Harlequins- "The Royal Jester"
Harlequins are beautiful, unique rabbits and have wonderful personalities.
About Harlequins
The Harlequin is one of the older breeds around today, having originated in France in the 1800's. The first stock was said to look more like Dutch with checkerboard markings and they were nicknamed "The Royal Jester" for their distinctive look (though we can't help but to wonder if it was also due to their clown personality). Harlies come in either the Japanese variety, with a base of orange and black, or the Magpie variety which looks black and white. They are also recognized in all four colors (black, blue, chocolate, and lilac) within those varieties, which means there are blue Japanese and lilac Magpies, for example. Harlequins have been bred over the years for the fancy, but also for meat and fur. They are medium in size and are known for being friendly and docile. These are their ideal weights according to the ARBA Standard of Perfection (SOP):
Sr. Bucks (6 mos. of age and over) - 6 1/2 - 9 lbs. Ideal - 7 1/2
Sr. Does (6 mos. of age and over) - 7 -9 1/2 lbs. Ideal - 8 lbs.
Jr. Bucks (under 6 mos. of age) - not over 7 1/2 lbs. Minimum weight - 3 3/4 lbs.
Jr. Does (under 6 mos. of age) - not over 8 lbs. Minimum weight - 3 3/4 lbs.
Markings make the priority in the SOP with the most points dedicated to fur, color, body & chest, feet & legs, plus head & ears. Only a small amount of points are dedicated to general type and condition. Although it is not a priority for show, I prioritize body type & condition, temperament, and growth above markings at this time.
Sr. Bucks (6 mos. of age and over) - 6 1/2 - 9 lbs. Ideal - 7 1/2
Sr. Does (6 mos. of age and over) - 7 -9 1/2 lbs. Ideal - 8 lbs.
Jr. Bucks (under 6 mos. of age) - not over 7 1/2 lbs. Minimum weight - 3 3/4 lbs.
Jr. Does (under 6 mos. of age) - not over 8 lbs. Minimum weight - 3 3/4 lbs.
Markings make the priority in the SOP with the most points dedicated to fur, color, body & chest, feet & legs, plus head & ears. Only a small amount of points are dedicated to general type and condition. Although it is not a priority for show, I prioritize body type & condition, temperament, and growth above markings at this time.
Our Harlequins
These are some of our beautiful Harlequin bucks and does from over the years!