By: Catherine Bolze, BARNSC Secretary and Member of the American Rabbit Standards Committee
In accepted varieties of Blue and White, the American is known for its semi-arch body, flyback fur, and calm, even temperament. Elegant, and balanced, the American rabbit is a breed that marries history and function. Its smooth mandolin shape and dignified presence on the table or in the showroom tell the story of a breed built to last. A true American should look like it was shaped by the wind—graceful, solid, and effortlessly composed.
Below, we break down each section of the Standard of Perfection for the American rabbit and explore what makes this breed distinct in every category. It is to be noted that the ARBA has a list of general disqualifications that span across every breed, and I encourage you to review those in your Standard. The disqualifications mentioned below are breed-specific, and not an exhaustive list.
(Note: to best evaluate your animals, you MUST have them posed correctly. Please see our posing guide here.)
GENERAL TYPE — 55 Points Total
Body — 40 Points
The American has a semi-arch body type with medium bone, marked by a moderate, smooth rise that begins at the shoulders and peaks just forward of the stifle. The topline should appear continuous and flowing; never abrupt or choppy. The body should be long, deep, and wide, filled smoothly over shoulders and loin (see table 1). Hindquarters must be broad and well-rounded, blending seamlessly from the midsection (see table 3). Shoulders should taper gently, maintaining overall balance (see table 2). Faults include flat or narrow type, lack of arch, short or commercial type, and a dewlap on bucks. The body defines the American, and this is why we have the most points in this category. That graceful arch is the breed’s signature silhouette.
Head — 6 Points
The head should be moderately full, smooth, and well-rounded in profile. Bucks exhibit slightly broader heads than does, but both sexes should show balance and proportion. The head is carried close to the body with minimal neck. You should not see either extreme as they are considered faults – a blocky or bulldog head, nor a snipey or pinched muzzle.
Ears — 6 Points
Ears are to be proportionate and tapering, of good substance, and carried upright with strength. They should have a slight curve and complement the head in balance. Ideal ear length is 4.5 to 5.5 inches, depending on body size. Faults include weak ear base, poor ear carriage, thin or bell shaped. Senior animals are to be disqualified if their ears are under 4.5 inches.
Feet & Legs – 3
Feet and legs are to be straight and medium bone. Have you ever felt the girth of a rabbit leg before? Wrap your thumb and forefinger around a rabbit’s ankle and you will be able to eventually discern animals that have fine bone, versus the medium bone type in the Standard. In contrast, you do not want heavy bone like that of a Flemish Giant; that is a disqualification. Other disqualifications in the category include white or unmatched toenails on blues.
FUR — 20 Points
The American’s coat is a normal flyback type; short to medium in length, dense, resilient, and glossy. When stroked backward, the fur should quickly “fly back” to its natural position. The coat should have uniform texture and good body throughout, and it should not feel soft, wooly, or coarse. In short, if you have a New Zealand, a Californian, and an American next to each other during Best in Show, they should all have the exact same fur type. Faults include open, harsh, or soft fur. The fur of an American should be practical and beautiful, reflecting both its deep history in commercial fur use, and the present-day care of its breeder.
COLOR — 15 Points
Blue Variety
A deep, even, rich blue color should cover the entire body, including head, ears, feet, and tail. Undercolor is to be slate blue to the skin. The color must be even and free from white hairs, rust, foreign color (a mosaic spot) or silvering. Scattered white hairs are considered a fault, but too many turns into a disqualification. White spots are also not permissible. The Blue’s tone should be deep and regal, which is the hallmark of the breed’s visual identity.
White Variety
A pure, snow-white coat with bright red eyes defines this variety. The coat should be clean and luminous, free of stains or discoloration. Stains are considered faults.
Eye Colors:
CONDITION — 10 Points
Condition reflects health, flesh, and grooming. The ideal American is firm, smooth, and vibrant, showing both good care and vitality. Flesh should be solid and well-filled over the entire body. Coat should be glossy and tight, free from molt or roughness. The rabbit should appear bright, alert, and vigorous. Faults include poor flesh, flabbiness, dull coat, or evidence of molt.
Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the Standards Committee, of which the present member information may be found here.