Tan Rabbits

Learn more about the Tan Rabbit Breed. Discover cool facts, pictures, resources and find information about caring for Tan Rabbits.

This rabbit breed information page is part of our rabbit breeds article series.

Tan Rabbit Resource Links: Free Rabbit Breeders Newsletter | Tan Rabbit Breed Info | Tan Rabbit Information and History | Tan Rabbit Care | Tan Rabbit Resources

Tan Rabbit Breed Info

Tan Rabbit BreedRecognized colors: black, blue, chocolate, lilac

Size: 4-6 pounds.

National Specialty Club:
www.atsrc.org

Tan Rabbit Breed Photo Credit:

rightpet.com

Tan Rabbit Information and History

Many people would agree that the full-arch type breeds are the most beautiful of rabbits.  While most breeds have taken on a rather lump-like body shape, full-arch breeds retain the exotic elegance found in wild hares.  They stand up tall on the show table and gracefully run the length of it to show off their type and markings.  Their ears are large, active and erect.  Their backs are deeply and smoothly arched.  Their bellies are tucked high off the table and all four limbs show good straightness and extension.

Beautiful as they are, full-arch type rabbits are challenging to raise.  They require training to learn to show off well to the judge.  Their active types and temperaments require either moderately large cages, or a chance to exercise out of the cage every now and then.  Four of the six full-arch breeds recognized by the ARBA feature special marking patterns.  In three of them (the Checkered Giant, English Spot, and Rhinelander), a high percentage of the offspring produced from perfectly-marked parents will not be colored correctly for show.  The Tan, however, is different.  If you like full-arch rabbits but don’t like the hassle of getting incorrectly marked babies, try the Tan.  Every single baby produced will, markings-wise, be eligible for show.

The Tan color consists of red-orange highlights on an otherwise dark rabbit.  The color of the back, sides, and head can be black, chocolate, blue, or lilac, and each of those colors is a very deep shade compared to those varieties in other breeds.    Tan markings are found on the belly, chest, underside-of-tail, inside-of-ears, jowls, nostrils, around each eye, and at the nape of the neck.  Markings should be as fiery-orange as possible.  Markings are given first consideration when judging, followed by type and color, which are of equal importance.  The coat is a very glossy flyback.  The most common and competitive variety is decidedly black. The others usually cannot achieve the depth of color in both top coat and markings that black can.

The tan gene is of great importance to rabbits, being an intermediate stage between the dominant agouti and the recessive self alleles.  Essentially, tans are agouti on the bottom and self on the top!  This pattern causes the varieties marten and otter in addition to tan.  The bright orange color of the Tan breed is due to the wideband gene and heavy rufus modifiers, setting it apart from the color otter.

Tans have energetic personalities and are an excellent choice for someone who prefers a small and lively rabbit.

Tan Rabbit Care

Here is a list of resources to help you care for your tan rabbits…

Tan Rabbit Resources

Here is a listing of tan rabbit resources to help you out with your rabbit project…

  • Rabbit Breeders Newsletter – be sure to claim your free subscription to our rabbit breeders newsletter in order to start receiving free rabbit information and resources via email
  • Tan Rabbits for Sale – use our rabbit classifieds to find tan rabbits for sale
  • Tan Rabbit Breeders – locate tan rabbit breeders using our huge rabbit breeders directory

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