How to Show Dutch Rabbits

The Dutch rabbit is one of the most popular breeds in America. Known for its black-and-white fur coat that looks like a formal suit, this elegant breed is among the favorites for shows. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes six different varieties of Dutch rabbit: black, blue, chocolate, gray, steel and tortoise. Each type has specific fur and eye color requirements. However, there are six distinctive markings common to all varieties of the breed. The overall proportions and contour of the rabbit, as well as the details of the markings, are extremely important, regardless of breed variety.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select an animal that is well-proportioned with erect ears and healthy fur. Animals are judged on the shape of the body as well as the markings. Choose an animal without any distracting imperfections in the general body type.

    • 2

      Pay special attention to the blaze. The blaze is the white portion of the face that covers the nose and whiskers and tapers at the ears where it joins the hairline. Make sure it is wedge-shaped and connects to the neck markings.

    • 3

      Look for well-rounded, balanced cheeks on both sides of the head. The cheeks are the colored parts of the face. Avoid drags into the throat area, mouth and whisker bed. Ragged or angular portions are considered faults. High cheeks are also considered faults.

    • 4

      Do not show rabbits with a dirty neck, no neck or a lack of a full neck. These traits do not disqualify rabbits, but are faulted. The neck is the wide, white part behind the ears. The neck should be wedge-shaped and connect to the blaze, although it is not a requirement.

    • 5

      Select a rabbit whose saddle -- the line where the white of the neck meets the color of the body -- creates a perfect circle around the body. Look at the body color in the undercut to make sure that it does not extend beyond the elbow joint of the foreleg. This is cause for disqualification of the animal.

    • 6

      Look for an animal with well-rounded stops. Stops are the white socks on the rabbit̵7;s hind legs. They begin at the toes and rise up one-third of the leg. The color should never run into the toes or go beyond one-third of the leg. Both issues result in disqualification.