts back to the darker undercolor on the steels. While high-rufus (orange-marked) tan may be distinguished from martens at a few days old, low rufus (cream marked) otters can be difficult to distinguish from martens until they are several weeks old. Very rarely, chinchilla, marten and magpie kits with the genetic modifiers for high rufus will develop phaeomelanin (orange) bands that later fade back to silver/white.
Kits open their eyes at about 10 days old. Ruby/pink eyes will be immediately apparent. Other colors may darken significantly over the next month or more. Kits with dark blue eyes at birth may in some cases darken all the way to brown.
Important Questions to Ask...
Does my rabbit have bright blue eyes? (especially if not a blue or lilac coat see VIENNA)
Does my rabbit have pink eyes? (only REW, Pointed [aka Himalayan], and Lutino rabbits have pink eyes)
Is my rabbit all one color (no markings)? If so, is this color white (see WHITE), eumelanin (black, seal, chocolate, blue or lilac - see SELF), or phaeomelanin (red, orange, fawn, cream - see WIDEBAND)?
Does my rabbit have 3 distinct colors? - see TRI-COLOR
Does my rabbit have 1 color plus white? If so, how is the color arranged?
-- Regular alternating patches or 'bands and bars' (see MAGPIE)
-- A colored rabbit with a white belt (see DUTCH)
-- Color only on the 'points' such as ears, feet, tail (see POINTED)
-- A solid colored rabbit in black, blue, chocolate, or lilac with white eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (see SILVER MARTEN)
-- A solid colored rabbit in red, orange, fawn, or cream with white or cream eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (see WIDEBAND)
-- Alternating bands of white with black, blue, chocolate or lilac along each hair with white eye circles, tummy, jawline (see CHINCHILLA)
-- White tipping at/near the ends of hairs (see STEEL)
-- regularly scattered white hairs (see SILVER)
-- a mostly white rabbit with dark tipping (see FROSTY/PEARL)
-- a gradual shift from colored (usually darkest on the head) to white (see SHADED)
-- a few relatively small white marks (see VIENNA-marked and/or booted BROKEN)
-- a colored blanket or spots (see ENGLISH SPOTTING)
Does my rabbit have two colors one of which is NOT white? Typically this is a eumelanin color (black, blue, chocolate, or lilac) and a phaeomelanin color (red, orange, fawn or cream) If so, how are the colors arranged?
-- Regular alternating patches or 'bands and bars' (see HARLEQUIN)
-- A solid colored rabbit in black, blue, chocolate, or lilac with orange-cream eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (seeOTTER)
-- A solid colored rabbit in red, orange, fawn, or cream with cream eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (see WIDEBAND)
-- Alternating bands of red-cream with black, blue, chocolate or lilac along each hair with white eye circles, tummy, jawline (see AGOUTI)
-- Gold/tan/red/cream tipping at/near the ends of hairs (see STEEL)
-- a red/orange/fawn color shading to eumelanin (black, chocolate, blue, lilac) on the head, feet and hindquarters (see TORT)
VIENNA
The vv genotype is the only one which can cause a blue-eyed white rabbit. This gene is epistatic and will hide all other color genes except for the cc genotype for ruby-eyed white. The heterozygous genotype Vv can cause a range of 'spotting' ranging from no white at all to an almost Dutch-marked rabbit. If a 'vienna spot' falls on the eyes, they will turn the bright blue of the blue-eyed white. It is possible for a Vienna marked rabbit have their only Vienna spot show in their eyes. Always suspect vienna if you have blue eyes (especially one blue eye) on a black or chocolate base rabbit. Blue and lilac base rabbits normally have blue eyes, but usually a more blue-grey shade than the bright crystal blue of the blue-eyed white. If a blue or lilac rabbit has very bright eyes, or eyes which are two separate shades of blue, also consider vienna. Not all vienna-marked rabbits have blue eyes. If a vienna spot doesn't happen to fall on the eyes, the rabbit will still have it's normal eye color. When looking at a vienna marked rabbit, first note that it is Vv. Then ignore the white and go back to the questions to determine the rest of its color genes.
WHITE
- WHITE - White rabbits come in two basic types distinguished by their eye colors - blue-eyed whites and ruby-eyed whites. Note that a few colors can 'masquerade' as white -- pearls, non-extension points, ermines, light creams, charlies, etc may have very little color and be mistaken for white. Pointed kits are also often born white and develop their color over time. If a 'white' rabbit has an eye color other than ruby or blue, suspect one of these 'look-alikes'. Ditto if your pedigree has no white but does have some of those other genes!
Two entirely separate genes are responsible for the two types of white! Ruby-eyed whites (aka REW aka true albino) have the recessive genotype cc. They can never carry any of the other C-genes -- chinchilla (chd), shaded (chl), or himi (ch). REW is epistatic - it masks the expression of all the other color genes. Therefore a REW CAN hide the genes needed for nearly any other color, including blue-eyed white. Without a pedigree or information about offspring, all you can say about a REW's genotype is 'cc'. Blue-eyed whites (aka vienna) have the recessive genotype vv. vv is epistatic to every other color genotype EXCEPT REW - this means the vv genotype can hide any of those other colored genes.
SELF
Most phenotypic self rabbits are genetic selfs - genotype includes aa. There are a handful of exceptions:
- red/orange/fawn/cream rabbits (see WIDEBAND) - most red/orange/fawn/cream rabbits have white or cream eye circles, jawline and tummies. Occassionally you get a bunny where the markings are a sufficiently dark cream to blend with the body color (usually on fawn/cream). These rabbits may appear as selfs, but are genetic agouti (AA, Aat or Aa)
- chocolate agouti (see AGOUTI) - usually the red/tan phaeomelanin bands are distinguishable from the chocolate bands. But sometimes the rufus factor on the phaeomelanin is 'just right' and matches the chocolate closely enough that the two blur together. Even though these rabbits appear self chocolate, they are genetic agouti (AA, Aat or Aa).
- Double steel (see STEEL) - the dominant steel gene works to 'narrow the midband' giving a 'tipped' effect. The EsEs genotype sometimes narrows the midband right out of existence. These rabbits appear as self, but are genetic agouti (AA, Aat or Aa with EsEs)
- A-Esej & A-Ese - In theory these genotypes should produce a rabbit with patches of steel and patches of black or black/steel shading. In practice, these animals are frequently solid black. In addition to masking A, they can carry at and a (AA, Aat and Aa).
Self rabbits are often assumed to have the C gene dominant (CC, Cchd, Cchl, Cch, or Cc). However, the chin gene has a very minimal dilution effect on eumelanin -- the 'self chin' genotypes (aachdchd, aachdchl, aachdch, aachdd) usually 'pass for' either the normal self or the seal. In breeds that accept seal (aachlchl) as a separate variety, it is usually treated as a self. In many breeds that do not accept seal as a separate variety, seals are also shown within the corresponding self color (black, blue, chocolate, lilac) though they may be distinguished as having 'poor color'. Seal variants are discussed with each of the four core self colors immediately below.
Self rabbits are usually assumed to have a dominant E- genotype - either aaEE or aaEe. Many forget to consider that selfs can also hide harlequin (aaEej) particularly in breeds where tri-colors are accepted. aaEs- genotypes also appear as selfs - which should be considered in any breed where steels are common.
Midband modifier genes such as wideband are invisible on the self rabbit and may be carried undetected (WW, Ww and ww are identical)
The Vienna gene (v) usually results in small white marks (see VIENNA) but sometimes is carried undetected in self rabbits.
- BLACK - the true black rabbit has a core genotype aaB-C-D-E-VVenen. For most breeds, self chins (aaB-chd-D-E-) also appear black and may be shown as black. Self chins may have patches in which faint agouti rings can be seen in the fur and/or may go through growth phases where rings are visible. However, many self chins are completely indistinguishable from black. For some breeds in which seal is not separately accepted, the darker black seals (genotype aaB-chlchlD-E-) can also be shown as black. Seals generally can be distinguished from true blacks because the fur on the underside of their feet (when clean) is brownish (sepia toned) while the true blacks have fur on their feet which is black or gray. Seals also frequently have a ruby cast to their eyes.
A 'purebred black' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aaBBCCDDEEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular black rabbit is purebred for black. Even if its entire pedigree is black and it has always thrown black kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The black rabbit may carry the gene for chocolate (Bb), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), dilute (Dd), non-extension (Ee), harlequin (Eej). Black rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese)
- BLUE - the true blue rabbit has a core genotype aaB-C-ddE-V-enen. For most breeds, dilute self chins (aaB-chd-ddE-) also appear blue and may be shown as blue. Dilute self-chins may have eyecolor too dark (marble, ruby-cast or brown) to meet the blue standard. Dilute self chins may have patches in which faint agouti rings can be seen in the fur and/or may go through growth phases where rings are visible. However, many dilute self chins are completely indistinguishable from blue. For some breeds in which blue seal is not separately accepted, the darker blue seals (genotype aaB-chlchlddE-) can also be shown as blue. Seals generally can be distinguished from true blues because the fur on the underside of their feet (when clean) is brownish (sepia toned) while the true blues have fur on their feet which is gray. Seals also frequently have a ruby cast to their eyes.
A 'purebred blue' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aaBBCCddEEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular blue rabbit is purebred for blue. Even if its entire pedigree is blue and it has always thrown blue kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a too light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The blue rabbit may carry the gene for chocolate (Bb), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), non-extension (Ee), and harlequin (Eej). Blue rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese).
- CHOCOLATE - the true chocolate rabbit has a core genotype aabbC-D-E-V-enen. For most breeds, chocolate-based self chins (aabbchd-D-E-) also appear chocolate and may be shown as chocolate. Chocolate self chins may have patches in which faint agouti rings can be seen in the fur and/or may go through growth phases where rings are visible. However, many chocolate self chins are completely indistinguishable from chocolate. For most breeds in which chocolate seal is not separately accepted, the chocolate seals (genotype aabbchlchlD-E-) can also be shown as chocolate.
A 'purebred chocolate' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aabbCCD-EEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular blue rabbit is purebred for chocolate. Even if its entire pedigree is chocolate and it has always thrown chocolate kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a too light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The chocolate rabbit may carry the gene for points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), dilute (Dd), non-extension (Ee), and harlequin (Eej). Chocolate rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese).
- LILAC - the true lilac rabbit has a core genotype aabbC-ddE-V-enen. Dilute lilac self-chins usually have eyecolor too dark to meet the lilac standard. Likewise, lilac seals (genotype aabbchlchlddE-) generally have eyes which are too dark and fur color which is too 'muddy' (with brown tones) to show as lilac.
A 'purebred lilac' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aabbCCddEEVVenen. Good lilacs are generally purebred for the 4 key loci - aabbddenen. However, even if its entire pedigree is lilac and it has always thrown lilac kits, it may be hiding other genes at the C and E loci. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The lilac rabbit may carry the gene for chin (Cchd), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), non-extension (Ee), and harlequin (Eej). Lilac rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese).
- SEAL - Seals are genetically similar to the above basic self colors EXCEPT that the C- is replaced by chlchl. Seals are possible in each of the four base colors (black seal, blue seal, chocolate seal, and lilac seal) though for most breeds only the black seal is recognized and called seal. Black seal has more of a 'sepia toned' color - intermediate between black and chocolate. Seals often seem to have 'off' eye colors -- usually a ruby cast, sometimes greenish or gray. Dilute seals (blue seal, lilac seal) often have brown eyes despite the dilute gene. Black and blue seals are often described as 'warmer' (browner) than the black and blue selfs. Chocolate and lilac seals are often described as 'cooler' (more grey) than the chocolate and lilac selfs.
WIDEBAND
All the members of this group show a predominantly phaeomelanin color (red to cream). They should have 'agouti markings' - eye circles, belly, jawline - in a paler shade, though sometimes the two 'tints' are close enough to appear self (for most breeds, the self appearance is preferred).
All the members of this group should have the genotype A-C-eeww.
Although appearing mostly one color, the presence of the agouti gene can be seen in the agouti markings.
The C allele is also necessary for the production of phaeomelanin - any of the recessive C-alleles will result in the replacement of the orange color with white -- A-chd-eeww (see FROSTY), A-chl-eeww & A-ch-eeww (agouti points)
Technically, the wideband gene is a recessive modifier - ww is used in combination with agouti (A-) and non-extension (ee). So The wideband modifier genotype ww does two things, it lightens the undercolor and doubles the width of the midband. The latter may seem to be redundant as the ee genotype should remove all eumelanin, but wideband group colors with a stray Ww or WW are invariably 'smutty' with eumelanin tipping on the haunches and ears and usually have a grayish tint to the undercolor.
The degree of coloring (red versus orange versus fawn versus cream) is controlled by a combination of the base color genotype (generally darkest to lightest is B-D-, bbD-, B-dd, bbdd) and a complex additive gene series known as 'rufus factor'. Names of the colors are not consistently associated with genotype across the breeds -- 'orange' in one breed may not be the same genotype as 'orange' in another breed. If working with the wideband group of varieties, it is very important to know the colors accepted for your breed, what those colors each look like and what genes are typically responsible for that coloration in your breed.
The Vienna gene (v) usually results in small white marks (see VIENNA) but sometimes is carried undetected in wideband rabbits.
A quick note on copper -- in most breeds, copper is an AGOUTI color. In some breeds, the wideband modifier gene (ww genotype) is used without the ee genotype (making these coppers A-C-E-ww) to widen the midband enhancing the phaeomelanin color without removing the black tipping in order to create copper.
TRICOLOR
Although often brindled rather than showing distinct patching, all tricolors are basically harlequin plus white. Thus they all have at least 1 eJ allele (without a more dominant E) and one or more of the 'white spotting' genes such as English spotting (Enen or EnEn), Vienna (Vv) or Dutch (Dudu or dudu). Tricolors must be C- as the more recessive C-alleles all block phaeomelanin (shifting orange to white), Tricolors can hide any of the A-alleles (A-, at- or aa). Determine the B and D genes for a tricolor rabbit by looking at the darker patches -- these will correspond to black (B-D-), blue (B-dd), chocolate (bbD-) or lilac (bbdd).
Although it has three colors in its coat, a broken tort is NOT considered to be a tricolor rabbit. Ignore the white parts of the rabbit for a moment. If all the eumelanin (black, blue, chocolate, lilac) is on the points (head, feet tail) and all the orange is on the body consider the basic genotype to be tort -- aaC-ee. Now go back and look at the white pattern -Does it have bright blue eyes (Vv)? is it true Dutch (dudu)? is it somewhat Dutch-marked (Vv or Dudu)? Does it have only a tiny bit of white (Vv)? Most other patterns are due to the English spotting gene - EnEn for <10% color, Enen for more color.
Broken otters also have three colors in their fur but are NOT considered tricolor - with the orange/tan color severely restricted to the markings which would be those colors (inside ears, jawline, triangle and tummy) on the unbroken otter. As above, first ignore the white to determine the base color genotype (go back to the questions at the top of this page). Then look at just the colored versus white to determine which spotting genes are involved.
Broken agoutis also have three colors in their fur - but two of the three colors are on every colored hair -- forming the classic agouti rings. As above, first ignore the white to determine the base color genotype (go back to the questions at the top of this page). Then look at just the colored versus white to determine which spotting genes are involved.
MAGPIE
Black and white arranged in alternating bands and bars is usually an indicator of a genetic harlequin (or tricolor) - eJ- in which one of the recessive C genotypes (chd-, chl-) is removing all the orange color. Note that ch- would restrict black color to the points (no body bands) and cause pink eyes. A rabbit with pink eyes, 1 black ear, 1 black front paw and 1 black back paw might be a himi-magpie (ch- with eJ-). cc results in an all white rabbit.
DUTCH
The classic Dutch rabbit pattern is a white blaze, white shoulders and front legs/feet, white back feet. If you have perfect Dutch markings, the rabbit is almost certainly dudu. Dudu will have some dutch-like markings, but is unlikely to come close. The incompletely dominant vienna genotype (Vv) has highly variable markings - which can range from no white (vienna carrier) to a very white rabbit. Vienna marked rabbits often have the blaze and facemarkings of the dutch pattern -- sometimes they also have the shoulder and saddle markings. If you have a rabbit with dutch mis-marks, consider vienna.
POINTED
Pointed rabbits have color restricted to the colder parts of the body (ear, nose, tail and feet). First check the eye color.
Pointed rabbits with pink eyes are always genetic 'himi' with a chch or chc genotype. Check the point color carefully -- lack of full color indicates gene combinations other than the ideal aach-E- VV enen. White spotting genes such as vienna, english spottin and dutch often (but not always) leave white spots on the points -- sometimes a white foot, ear or nose. Agouti (A-) and otter (at-) genes typically add ear lacing (scattered white or agouti hairs on the ears) and do not have color on the underside of the tail. Non-extension (ee) usually minimizes the point color , for example ears that are dark only at the tips, not the full length of the ear.
Other eye colors on pointed rabbits indicate an interaction of genes, usually a combination of chd or chl with ee --
A-chd-ee = frost point (aka ermine)
at-chd-ee = otter frost point (aka otter ermine)
aa-chd-ee = pearl (aka sallander)
A-chl-ee = agouti sable points
at-chl-ee = martenized sable points
aachl-ee = sable points and pearl points
The chl-based points usually have a ruby cast to their eyes (red-brown black and chocolate-bases, purplish on the blue and lilac bases)
Ermines generally do not have color on the underside of the tail. They sometimes may be very light, but other times may have 'smut' color extending well up onto the body.
Pearl tend to have a more shaded appearance, with the point color gradually fading into the body color.
Sable points and pearl points are the most likely to have true pointed color extent -- In addition to the more obvious eye color, they are distinguished by the 'sepia' cast to the point color (a brownish shade intermediate between black and chocolate for the sable points, a warmer 'smoky' tone to the smoke pearl, etc
REMAINDER OF THIS SECTION IN PROGRESS!!!!!
TAN Pattern
Question 2 - Are the markings on the rabbit white (marten) or cream-orange (otter)? (For red, orange, cream or white rabbits with white/cream markings go to WIDEBAND)
- BLACK OTTER - black rabbit with cream-orange markings including tummy, eyecircles, inside ears, jawline.
A 'purebred black otter' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype atatBBCCDDEEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular rabbit is purebred for black otter. Even if its entire pedigree is black otter and it has always thrown black otter kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The black otter rabbit may carry the gene for chocolate (Bb), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), dilute (Dd), non-extension (Ee). Harlequin and steel?
Note with kits -- kits are usually born hairless -- or so that only the very tips of the hair are already poking through the skin. The base color of the tip of the hair can usually be seen on the skin of a newborn kit
-- pink skin will generally grow white fur,
-- the reddish skin that will grow orangish fur can be mistaken for pink
-- black skin will grow black fur,
-- blue skin will be blue or lilac fur (side by side, lilacs are often lighter already at birth)
-- chocolate, seal and sable fur grow from skin intermediate in color -- sometimes mistaken for black or blue, especially if you don't have a kit of the other color in the same litter for comparison
Pointed (ch) is an exception to this. Because the color on pointed develops only at colder temperatures, nice warm kits may have pink skin and show no sign of point color until they leave the nestbox.
Note that self pattern kits such as solid black will have black skin inside their ears while agouti and tan patterns will have pink skin. This can usually be distinguished at birth, but is sometimes easier to see at a few days old when the fur has grown in to a millimeter or so.
On wool breeds especially, it is often easier to tell the base color (black, blue, chocolate, lilac) when kits are at this stage (few millimeters of fur growth) - before the length of the wool 'dilutes' the pigment.
Agouti pattern and tan pattern can be first distinguished at a few days to a week old -- when the fur has grown in enough to see the start of the midband on the agoutis. Steel can be distinguished from the other agoutis only at a few weeks old when the midband shifts back to the darker undercolor on the steels. While high-rufus (orange-marked) tan may be distinguished from martens at a few days old, low rufus (cream marked) otters can be difficult to distinguish from martens until they are several weeks old. Very rarely, chinchilla, marten and magpie kits with the genetic modifiers for high rufus will develop phaeomelanin (orange) bands that later fade back to silver/white.
Kits open their eyes at about 10 days old. Ruby/pink eyes will be immediately apparent. Other colors may darken significantly over the next month or more. Kits with dark blue eyes at birth may in some cases darken all the way to brown.
Important Questions to Ask...
Does my rabbit have bright blue eyes? (especially if not a blue or lilac coat see VIENNA)
Does my rabbit have pink eyes? (only REW, Pointed [aka Himalayan], and Lutino rabbits have pink eyes)
Is my rabbit all one color (no markings)? If so, is this color white (see WHITE), eumelanin (black, seal, chocolate, blue or lilac - see SELF), or phaeomelanin (red, orange, fawn, cream - see WIDEBAND)?
Does my rabbit have 3 distinct colors? - see TRI-COLOR
Does my rabbit have 1 color plus white? If so, how is the color arranged?
-- Regular alternating patches or 'bands and bars' (see MAGPIE)
-- A colored rabbit with a white belt (see DUTCH)
-- Color only on the 'points' such as ears, feet, tail (see POINTED)
-- A solid colored rabbit in black, blue, chocolate, or lilac with white eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (see SILVER MARTEN)
-- A solid colored rabbit in red, orange, fawn, or cream with white or cream eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (see WIDEBAND)
-- Alternating bands of white with black, blue, chocolate or lilac along each hair with white eye circles, tummy, jawline (see CHINCHILLA)
-- White tipping at/near the ends of hairs (see STEEL)
-- regularly scattered white hairs (see SILVER)
-- a mostly white rabbit with dark tipping (see FROSTY/PEARL)
-- a gradual shift from colored (usually darkest on the head) to white (see SHADED)
-- a few relatively small white marks (see VIENNA-marked and/or booted BROKEN)
-- a colored blanket or spots (see ENGLISH SPOTTING)
Does my rabbit have two colors one of which is NOT white? Typically this is a eumelanin color (black, blue, chocolate, or lilac) and a phaeomelanin color (red, orange, fawn or cream) If so, how are the colors arranged?
-- Regular alternating patches or 'bands and bars' (see HARLEQUIN)
-- A solid colored rabbit in black, blue, chocolate, or lilac with orange-cream eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (seeOTTER)
-- A solid colored rabbit in red, orange, fawn, or cream with cream eye circles, tummy, jawline and inside ears (see WIDEBAND)
-- Alternating bands of red-cream with black, blue, chocolate or lilac along each hair with white eye circles, tummy, jawline (see AGOUTI)
-- Gold/tan/red/cream tipping at/near the ends of hairs (see STEEL)
-- a red/orange/fawn color shading to eumelanin (black, chocolate, blue, lilac) on the head, feet and hindquarters (see TORT)
VIENNA
The vv genotype is the only one which can cause a blue-eyed white rabbit. This gene is epistatic and will hide all other color genes except for the cc genotype for ruby-eyed white. The heterozygous genotype Vv can cause a range of 'spotting' ranging from no white at all to an almost Dutch-marked rabbit. If a 'vienna spot' falls on the eyes, they will turn the bright blue of the blue-eyed white. It is possible for a Vienna marked rabbit have their only Vienna spot show in their eyes. Always suspect vienna if you have blue eyes (especially one blue eye) on a black or chocolate base rabbit. Blue and lilac base rabbits normally have blue eyes, but usually a more blue-grey shade than the bright crystal blue of the blue-eyed white. If a blue or lilac rabbit has very bright eyes, or eyes which are two separate shades of blue, also consider vienna. Not all vienna-marked rabbits have blue eyes. If a vienna spot doesn't happen to fall on the eyes, the rabbit will still have it's normal eye color. When looking at a vienna marked rabbit, first note that it is Vv. Then ignore the white and go back to the questions to determine the rest of its color genes.
WHITE
- WHITE - White rabbits come in two basic types distinguished by their eye colors - blue-eyed whites and ruby-eyed whites. Note that a few colors can 'masquerade' as white -- pearls, non-extension points, ermines, light creams, charlies, etc may have very little color and be mistaken for white. Pointed kits are also often born white and develop their color over time. If a 'white' rabbit has an eye color other than ruby or blue, suspect one of these 'look-alikes'. Ditto if your pedigree has no white but does have some of those other genes!
Two entirely separate genes are responsible for the two types of white! Ruby-eyed whites (aka REW aka true albino) have the recessive genotype cc. They can never carry any of the other C-genes -- chinchilla (chd), shaded (chl), or himi (ch). REW is epistatic - it masks the expression of all the other color genes. Therefore a REW CAN hide the genes needed for nearly any other color, including blue-eyed white. Without a pedigree or information about offspring, all you can say about a REW's genotype is 'cc'. Blue-eyed whites (aka vienna) have the recessive genotype vv. vv is epistatic to every other color genotype EXCEPT REW - this means the vv genotype can hide any of those other colored genes.
SELF
Most phenotypic self rabbits are genetic selfs - genotype includes aa. There are a handful of exceptions:
- red/orange/fawn/cream rabbits (see WIDEBAND) - most red/orange/fawn/cream rabbits have white or cream eye circles, jawline and tummies. Occassionally you get a bunny where the markings are a sufficiently dark cream to blend with the body color (usually on fawn/cream). These rabbits may appear as selfs, but are genetic agouti (AA, Aat or Aa)
- chocolate agouti (see AGOUTI) - usually the red/tan phaeomelanin bands are distinguishable from the chocolate bands. But sometimes the rufus factor on the phaeomelanin is 'just right' and matches the chocolate closely enough that the two blur together. Even though these rabbits appear self chocolate, they are genetic agouti (AA, Aat or Aa).
- Double steel (see STEEL) - the dominant steel gene works to 'narrow the midband' giving a 'tipped' effect. The EsEs genotype sometimes narrows the midband right out of existence. These rabbits appear as self, but are genetic agouti (AA, Aat or Aa with EsEs)
- A-Esej & A-Ese - In theory these genotypes should produce a rabbit with patches of steel and patches of black or black/steel shading. In practice, these animals are frequently solid black. In addition to masking A, they can carry at and a (AA, Aat and Aa).
Self rabbits are often assumed to have the C gene dominant (CC, Cchd, Cchl, Cch, or Cc). However, the chin gene has a very minimal dilution effect on eumelanin -- the 'self chin' genotypes (aachdchd, aachdchl, aachdch, aachdd) usually 'pass for' either the normal self or the seal. In breeds that accept seal (aachlchl) as a separate variety, it is usually treated as a self. In many breeds that do not accept seal as a separate variety, seals are also shown within the corresponding self color (black, blue, chocolate, lilac) though they may be distinguished as having 'poor color'. Seal variants are discussed with each of the four core self colors immediately below.
Self rabbits are usually assumed to have a dominant E- genotype - either aaEE or aaEe. Many forget to consider that selfs can also hide harlequin (aaEej) particularly in breeds where tri-colors are accepted. aaEs- genotypes also appear as selfs - which should be considered in any breed where steels are common.
Midband modifier genes such as wideband are invisible on the self rabbit and may be carried undetected (WW, Ww and ww are identical)
The Vienna gene (v) usually results in small white marks (see VIENNA) but sometimes is carried undetected in self rabbits.
- BLACK - the true black rabbit has a core genotype aaB-C-D-E-VVenen. For most breeds, self chins (aaB-chd-D-E-) also appear black and may be shown as black. Self chins may have patches in which faint agouti rings can be seen in the fur and/or may go through growth phases where rings are visible. However, many self chins are completely indistinguishable from black. For some breeds in which seal is not separately accepted, the darker black seals (genotype aaB-chlchlD-E-) can also be shown as black. Seals generally can be distinguished from true blacks because the fur on the underside of their feet (when clean) is brownish (sepia toned) while the true blacks have fur on their feet which is black or gray. Seals also frequently have a ruby cast to their eyes.
A 'purebred black' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aaBBCCDDEEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular black rabbit is purebred for black. Even if its entire pedigree is black and it has always thrown black kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The black rabbit may carry the gene for chocolate (Bb), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), dilute (Dd), non-extension (Ee), harlequin (Eej). Black rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese)
- BLUE - the true blue rabbit has a core genotype aaB-C-ddE-V-enen. For most breeds, dilute self chins (aaB-chd-ddE-) also appear blue and may be shown as blue. Dilute self-chins may have eyecolor too dark (marble, ruby-cast or brown) to meet the blue standard. Dilute self chins may have patches in which faint agouti rings can be seen in the fur and/or may go through growth phases where rings are visible. However, many dilute self chins are completely indistinguishable from blue. For some breeds in which blue seal is not separately accepted, the darker blue seals (genotype aaB-chlchlddE-) can also be shown as blue. Seals generally can be distinguished from true blues because the fur on the underside of their feet (when clean) is brownish (sepia toned) while the true blues have fur on their feet which is gray. Seals also frequently have a ruby cast to their eyes.
A 'purebred blue' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aaBBCCddEEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular blue rabbit is purebred for blue. Even if its entire pedigree is blue and it has always thrown blue kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a too light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The blue rabbit may carry the gene for chocolate (Bb), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), non-extension (Ee), and harlequin (Eej). Blue rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese).
- CHOCOLATE - the true chocolate rabbit has a core genotype aabbC-D-E-V-enen. For most breeds, chocolate-based self chins (aabbchd-D-E-) also appear chocolate and may be shown as chocolate. Chocolate self chins may have patches in which faint agouti rings can be seen in the fur and/or may go through growth phases where rings are visible. However, many chocolate self chins are completely indistinguishable from chocolate. For most breeds in which chocolate seal is not separately accepted, the chocolate seals (genotype aabbchlchlD-E-) can also be shown as chocolate.
A 'purebred chocolate' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aabbCCD-EEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular blue rabbit is purebred for chocolate. Even if its entire pedigree is chocolate and it has always thrown chocolate kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a too light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The chocolate rabbit may carry the gene for points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), dilute (Dd), non-extension (Ee), and harlequin (Eej). Chocolate rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese).
- LILAC - the true lilac rabbit has a core genotype aabbC-ddE-V-enen. Dilute lilac self-chins usually have eyecolor too dark to meet the lilac standard. Likewise, lilac seals (genotype aabbchlchlddE-) generally have eyes which are too dark and fur color which is too 'muddy' (with brown tones) to show as lilac.
A 'purebred lilac' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype aabbCCddEEVVenen. Good lilacs are generally purebred for the 4 key loci - aabbddenen. However, even if its entire pedigree is lilac and it has always thrown lilac kits, it may be hiding other genes at the C and E loci. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The lilac rabbit may carry the gene for chin (Cchd), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), non-extension (Ee), and harlequin (Eej). Lilac rabbits may also hide the steel gene (they can be EsEs, EsE, Esej or Ese).
- SEAL - Seals are genetically similar to the above basic self colors EXCEPT that the C- is replaced by chlchl. Seals are possible in each of the four base colors (black seal, blue seal, chocolate seal, and lilac seal) though for most breeds only the black seal is recognized and called seal. Black seal has more of a 'sepia toned' color - intermediate between black and chocolate. Seals often seem to have 'off' eye colors -- usually a ruby cast, sometimes greenish or gray. Dilute seals (blue seal, lilac seal) often have brown eyes despite the dilute gene. Black and blue seals are often described as 'warmer' (browner) than the black and blue selfs. Chocolate and lilac seals are often described as 'cooler' (more grey) than the chocolate and lilac selfs.
WIDEBAND
All the members of this group show a predominantly phaeomelanin color (red to cream). They should have 'agouti markings' - eye circles, belly, jawline - in a paler shade, though sometimes the two 'tints' are close enough to appear self (for most breeds, the self appearance is preferred).
All the members of this group should have the genotype A-C-eeww.
Although appearing mostly one color, the presence of the agouti gene can be seen in the agouti markings.
The C allele is also necessary for the production of phaeomelanin - any of the recessive C-alleles will result in the replacement of the orange color with white -- A-chd-eeww (see FROSTY), A-chl-eeww & A-ch-eeww (agouti points)
Technically, the wideband gene is a recessive modifier - ww is used in combination with agouti (A-) and non-extension (ee). So The wideband modifier genotype ww does two things, it lightens the undercolor and doubles the width of the midband. The latter may seem to be redundant as the ee genotype should remove all eumelanin, but wideband group colors with a stray Ww or WW are invariably 'smutty' with eumelanin tipping on the haunches and ears and usually have a grayish tint to the undercolor.
The degree of coloring (red versus orange versus fawn versus cream) is controlled by a combination of the base color genotype (generally darkest to lightest is B-D-, bbD-, B-dd, bbdd) and a complex additive gene series known as 'rufus factor'. Names of the colors are not consistently associated with genotype across the breeds -- 'orange' in one breed may not be the same genotype as 'orange' in another breed. If working with the wideband group of varieties, it is very important to know the colors accepted for your breed, what those colors each look like and what genes are typically responsible for that coloration in your breed.
The Vienna gene (v) usually results in small white marks (see VIENNA) but sometimes is carried undetected in wideband rabbits.
A quick note on copper -- in most breeds, copper is an AGOUTI color. In some breeds, the wideband modifier gene (ww genotype) is used without the ee genotype (making these coppers A-C-E-ww) to widen the midband enhancing the phaeomelanin color without removing the black tipping in order to create copper.
TRICOLOR
Although often brindled rather than showing distinct patching, all tricolors are basically harlequin plus white. Thus they all have at least 1 eJ allele (without a more dominant E) and one or more of the 'white spotting' genes such as English spotting (Enen or EnEn), Vienna (Vv) or Dutch (Dudu or dudu). Tricolors must be C- as the more recessive C-alleles all block phaeomelanin (shifting orange to white), Tricolors can hide any of the A-alleles (A-, at- or aa). Determine the B and D genes for a tricolor rabbit by looking at the darker patches -- these will correspond to black (B-D-), blue (B-dd), chocolate (bbD-) or lilac (bbdd).
Although it has three colors in its coat, a broken tort is NOT considered to be a tricolor rabbit. Ignore the white parts of the rabbit for a moment. If all the eumelanin (black, blue, chocolate, lilac) is on the points (head, feet tail) and all the orange is on the body consider the basic genotype to be tort -- aaC-ee. Now go back and look at the white pattern -Does it have bright blue eyes (Vv)? is it true Dutch (dudu)? is it somewhat Dutch-marked (Vv or Dudu)? Does it have only a tiny bit of white (Vv)? Most other patterns are due to the English spotting gene - EnEn for <10% color, Enen for more color.
Broken otters also have three colors in their fur but are NOT considered tricolor - with the orange/tan color severely restricted to the markings which would be those colors (inside ears, jawline, triangle and tummy) on the unbroken otter. As above, first ignore the white to determine the base color genotype (go back to the questions at the top of this page). Then look at just the colored versus white to determine which spotting genes are involved.
Broken agoutis also have three colors in their fur - but two of the three colors are on every colored hair -- forming the classic agouti rings. As above, first ignore the white to determine the base color genotype (go back to the questions at the top of this page). Then look at just the colored versus white to determine which spotting genes are involved.
MAGPIE
Black and white arranged in alternating bands and bars is usually an indicator of a genetic harlequin (or tricolor) - eJ- in which one of the recessive C genotypes (chd-, chl-) is removing all the orange color. Note that ch- would restrict black color to the points (no body bands) and cause pink eyes. A rabbit with pink eyes, 1 black ear, 1 black front paw and 1 black back paw might be a himi-magpie (ch- with eJ-). cc results in an all white rabbit.
DUTCH
The classic Dutch rabbit pattern is a white blaze, white shoulders and front legs/feet, white back feet. If you have perfect Dutch markings, the rabbit is almost certainly dudu. Dudu will have some dutch-like markings, but is unlikely to come close. The incompletely dominant vienna genotype (Vv) has highly variable markings - which can range from no white (vienna carrier) to a very white rabbit. Vienna marked rabbits often have the blaze and facemarkings of the dutch pattern -- sometimes they also have the shoulder and saddle markings. If you have a rabbit with dutch mis-marks, consider vienna.
POINTED
Pointed rabbits have color restricted to the colder parts of the body (ear, nose, tail and feet). First check the eye color.
Pointed rabbits with pink eyes are always genetic 'himi' with a chch or chc genotype. Check the point color carefully -- lack of full color indicates gene combinations other than the ideal aach-E- VV enen. White spotting genes such as vienna, english spottin and dutch often (but not always) leave white spots on the points -- sometimes a white foot, ear or nose. Agouti (A-) and otter (at-) genes typically add ear lacing (scattered white or agouti hairs on the ears) and do not have color on the underside of the tail. Non-extension (ee) usually minimizes the point color , for example ears that are dark only at the tips, not the full length of the ear.
Other eye colors on pointed rabbits indicate an interaction of genes, usually a combination of chd or chl with ee --
A-chd-ee = frost point (aka ermine)
at-chd-ee = otter frost point (aka otter ermine)
aa-chd-ee = pearl (aka sallander)
A-chl-ee = agouti sable points
at-chl-ee = martenized sable points
aachl-ee = sable points and pearl points
The chl-based points usually have a ruby cast to their eyes (red-brown black and chocolate-bases, purplish on the blue and lilac bases)
Ermines generally do not have color on the underside of the tail. They sometimes may be very light, but other times may have 'smut' color extending well up onto the body.
Pearl tend to have a more shaded appearance, with the point color gradually fading into the body color.
Sable points and pearl points are the most likely to have true pointed color extent -- In addition to the more obvious eye color, they are distinguished by the 'sepia' cast to the point color (a brownish shade intermediate between black and chocolate for the sable points, a warmer 'smoky' tone to the smoke pearl, etc
REMAINDER OF THIS SECTION IN PROGRESS!!!!!
TAN Pattern
Question 2 - Are the markings on the rabbit white (marten) or cream-orange (otter)? (For red, orange, cream or white rabbits with white/cream markings go to WIDEBAND)
- BLACK OTTER - black rabbit with cream-orange markings including tummy, eyecircles, inside ears, jawline.
A 'purebred black otter' rabbit (not to be confused with purebred by breed - e.g., purebred minirex) has genotype atatBBCCDDEEVVenen. It is very difficult to establish that a particular rabbit is purebred for black otter. Even if its entire pedigree is black otter and it has always thrown black otter kits, it may be hiding other genes. Indications of a handful of hidden genes might be visible (or might not) in the phenotype: rabbits carrying the shaded gene (Cchl) often have a ruby cast to the eyes, rabbits carrying the chinchilla gene (Cchd) may have a light undercolor, rabbits carrying the blue-eyed white gene (Vv) may have stray white marks (though these can also be caused by a number of other modifiers and even minor injuries). The black otter rabbit may carry the gene for chocolate (Bb), points (Cch), red-eyed white (Cc), dilute (Dd), non-extension (Ee). Harlequin and steel?