Harlequin Rabbit

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 4 August 2021
Update Date: 20 September 2024
Anonim
Harlequin Rabbit 101
Video: Harlequin Rabbit 101

Content

At PeritoAnimal, you will find a multitude of articles that will help you discover new species and breeds of animals. This time, we'll talk about a very special bunny, the Harlequin rabbit. This rabbit owes its name to a very particular characteristic, do you know what it is?

We want to tell you this and much more about the Harlequin, a breed of rabbits with a lot of history, which has become extremely popular since its inception, and which deserves such popularity. Did you know that the harlequin is considered one of the kindest and most affectionate domestic rabbits?

Source
  • Europe
  • France

Origin of Harlequin Rabbit

The origin of the harlequin rabbit occurred in France and, although the year of its appearance is not known, it is suspected that it was during the 1880s. This rabbit breed arose as a result of crossing wild rabbits and Dutch semi-wild rabbits. As early as 1887, the first official exhibition of the breed was held in France, specifically in Paris. The breed continued gaining popularity until reaching England and, in 1920, the United States.


A curiosity about the history of the Harlequin rabbit is that before World War I it was called the Japanese rabbit, but its name changed to Harlequin rabbit after World War II.

Harlequin Rabbit Characteristics

Harlequin rabbits usually weigh between 2.7 and 3.6 kg when they reach adulthood. It should be noted that males are normally smaller than females.

The bodies of these rabbits are compact and quite elongated, with medium-sized legs that have developed muscles, which give them great physical strength. The head is proportionately larger than the body, with ears that rise upwards and end in rounded tips.

The Harlequin Rabbit has a short coat, very shiny and silky. This hair is smooth and covers the entire body evenly. The most characteristic feature of this breed of rabbit is its color pattern, or rather, the color patterns and markings on this coat, which we will talk about in more detail below.


Harlequin Rabbit Colors

Despite the great variety that can be found in the patterns, two types of coat are distinguished in Harlequin rabbits:

  • Urraca: White base mixed with blue, black, chocolate or lilac. These spots are shaped like bands, bars, or a mixture of both.
  • Japanese: with orange base and combinations of chocolate, lilac, blue or black.

Harlequin Rabbit Personality

If Harlequin rabbits became popular for anything other than their quirky appearance, it was because of their kind, collaborative personality. They are very friendly rabbits that ooze affection and tranquility. They are extremely sensitive, therefore, caution is recommended in view of their possible coexistence with other animals, such as dogs or cats, as get stressed easily.


In general, they stand out for their kindness, ease of domestication and ease of living at home. It is recommended to keep them at home and ensure that they are accompanied most of the time, as they don't usually tolerate loneliness very well. They don't get along with other animals, but they need the love and care of their human family.

Now, while these rabbits stand out for having a friendly and generally affectionate personality, that doesn't mean they're not territorial. Rabbits are generally very territorial animals, which tend to mark their territory and express attitudes and reactions related to heat at an early age. Harlequins are not exempt from these behaviors, so within the Harlequin rabbit personality we also find these characteristics. Thus, it is recommended to sterilize it following the instructions of the veterinarian.

Harlequin Rabbit Care

Harlequin rabbit care is no different from the general care that any domestic rabbit should receive. For example, it is recommended regularly brush your coat to remove dust and dirt, but bathing is not recommended, something very common in these animals.

In the case of food, we emphasize that, like all rabbits, the harlequin rabbit has an exclusively herbivorous diet, consuming only plant foods. Specifically, your diet should be based on the consumption of hay, vegetables and fresh fruits. In addition, he should always have fresh water on hand to stay properly hydrated.

On the other hand, the Harlequin rabbit must have adequate housing. If you choose a cage, it should be wide enough to allow the animal to move around. This cage should have a soft bed, internal access to the drinking and feeding trough and also objects or toys to chew. This last item is very important, as rabbits' teeth do not stop growing and, if you don't wear them out properly, they will suffer from various oral disorders that cause a lot of pain.

Harlequin rabbit care also includes the freedom of movement. Therefore, a large cage is not enough, the animal needs to get out of it to exercise, play, run and jump. Therefore, whenever possible and safe, it is advisable to let the rabbit roam freely around the house. Likewise, enabling a room just for him is more than recommended.

For more information, see this article: how to care for a rabbit.

Harlequin rabbit health

The Harlequin rabbit, like any other domestic rabbit, can suffer from a number of illnesses that cause discomfort and/or pain. One of them are the ones already mentioned. changes due to continued growth of teeth. To avoid this, it is necessary to provide objects such as cardboard or toys that allow it to gnaw and thus wear out its teeth. If you notice that your rabbit has stopped eating and is withdrawn, it could be due to a dental abscess or malocclusion, and in both cases specialized veterinary attention is needed.

In addition to your teeth, you should keep your eyes, nails and ears in good condition and under supervision. You should regularly clean your ears, cut your nails, and make sure your eyes aren't red, swollen, or watery.

If the Harlequin rabbit receives all the care it needs, its life expectancy varies between 6 and 8 years.

Adopt a Harlequin Rabbit

The Harlequin rabbit is a relatively common rabbit, so you can adopt one of them quite easily. As always, at PeritoAnimal we recommend responsible adoption, taking into account the needs of these animals and being very aware of what their adoption entails. You must be confident that you can take care of him and that he will be able to provide all necessary care.

Once that decision is made, how to adopt a Harlequin rabbit? In this case, undoubtedly the most advisable is to go to the closest animal shelters and protectors. Unfortunately, there are more and more exotic animals in them, among which are different types of rabbit. Who knows, maybe one of those little ones is there waiting for his family.