There are over 200 breeds of domestic rabbits recognized by organizations like the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). While some breeds like the Netherland Dwarf and Holland Lop are quite common, other rabbit breeds are incredibly rare. Rare breeds tend to have very small populations worldwide, sometimes with only a few hundred registered breeding rabbits globally. This makes them highly prized by collectors and specialty breeders.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the rarest rabbit breeds from around the world. We’ll discuss their origins, unique characteristics, and just how scarce these unusual rabbits are today. Read on to learn about 10 of the most rare and exotic domestic rabbit breeds!
Rare Rabbit Breed List
There are many factors that contribute to a rabbit breed being rare. Often, it simply comes down to very limited numbers and minimal breeder interest. Some rare breeds have fallen out of favor compared to more popular "designer" rabbit varieties. Other times, rare color variations of common breeds become coveted rarities.
While organizations like ARBA track registration numbers that give a sense of breed populations, exact numbers are tough to pin down. The breeds on this list generally have worldwide populations in the hundreds or less. Some likely have less than 100 total breeding specimens globally.
Here are 10 picks for some of the rarest domestic rabbit breeds, in no particular order:
Blanc de Hotot Rabbit
The Blanc de Hotot (pronounced “blahn de hoh-TOE”) gets its name from the town of Hotoft in Nord, France where it was first bred in the early 1900s. Its distinguishing feature is the dark charcoal coloring around its eyes, contrasting elegantly with an all-white body. This eye band is meant to be quite thick and dramatic. An average sized Blanc de Hotot weighs 8-10.5 lbs.
This rabbit was first imported to America in the 1920s and was recognized by ARBA in 1925. However, the breed nearly died out during the Great Depression and World War II. Only a dozen Blanc de Hotot rabbits remained after WWII, originally descending from just two bucks. Thanks to dedicated breeders, the population slowly recovered. Today there are approximately 200 Blanc de Hotot rabbits in the US breeding pool. Globally, their numbers are still quite small.
The Blanc de Hotot is known for a calm, friendly temperament. Their striking facial markings also make them a favorite of rabbit show exhibitors. However, they remain one of the rarest ARBA recognized breeds. Dedicated breeders work diligently to protect the gene pool and increase their limited numbers.
Silver Fox Rabbit
The handsome Silver Fox rabbit originated in the United States in the late 1800s. It was developed by Walter B. Garland of Canton, Ohio by crossing Champagne D’Argents, American Blues, and English Silvers. The goal was to create a hardy meat rabbit with dense flesh and a lustrous silver fox fur.
By the 1920s they were being bred across the US and Canada as both a meat and fur rabbit. Silver Foxes were recognized by the ARBA in 1930. They weigh 9-12 lbs and have a mandolin body type with a lush, roll back fur. The fur ranges from silver blue to black. The Silver Fox almost became extinct in the late 1970s until breeders stepped in to resurrect the breed.
Today, the global population is estimated to be less than 500. Silver Foxes are raised by hobby breeders who value their lovely fur and meat qualities. Their refined appearance and gentle nature also make them nice pets. As one of the older rare breeds, the Silver Fox remains highly endangered.
Cinnamon Rabbit
The Cinnamon rabbit is a rare red variety of the American Rabbit breed. While common American rabbits come in blue, white, and chinchilla, the cinnamon variation is exceptionally rare. The cinnamon gene produces a rich reddish brown coat. The first Cinnamon rabbits appeared in 1932 but were not recognized by the ARBA until 1972.
Even today, less than 200 true Cinnamon rabbits are found globally. They weigh 9-11 lbs, with a commercial body type. Their coat color results from a recessive cinnamon gene. When bred with other color American rabbits, the cinnamon coat is lost in offspring. As such, their numbers remain low. But Cinnamon rabbits are prized by breeders and exhibitors for their striking coloration. They command high prices at auction and shows.
Lilac Rabbit
The Lilac rabbit is another rare color variation, this time of the Netherland Dwarf breed. Normal Netherland Dwarfs come in an array of colors like black, blue, chocolate, and Siamese sable. The Lilac color appears as a light tan gray with a pinkish tone.
The first Lilac Netherland Dwarf popped up in Holland in the 1980s. Only one rabbit was found originally, believed to be caused by a genetic mutation. This rabbit was bred extensively to produce more Lilacs. While still considered very rare, Lilac Netherland Dwarfs are now found in Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia, eastern Europe, and North America.
Exact numbers are unknown but likely range in the low hundreds worldwide. Since Lilacs must be bred to other Lilacs to preserve their coloration, their gene pool remains small. But Lilac Netherland Dwarfs are one of the few rare breeds seeing steady population growth thanks to focused breeding efforts.
Sable Marten Rabbit
The Sable Marten rabbit is a variety of the American Sable breed exhibiting the marten fur pattern. American Sables normally have tan fur with dark guard hairs producing agouti ticking across the body. The marten gene produces a dark brown band running down the spine with lighter fur on the belly and sides.
Sable Martens appeared around 1964 but were not recognized by ARBA until 1988. This variety remains very scarce compared to the common American Sable. Less than 200 Sable Martens exist worldwide today. They have the same commercial body type as American Sables and weigh 8-11 lbs.
Their striking color pattern has made Sable Martens popular with some rabbit exhibitors. Breeders work to expand their numbers while being careful not to introduce traits from other breeds. Their limited gene pool makes this a challenge. But these rare rabbits continue to have a small but dedicated following.
Palomino Rabbit
Palomino rabbits have a lovely golden coat resulting from a dilution gene acting on the normal agouti pattern. They originated as a variety of the French Angora breed. The first Palomino French Angoras appeared in the 1980s in Scandinavia and Germany. A breeder imported some of these rabbits to America in 1985.
After establishing a breeding pool in the US, the Palomino was recognized by ARBA in 1998. However, these golden rabbits remain incredibly scarce. There are an estimated 100-200 Palominos worldwide. They have long silky fur like other Angoras and weigh 5.5-7.5 lbs.
While still critically endangered, Palomino French Angoras are now bred in France, Canada, and the US in addition to northern Europe. Their exotic coloring generates interest with breeders and exhibitors. But especially small gene pools limit their growth. Special care is required to protect the Palominobreed from extinction.
Beveren Rabbit
The Beveren is one of the largest rabbit breeds, weighing up to 15 lbs. Originating in Belgium, this breed dates back to the early 1900s. Beverens were first imported to America in the 1920s but the population really took off after an influx of imports in the 1970s.
Despite being an established breed, Beverens have always had small populations. There are estimated to be less than 500 breeding animals globally. Their huge size makes them slow to mature and have small litters. Beverens are known for a friendly, curious personality in spite of their intimidating proportions.
While numbers are slowly growing, the Beveren remains endangered. Their minimal genetic diversity makes consistent breeding standards a challenge. But dedicated Beveren enthusiasts are working to secure the future for this gentle giant breed.
Giant Chinchilla Rabbit
As the name suggests, the Giant Chinchilla is a massive breed weighing 15-20 lbs. An American breeder named Lewis Salisbury developed them in 1919 by breeding Chinchillas with Flemish Giants. This cross aimed to produce an oversized rabbit with the signature Chinchilla color pattern.
The Giant Chinchilla was recognized by the ARBA in 1921. But even a century later, fewer than 300 exist globally. Their substantial size makes breeding and reproducing a challenge. Litter sizes are small, and kits are fragile. Producing show quality specimens is difficult.
Most Giant Chinchillas are pets and exhibition animals, as their size makes them impractical as meat rabbits. Their mellow personality also makes them suitable companion rabbits. Rarity and an impressive appearance continue to generate interest in Giant Chinchillas. But boosting their minuscule population remains an ongoing effort among devotees.
Checkered Giant Rabbit
Checkered Giant rabbits are aptly named for their distinctive markings. They have a pattern similar to a Giant Papillon, featuring a white base coat marked with black and blue patches. Their large size of 15-20 lbs puts them in the ‘giant’ category.
Checkered Giants trace back to a single buck born in Minnesota in 1921 who exhibited an unusual color pattern. By selectively breeding offspring with similar markings, Checkered Giants were established as a breed by the 1930s. ARBA recognized them in 1944.
With just one original parent rabbit, Checkered Giants unsurprisingly have limited genetic diversity. Fewer than 300 exist worldwide today. Litters tend to be small, and the intricate coat pattern is challenging to maintain consistently. But their unique beauty keeps interest in the breed alive. Enthusiasts work diligently to preserve the Checkered Giant’s existence.
Crème D’Argent Rabbit
The Crème D’Argent is one of the oldest rabbit breeds, originating in France in the mid-19th century. “Crème d’Argent” translates to “Silver Cream.” Accordingly, they have a deep reddish orange coat with a silver cast. Crème D’Argents were first imported to North America in the early 1900s.
While not as rare as some breeds today, global populations are still thought to be less than 500 rabbits. Their shimmering coats have long made them popular for exhibitions and fur. But smaller litters and exacting color standards keep numbers low.
In addition, Crème D’Argents have been used to develop other breeds like the Rhinelander. This further shrinks the purebred gene pool. Despite challenges, fanciers continue working to preserve this aristocratic old French breed. Their beauty and history retain appeal with conscientious rabbit breeders.
In Conclusion
Rabbit breed enthusiasts treasure and protect rare breeds to maintain biodiversity in these delightful animals. With global populations ranging from tens to just a few hundred, these breeds need dedicated stewards to survive. By learning about these rarest of rabbits, we can help generate continued interest in furthering their numbers.
Thanks to passionate breeders willing to devote extra effort, even the rarest rabbit breeds have hope of thriving. Continuing to build their restricted gene pools helps secure the future for these unusual rabbits. With ongoing attention, one day they may become a little less rare.