Find Rhinelander Rabbit Breeders in your area and state. Locate breeders of Rhinelander Rabbits using our Rabbit Breeders Directory or submit your own rabbitry today.
We are dedicated to helping you find rabbits for sale and connect with local rabbit breeders. Use our Rabbit Breeders Directory today to find Rhinelander Rabbits for Sale in your area. This bunny rabbit breeders list is part of our Rabbit Breed Index.
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Rhinelander Rabbitry Listings
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Alabama
Jan Dobson
Kelowna, Alabama
Rainbow Rabbitree Ltd.
jan@wabbit.ca
Shenan Temple
Troy, Alabama
Laughing Buzzard Rabbitry
doahmonster@gmail.com
3346724037
California
Listing moved to “Rex” page – 9/8/2012
Colorado
Bailey Shumpert
Ault, Colorado
Rodeo’s Rabbits
http://www.rodeosrabbits.webs.com
Rodeosrabbits@yahoo.com
(970)286-4797
Florida
Lisa Gardner
Arcadia, Florida
A&G Rabbitry
agpoultrynrabbitry.weebly.com/
jadasmommy7@yahoo.com
Illinois
Jen Peterson
Grand de tour, Illinois
FireStorm Rabbitry
http://firestormrabbitry.com
Jenpeterson79@gmail.com
Indiana
Cassandra and Kelly Bokon
South Bend, IN
Fern’s Ranch
fernsranch.webs.com
kbokon3000@yahoo.com
574-315-8995
Kansas
Christa Deines
Spring Hill, Kansas
Sunnyside Farm
sunnysidefarmschrista.weebly.com
sunnyrabbits@earthlink.net
Kentucky
Sophia Smith
Frankfort, Kentucky
Grüner Stein
sophiathecrazyrabbitlady@gmail.com
(502)209-2203
Maine
Brianna P.
Bangor, Maine
Zephyr Ridge Rabbitry
m.facebook.com/ZephyrRidgeRabbitry
shadowhorse1994@gmail.com
Tracy Dollins
Springfield, Maine
Flat Creek Rabbitry
flatcreekboergoats@gmail.com
(207)290-7256
Michigan
Melanie Blues
Midland, MI
BlueStar Rabbit Ranch
bluestarrabbitranch.webs.com
melanieblues@hotmail.com
Ethan Hartnett & Heather White
Onondaga, MI
Crescent Moon Rabbitry
crescentmoonrabbitry.weebly.com
crescentmoonrabbitry@yahoo.com
Oklahoma
Kristin Black
Edmond, Oklahoma
KT Black’s Rabbitry
KTBlacksRabbitry@gmail.com
(405)696-8029
Pennsylvania
McKayla Semple
Spring Run, Pennsylvania
Happy Hares
mlsemple1@gmail.com
(717)496-7382
Texas
Scarlet Balzer
Fort Worth, Texas
Parkview Ranch Rabbit Resort
SCARLETROSE8@HOTMAIL.COM
(817)888-2220
Wisconsin
Destiny Anhalt
Arlington, Wisconsin
Rolling Ribbon Rabbitry
rollingribbonrabbitry.weebly.com
mer.4life@gmail.com
6085761003
Bernadette Betchkal
Spring Valley , Wisconsin
LAKE GEORGE RABBITRY
Burni.romo@gmail.com
(715)317-1105
Breed Information
The Rhinelander is a medium-sized rabbit breed known for its distinctive color pattern. This eye-catching breed originated in the Rhineland region of Germany in the early 1900s. With its bold black and tan markings, the Rhinelander stands out among other rabbit breeds.
History
The exact origins of the Rhinelander rabbit are unclear, but it is believed to have been developed in Germany around the turn of the 20th century. The breed is named after the Rhineland region where it was first bred. It is thought that local German breeders crossed different varieties of rabbits to create the distinctive Rhinelander pattern and colors. The breed made its way to America in the 1920s and was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1928.
Rhinelanders were quite popular as exhibition rabbits in the early 20th century. However, during World War II and the years following, the breed's popularity declined substantially. Rhinelander numbers dropped dangerously low. In the 1970s, dedicated breeders took action to revive the Rhinelander breed. Through careful selective breeding, they were able to bring Rhinelander rabbit numbers back up. Today, the breed has an enthusiastic following among rabbit enthusiasts.
Appearance
The most defining characteristic of the Rhinelander is its unique color pattern. It has a white base coat lightly tipped with black, with reddish-brown spots and patches. The result is an eye-catching tri-colored rabbit. The ideal Rhinelander exhibits well-defined color markings with a 50/50 ratio of white to colored areas. Each colored patch should be surrounded by a black outline known as a "ticking". The tips of the fur on the white areas have a salt-and-pepper sprinkling of black.
Rhinelanders have compact, well-rounded bodies weighing 5 to 8 pounds. Their heads are broad and rounded. Ears are erect and well-furred. The breed has bright eyes that can be ruby, brown or blue. The Rhinelander has a rollback fur coat that is dense and glossy. The fur is of medium length.
Temperament
The Rhinelander is an energetic and lively rabbit that enjoys human interaction. They are intelligent and inquisitive by nature. When handled frequently from a young age, Rhinelanders become very friendly and sociable pets. They often seek out human companionship. This breed likes to play and run when given ample space. Rhinelanders are typically active rabbits that enjoy exploring their surroundings.
With their extroverted personalities, Rhinelanders thrive when given lots of attention. Without proper socialization and handling, they can become shy or skittish. But with frequent gentle handling, Rhinelanders warm up quickly. Their affectionate nature makes them one of the better rabbit breeds for children. Since they are active rabbits, daily exercise in a spacious pen or rabbit-proofed room is ideal.
Care
Caring for a Rhinelander rabbit is similar to most medium-sized breeds. Housing them indoors is recommended to protect their striking fur coat. A large hutch or spacious cage makes an ideal living quarters. Rhinelanders also enjoy time each day to run and play in a secure exercise pen. Soft bedding like hay or shredded paper should be provided. A hiding box gives them a quiet place to retreat.
Their diet should consist primarily of grass hay, which provides essential fiber. Fresh vegetables should also be offered daily. Pellets and treats should be limited, as Rhinelanders have a tendency to become overweight. A mineral block gives them important nutrients and helps wear down teeth. Fresh water must always be available.
Grooming is easy, requiring only occasional brushing to control shedding. Their nails should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. Check inside the ears periodically for wax buildup or mites. Be sure to keep the dewlap under the chin clean and dry. Unspayed females require a nest box so they have a secure place to kindle.
Health
Rhinelanders are generally healthy and robust when cared for properly. Typical lifespan is 8-12 years. Issues that can affect the breed include:
- Malocclusion – misaligned teeth requiring trimming
- Ear mites
- Snuffles – upper respiratory infection
- Obesity
- Sore hocks if housed on wire flooring
Finding a Rhinelander Rabbit
Rhinelanders are an uncommon breed, so finding one can take some effort. Checking for breeders online or contacting local rabbit breeder groups is a good start. Be sure to deal with trustworthy breeders who focus on rabbit health and temperament. Another option is rabbit rescues, which may have Rhinelanders available for adoption. Patience and persistence is often needed to find this unique breed. Expect to be put on a breeder's waiting list.
Because quality Rhinelander specimens are scarce, expect to pay a higher price ranging from $50 to over $200. Show quality rabbits with an impressive pedigree will fall in the higher price range. There are few Rhinelander breeders, so you may have to travel or have the rabbit shipped if unable to find any locally.
Exhibiting Rhinelanders
For those interested in showing rabbits, the Rhinelander makes a fine exhibition breed. Their flashy coat commands attention at rabbit shows. In ARBA competitions, Rhinelanders are judged on their color pattern, body condition, fur quality, and adherence to the breed standard. Well-marked specimens in excellent physical condition tend to place highest.
Rhinelanders also make pleasing 4H project rabbits for youth. Their medium size and enjoyment of handling makes them all-around suitable for children. For urban rabbit owners with space limitations, the breed is an ideal choice.
Outlook for the Breed
While still considered rare, the Rhinelander breed has made an impressive comeback since its near disappearance in the mid-1900s. Dedicated breeding programs have strengthened Rhinelander numbers and improved the breed. ARBA membership lists just over 100 active Rhinelander breeders across the country as of 2022.
Breed enthusiasts hope the unique and beautiful Rhinelander will continue gaining popularity and acceptance at rabbit shows. Promoting the breed to the public is key to propelling the quirky Rhinelander into the limelight. Interest in this charismatic rabbit is on the rise, though slowly. The future looks bright for this rediscovered German breed to hop back into the spotlight.
Find Rhinelander Rabbits for Sale
Find Rhinelander Rabbit Breeders in your area using our online rabbit classifieds network…
Find Rhinelander Rabbits for Sale using our Rhinelander Rabbit Classifieds
Looking to buy a different breed of bunnies? Check out more breeder pages: Californian, English Spot, Flemish Giant, Thrianta
Be sure to check out raising rabbits article and resource page for information about Raising Rhinelander Rabbits.