I have just acquired 2 rhinelander rabbits. I'm looking for info about the breed,temperament, tolerance to heat/humidity, local breeders,(S.C.. the lower se sstates) showing them, using them for meat, etc etc! Thankyou!

-- Margaret Jensen (gjensenii@earthlink.com), October 13, 2001

Answers

A little background on your rabbits. The originator of this breed is not known but the country of origin is said to be Germany. and background ancestry is the English Butterfly and Japanese. It is one of the very few tri-colored rabbits of the earlier breeds.The ideal weight for seniors are, Bucks 8 lbs. and does 8 1/2 lbs. Registration weight,Bucks 6 1/2 - 9 1/2 lbs and Does 7-10 lbs. The variety or coloring is standard. Gneral description is, body should be well arched carried off the ( show ) table, avoiding any heaviness in the shoulder or hindquarter ereas. Rhinelanders should exhibit length that gives a graceful appearence, width of a well rounded body, and a smooth topline blending into a well rounded hindquarter. they should also display an appearence of alertness and springiness. The unique quality of a Rhinelander is based on three things; Type being first, Coloration and Markings being next with equal values. This information comes from the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. To recieve more info on your breed and how to care for and show them, contact them at http://www.arba.net Good Luck with your new friends!!

-- marla schofield (petcare@fiberpipe.net), October 13, 2001.