About Rhinelanders
Rhinelanders are an elegant breed of rabbit. They
are 1 of the few "full arch," breeds and they are also a "running
breed." They are well known for their striking appearance; a bright
white rabbit with bold black and orange markings making them look
calico in color. On the show table they race back and forth
displaying their proud frames which are carried well above the table
showing plenty of daylight underneath.
Rhinelanders were developed by crossing Checkered Giants with
Harlequins in Germany (hence their breed name!) They retain the
activity and spirit of the checkers and the sweet, docile nature of
the Harlequins. Rhinelanders are a rare and heritage breed of rabbit
as that their population is low and not many breeders are raising
them. Currently they are accepted only in standard black but a blue
variety is under development and has passed 2 showings before the
standard's committee, with one more passing they will be an accepted
variety.
A Rhinelander sport and a Rhinelander charlie
Their personalities are playful and engaging, they are always on the
move but will stop for head rubs and attention from their owners. A
mid sized breed they range in weight from 6-10 lbs with does usually
being slightly larger than bucks. This breed is not known to be
aggressive or pushy, they are an excellent choice for older youth
exhibitors and 4-H participants.
Rhinelander color genetics is unique, like all broken marked rabbits
two show marked rabbits crossed together will not always produce
show marked offspring. Approximately 50% will be marked and 25% will
have too few markings to show, these rabbits are known as charlies,
the other 25% will be solid black and orange (harlequin colored)
known as sports. The only way to get 100% marked babies is to cross
a charlie to a sport. Marking disqualifications are common, the ARBA
Standard of Perfection is the best resource as to what are DQ's for
the breed. Needless to say getting show marked Rhinelanders can be a
challenge but nothing compares to a correctly marked Rhinelander.
Rhinelander does are ready to breed around 8 months old, they tend
to have large litters and are usually very good mothers.
Rhinelanders should be housed in large pens, juniors can be kept in
holes 30" x 30" but adults should be kept in 24" x 36" while 30" x
36" and 48" x 30" are even better. The larger the space the better
so they can keep good muscle tone for the show table. Wire floors
are fine for this breed but a resting mat should be provided for
relief from the wire. Some Rhinelanders like to use litter boxes
which can make cleaning a breeze. Young Rhinelanders should be
introduced to the running board at an early age and should be
encouraged to run up and down the table. Food rewards such as oats
and cherrios are excellent incentives to get them moving.
Rhinelanders make excellent "rabbit hopping," competitors due to
their intelligence and athleticism. Leash training should begin
early on and jumps can be started once the rabbit's skeletal growth
has stopped around 8 months of age, care should be taken not to
start them jumping too early because it can cause injury.
All in all Rhinelanders are a wonderful breed, here on the farm we
raise the standard ARBA recognized blacks and have begun to work
with the developing blue variety. We are always excited to start new
exhibitors in the breed along with placing these bunnies as pets.
Visit the
Rhinelander Rabbit Club of America for
more breed history, and please consider joining the club, as a
member you will receive the newsletter and breed guidebook and can
participate in the sweepstakes competition.