Harlequin rabbit have their white fur, with spots that can be black, chocolate or even blue. Hence the name Harlequin. Harlequin rabbit has a color variation of other dwarf rabbits such as believers or dutch. It has been shown that any race can transmit the genes with the color information of the Harlequin’s offspring. It is believed to have come from the cross between a Dutch tricolor and a common French rabbit. His first appearance was in 1887 in Paris.
The Harlequin is a beautiful breed of rabbit originating from France. Harlequins are known for their coloration and markings, rather than fur and body type. The ideal weight of a standard Harlequin is 6.5-8 lb. If you’re looking for an adorable pet to add to your home, then the Harlequin may be just what you need!
Characteristics of Harlequin Rabbit
- Originally its coat was of three colors: Orange, black and white.
- They were then imported to England where their color changed by making their head and ears beige and their bodies black and beige. If one side of the head is dark the ear will be light colored and so throughout the body. It is always alternating two colors.
- The whole body is alternately grated with both colors.
- They are robust with a slightly elongated body.
- Medium-sized legs are muscular.
- They have a large head, especially the males, and the ears, rounded at the tip.
- The hair is short and shiny, which falls lazily on the body.
- They have an average amount of inner hair.
- Weight between 2.7 and 3.6 kg.
Temperament
Harlequins, like other dwarf rabbits, are very peaceful and easily domesticable. Likewise, they are very scary and agitated at the slightest movement that is foreign to them. So we must avoid having other pets like dogs or cats in the same spaces in which we are breeding.
As we have seen in the case of other breeds or varieties such as belief, toy or Dutch, dwarf rabbits also need to gnaw continuously. It is your natural mechanism to counteract the continuous growth of your teeth.
Related to this, we must pay special attention to dental malocclusion, a disease identifiable from excessive growth in the teeth of the rabbit. If this happens to one of our own, we will have to go quickly to the vet, as the malocclusion prevents the animal from eating healthily.
Ideal Cage
The harlequin males are very jealous of their territory. So when you join them with other rabbits, even if they are similar, we must take care that each one has a well-delimited terrain. The cage in which we have it should be as large as possible, with dimensions not less than 90 centimeters long, 60 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters high. In it should be arranged a covered area to take refuge and objects so that it may be untreated wood or cardboard, but never cedar, which is extremely toxic to rabbits.
Feeding
In the case of food, like all rabbits, harlequins are herbivores and it is not difficult to find special concentrated food for them, which is suitable for integrating the essential basis of their diet. A very effective component is fresh hay, which will also help the pet to wear its teeth.
Experts recommend not including feed for farm rabbits in the diet of dwarf rabbits because this component is designed for the rabbit feed that will be consumed as meat. If we are good caregivers we must ensure that our pet is healthy and not even suffering from obesity.
Care and Hygiene
For the harlequins to exhibit a brilliant coat, worthy of competition, they must be brushed at least once a week. This eliminates excess hair and prevents that while they suck themselves, their way of bathing naturally, ingest quantities of hair that in the end can be harmful. They need to exercise every day. So we will consider taking them out of their cages daily. So they can run and enjoy more open spaces.
Reproduction
But perhaps as with another breed or variety of dwarf rabbits, with harlequin. We must pay special attention to the subject of reproduction if we do not match the right pairs. In this sense, we must take care of the temperament of the conjoined ones that we want to pair. In the case of males, we should not force them to create very soon.
An unsatisfactory experience in the act of mating may lose the interest of confidence and become what the breeders of experience call timid. Females should not be left without the proper time as they could flee the male around the jacket and the elements kick and injure him while he tries to mount it. For insurance for a period of five months before subjecting a dwarf rabbit to reproductive act.
Bathrooms totally discouraged
We should not bathe our harlequins so as not to remove the protective layer of the skin. Ultimately, if they were very dirty, we will do it only with water and without wetting your head. With these tips and information enjoy the fullness of our pets for good weather (live between 7 and 9 years), always enjoying that colorful and entertainment that you encourage.
FAQ
Are Harlequin rabbits rare?
Harlequin rabbits are considered to be rare, but they are not as rare as some other breeds. The breed was developed in the early 1900s and is a mix of two different breeds – the Dutch rabbit and the Himalayan rabbit. They have unique markings that make them stand out from other breeds, which has helped to increase their popularity over the years.
Are Harlequin rabbits friendly?
Yes, Harlequin rabbits are generally friendly and make great pets. They are social animals that enjoy spending time with their owners and being handled. As with any pet, it is important to start handling them from a young age so they become used to being held and touched.
Are Harlequin rabbits expensive?
Yes, Harlequin rabbits are generally quite expensive. The price of a Harlequin rabbit can range from around $50 to over $200, depending on the breeder and the quality of the rabbit.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a rabbit that is more than just fur and body type, the Harlequin might be perfect. This breed of rabbit was created in France as an ornamental pet with specific coloration requirements rather than fur or body type. The ideal weight range for this fluffy little critter is between 6-8 pounds (2.5kg). They can come in any combination of colors such as black, white, brown and gray but must have red eyes to qualify as a Harlequin. You may also see them called French Harlequins because they originated from France! Good luck with your search!
As A Reference: Wikipedia
