The Harlequin hare is a Gallic breed , known principally for its multicolored coat which , in a perfectly patterned specimen , resemble a mediaeval court motley fool . The Harlequin is categorize as a commercial strain – used mainly for meat – by the American Rabbit Breeders Association ( ARBA ) . However , theAmerican Harlequin Rabbit Clubreports that the stock is chiefly raise for its coloring , not for meat . Processing is usually done only for rabbits that do not forgather pelage standards .
The Harlequin is an exceptionally societal animal , even for a lapin . They do best with plenty of exercise and pot of attention . The ideal weight for the Harlequin is 6.5 - 9.5 pounds . They have few grooming need and are not prone to any unusual health event , beyond the normal concerns of rabbit . Most Harlequins subsist at least 5 years and up to ten years is plebeian .
Harlequin Rabbit Coloring
The Harlequin is an erstwhile breed , with the initial color schemes and patterns first appear in 1887 . presently , it comes in two coloring variety show , know as Japanese and Magpie . Japanese show tone Harlequin rabbit . Harley Dote / Wikimedia Commons
Japanese was the original color scheme , combining orange with another color – most usually black . Blue , chocolate and lilac are also view valid colors . They were initially bang by a wide variety of names but became known as “ Japanese ” because – at the time – Asiatic country were often consort with the unknown and unique .
The magpie coloring was first mentioned in 1946 . Magpie coloring is a clean hare , combined with another color ; again , most commonly black . Like the Japanese , blue , umber and lilac are also acceptable petty colours .
Harlequin Rabbit Patterns
In both the magpie and Japanese standards of perfection , the requirement are similar . A consummate cony is moot to have its primary coloration on half its face , and the secondary color on the other . There should be a sodding , vertical crease down the center of the face where the colors meet . The ears should be hold in a “ V ” shape and must each be one color – opposite that of the brass color .
As an example , in a Magpie - lilac , the principal color will be white and the junior-grade will be lilac . If the left side of the face is white , the spike on the left must be lilac . The ear on the right should be white , and the face gloss should be lilac . A deficiency of readable division on the face is a disqualifying trait in exhibit . LadyElizabeth
The peg should also alternate . If the left front paw is white , the ripe back paw must be white . The other two leg should be the secondary color . rabbit of the Nipponese type are disqualified if they confront with bloodless toenails .
Japanese show quality Harlequin rabbit. Harley Dote/Wikimedia Commons
The consistence should have bands of color down its length – alternating the primary and lower-ranking color . These can be whole bands or rip bands . Split band have a parentage that runs down the back and wrap around the soundbox . Like the nerve , these lines must be distinct where the colors encounter – principal color on one side , lowly on the other , swop in the next lot , and so on down the back .
ashen spot in the Nipponese type are a disqualify trait when showing . White coloring under the tail and dead body , however , has been an area of contention between Harlequin breeders and the ARBAfor some time . This is a normal presentation for the Japanese color . However , there have been instances of the ARBA pushing for this to be a disqualifying trait . presently , though , it remains allow in show coney .
LadyElizabeth
