Variety Classification: Domestic Rabbit Breeds

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I. Classification by Economic Use

1. Meat Breeds

Meat rabbits are predominantly large to mediumsized, bred primarily for their meat, with fur as a secondary product. These rabbits have a light head, a robust, cylindrical body, broad and long legs, rapid growth, good reproductive capabilities, high feed conversion rates, and excellent meat quality. Common meat rabbit breeds include the California Rabbit, New Zealand White, Chinchilla, and Sibe.

2. Fur Breeds

Fur rabbits are bred for their highquality pelts, which can also be used for meat. These breeds are typically medium to small, characterized by dense, smooth fur with vibrant colors and dense skin. Their pelts are highly sought after for luxurious garments and are popular in international markets. Notable fur rabbit breeds include the Rex Rabbit, Havana, and Lop.

3. Fleece Breeds

Fleece rabbits, also known as Angora rabbits, are raised primarily for their long, luxurious fur. The Angora breed is the only one in this category, known for its small size, dense and soft fur, rapid growth, and the ability to be sheared up to four to five times a year.

4. Fur and Meat DualPurpose Breeds

Dualpurpose breeds, such as the Japanese Giant Lop and German Fawn Giant, are bred to balance meat and fur production without specializing in either.

5. Lab Rabbits

Laboratory rabbits are typically white with red eyes and clear ear veins, with the Japanese Giant Lop being the most common.

6. Show Rabbits

Show rabbits are bred for their unique appearance or striking fur patterns. They are kept for their aesthetic appeal rather than for meat or fur. Popular show breeds include Dwarf Rabbits, Dutch Dwarfs, Polish Rabbits, Sheep Rabbits, French Lops, and Himalayan Rabbits.

II. Classification by Fur Type

1. Standard Fur Rabbits

Standard fur rabbits, also known as common fur rabbits, have a coat with coarse hairs about 3.5 cm long and undercoat hairs about 2.2 cm long. This type includes most common meat and dualpurpose breeds, such as the New Zealand White, California, and Chinese White.

2. Long Fur Rabbits

Long fur rabbits have exceptionally long hair, up to 17 cm, with both coarse and undercoat hairs being long. The Angora rabbit is a prime example.

3. Short Fur Rabbits

Short fur rabbits have a coat with very short fibers, typically 1.3 to 2.2 cm long, with both coarse and undercoat hairs being of equal length. The Rex Rabbit is a typical short fur breed.

III. Classification by Body Size

1. Large Rabbits

Large rabbits weigh over 5.0 kg at maturity, such as the German Giant White and the Fawn Giant.

2. Medium Rabbits

Medium rabbits weigh between 3.0 and 4.5 kg at maturity, including breeds like the New Zealand White and California Rabbit.

3. Small Rabbits

Small rabbits weigh between 1.5 and 2.8 kg at maturity, such as the Chinese White.

4. Miniature Rabbits

Miniature rabbits weigh only 0.7 to 1.45 kg at maturity, like the Miniature Dutch Rabbit.

Understanding the classification of rabbit breeds can provide insight into the diverse characteristics and purposes of these delightful animals.