Harlequin Rabbits

Marked rabbit breeds are known to be the most difficult to breed for the show table. Arguably, the most difficult of them all is the Harlequin.

These rabbits originated in France in the 1800's and were then imported to the United States from there. There are four varieties of Harlequins, the black, blue, chocolate and lilac, then separated into two color groups: Magpie and Japanese. The magpie is any of the varieties in combination with white, whereas the Japanese is any of the varieties in combination with a strong orange, or a diluted fawn color in the blue and lilac instances.

The goal seems simple enough - the rabbit should look like a checkerboard. There should be stripes around the body, or they can pattern in alternating bars. The face should have ears alternating in color from the face, and the legs also should all alternate. However, this is very difficult to accomplish. Most rabbits are excellent in one area and poor in another, the perfect Harlequin is extremely rare and I myself, as a seasoned Harlie breeder, have only seen one or two that came close to perfecting the ARBA Standard of Perfection for Harlequins.

Harlequins are assigned the commercial body type, although with 60% of points aimed at the markings a true meaty Harlie is hard to come by. Some experienced and established breeders are currently experimenting by breeding in New Zealand and Californian bloodlines to increase meat quality. They range from one end of the scale to the other. There are generally two "body types" in Harlequins. One is a leaner body type, big boned with large ears, while the other is a little smaller but thick with small bones. Of course with such varied type and lack of attention to meat and fur qualities, there are many size differences too. Depending on the breeder's preference, full grown Harlequins can range from 5 to 11 pounds, but more are around 8. I have heard of brood does reaching 13lbs.

No breed surpasses Harlequins in mothering and gentleness. These rabbits are my go-to for foster mothers, and are always recommended to new 4-H members. They have excellent personalities, making the poorly marked offspring perfect for the pet market.

Seeking a challenge? Look no further than the Harlequin, the Clown of the rabbit breed.

Black Japanese Harlequin, owned by Janelle Gray

Blue Magpie Harlequin, owned by Janelle Gray