Lop
The lop is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated rabbits.They reached such a high standard of excellence in the 1920's that many breeders of fancy rabbits would not compete against in the Any other Variety class, it was then decided that the lop was given a class of its own. The French lop is thought to have been produced by crossing the English lop with an unknown breed.
Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf was introduced into the UK in 1950. Although the breed is noted for its bad temper, especially amoung bucks, the adult dwarf doe is very docile and makes for a wonderful pet. It is bred in a wide variety of colours and patterns.
New Zealand
The New Zealand red is a bright golden red with a slightly harsher coat than the other colours. The New Zealand white was first bred in the USA for commercial purposes. Nowadays it is bred for showing and is a consistant winner. The colours are white, black, blue and red.
Polish
The Polish was first bred in Holland. The Polish is one of the most popular breeds in England and the USA. The red-eyed white is the most common. They have lively temperament which makes unsuitable as children's pets. The English Polish rabbit has only recently been introduced into the USA, it has a separate cassification and is called the Britannia Petite.
Rex
All the Rex varieties are of the same type, a graceful rabbit gently sloping up to well rounded hindquarters. They are good natured rabbits and make good pets but dont liked to be picked up and then will usually start to scratch. They usually weight around 6-8lbs.
Sable
The Sable has mixed English/French ancestry and was first shown in Paris in 1914. It comes as martin sable with a white underside or siamese sable, without the white underside. The fur is silky and dence. It is a very placid rabbit.
Satin
The Satin originated in the USA it was then exported to England in the 1940's. It was given its name for its coat, which have a wonderful sheen. It comes in a range of colours the best said to be is Ivory Satin. They are a medium sized rabbit weighing up to 8lbs.
Siberian
The Siberian rabbit was first bred in the UK around 1930 although its ancestry is unclear. It is a very graceful rabbit with an attractive coat, coloured black, blue, brown or lilac. They weigh between 5-7lbs.
Silver
The Silver probaly originated in France where it was known as the "Riche" which means valuble. This reflected the prise, which could be got for its coat in the 1870's. The modern Silver comes in gray, fawn and brown, it has a short glossy coat.
Smoke Pearl
The Smoke Pearl was created in Scotland in 1926, it was originally called Smoke Beige, the name was changed in 1932. The colour is light pearl gray and beige. The Siamese version has smoke on the saddle shading to pearl gray beige on the flank, chest and belly. The Marten version has white ticking, eye circles and belly.
