Rabbit Breed Profile (Part 4)

French Angora Rabbit
Varieties: Agouti: Each hair shaft over the body has three or more distinct colors. The belly, underside of the tail, inside of the ears and nostrils, and around the eyes are cream, orange, or white; Pointed White: White with color on the feet, legs, nose, ears, and tail. Pink eyes; Self: One solid color; Shaded: The body is one color and the ears, face, haunches, belly, feet, legs, and tail are a darker color; Ticked: Dark color with silver or gold tipped hairs spread throughout the coat; Wide Band: Markings like that of an agouti, but the hair shafts do not have three or more colors.
Weight: Males: 7 1/2 to 10 1/2 pounds, Females: 7 1/2 to 10 1/2 pounds
Physical Attributes: The French angora has long fur only on the body, legs, and cheeks. The head, ears, and feet have short fur. The body is medium in length and is rounded. The ears are upright.
Personality: Most French angoras are very calm due to years of being bred for good temperaments in order to properly groom the breed. One will often see a French angora upside-down having its belly brushed.
Coat Type and Grooming: French Angoras have very long fur which needs to be groomed at least every few days. It is easier to groom than the other angora breeds, but still requires frequent grooming. A slicker brush and a comb, preferably with rotating teeth, are a must for grooming. A letter opener is good for splitting matts apart. Clippers are a good idea in case the rabbit ever needs to be shaved, such as in very warm weather or when being bred.

Giant Angora Rabbit
Varieties: White. Pure white with red eyes.
Weight: Males: 9 1/2 pounds and over, Females: 10 pounds and over
Physical Attributes: The Giant angora has long fur over the body, head (not the face), ears, feet, and legs. The fur on the face and ears is not as thick as that of an English angora. The body is medium in length and is rounded. The ears are upright and are carried in a V-shape.
Personality: Most Giant angoras are very calm due to years of being bred for good temperaments in order to properly groom the breed.
Coat Type and Grooming: Giant Angoras have very long fur which needs to be groomed at least every other day, preferably every day. Young rabbits require more grooming as their coat is softer and matts easier. A slicker brush and a comb, preferably with rotating teeth, are a must for grooming. A letter opener is good for splitting matts apart. Clippers are a good idea in case the rabbit ever needs to be shaved, such as in very warm weather or when being bred.

Giant Chinchilla Rabbit
Varieties: Chinchilla. The color resembles a real chinchilla, with a wavy white and black surface color.
Weight: Males: 12 to 15 pounds, Females: 13 to 16 pounds
Physical Attributes: The shoulders are fairly long, moving into a medium-length body which rounds over the rump. The ears are upright and fairly long. The color at the base of the fur, next to the skin, is slate blue. Then there is a band of white hair, followed by a narrow band of black fur.
Personality: Giant Chinchillas are generally quite calm and enjoy attention. They are often referred to as one of the gentle giant breeds.
Coat Type and Grooming: Giant Chinchillas have a short coat that is easy to care for. Weekly grooming with a slicker brush are fine, except during shedding season when bi-weekly grooming may be required.

Harlequin Rabbit
Group: Commercial
Varieties: Japanese: Orange with colored markings. Magpie: White with colored markings.
Weight: Males: 6 1/2 to 9 pounds, Females: 7 to 9 1/2 pounds
Physical Attributes: The body is medium in length and round. The ears are upright. The markings are very unique. The breed has bands of orange or white and color, alternating. A good Harlequin will have white or orange on one side of the face with a straight, clean line dividing it from the other side of the face, which would be colored. The ear attached to the white or orange side would be colored, and the ear attached to the colored side would be white or orange. The body has stripes of white or orange and color.
Personality: Harlequins are generally quite calm and enjoy attention. True to their clown-like appearance, they are curious and love to be the center of attention.
Coat Type and Grooming: Harlequins have a short coat that is easy to care for. Weekly grooming with a slicker brush are fine, except during shedding season when bi-weekly grooming may be required.