In the following you will find information about harlequin rabbit size, carecter, health. This also includes information on how to breed harlequin rabbits.
The Harlequin rabbit is a truely wonderful rabbit, and while they’re not the cutest of rabbits the ones that I’ve come across make up for it in so many other ways!
Like the Dandie Dinmont which is a dwarf rabbit that is often sold as a mini harlequin, the Harlequin rabbit is the result of a cross between a Belgian rabbit (as the name suggests) and a New Zealand rabbit.
This cross led to the creation of a much bigger rabbit that still retains the small size but is more than average size and still has the same wonderful character.
The Harlequin rabbit has a coat like a long coat, with the body being medium size and having a fluffy tail.
They can have the markings of a white or tabbies (tabbies are a very white variety of rabbit), or they can have the markings of solid tabbies.
This means they have white on their feet and tail, but a solid body.Of course they can be any other colour, but having the different types of markings will change the coat that they have.
Having black legs can also change the size of the body. As the rabbits will breed true you don’t have to worry about different colour colours.
Harlequin Rabbit Size:
Most harlequin rabbits have a body between 6.5-9.5 lbs, 22 and 25 cm, (9-10 inches). The Harlequin that I own is a bit smaller at 24 cm and it’s also a bit shorter.
The Harlequin which I have is rather small and compact, not quite as small as a Mini dandie Dinmont. The Harlequin is however a very gentle rabbit and is often not used for breeding.
Character of Harlequin Rabbit:
Harlequin rabbits are known for their friendly and curious character. Even the Harlequin Rabbit Club describes them as sociable, clever and curious.
They also get along well with other rabbits. The Harlequin rabbits will also make excellent pets.
Health of Harlequin Rabbit:
While the Harlequin Rabbit has a long life of around 12-15 years, it does have a life expectancy of 8-10 years in captivity.
Health issues can include kidney and hip problems, eye problems and skin conditions. These conditions can be common in the older rabbit.
They are also prone to getting ear mites, but these can be treated with anti-parasitic medication. Most of the health problems can be treated easily.
Breeding of Harlequin Rabbit:
The Harlequin Rabbit is a fantastic breed for a breeding pair, but it’s also quite happy to be a breeding duo. Harlequin rabbits can be as small as a Mini Dandie Dinmont or they can be over 20cm long.
If they are kept in smaller pairs then the chances are the pair will end up producing twins. However this does not mean that they are an easy breed to have babies.
Harlequin pairs can be slow to produce babies, but can have more than 2 or 3 litters in a season. In order for the pair to breed, the male will have to show that he is willing to breed.
He may need to be teased and cuddled. The females will need to be in heat and ready to breed. While they are looking for a male to breed they may not be receptive to being bred.
The female will eventually settle and become more receptive. Harlequin breeding pairs are very friendly and get along well with each other.
Harlequin rabbits can be bred any time in the year, however for the best results you should consider the weather and whether the rabbits are still in heat.
Rabbits can be in heat as young as 12 weeks of age. This is when they first start to produce eggs. When the female is ready to breed she may not produce a lot of eggs.
Most females will go into a heat every 2-3 weeks. The most sensitive time to breed is between the months of April and July. This will depend on the weather in that time of year.
The best type of bunny to have is a Harlequin if you’re going to get involved with rabbit breeding. They are sociable, beautiful and full of energy.
While they are still the gentle pets that they are when they’re being bred you can expect more activity than most of the other varieties.
This is because they will want to be active in order to produce more and healthier babies. Harlequin breeding is also best when the weather is cool.
However, Harlequin rabbits don’t like to be kept in any one place for too long so make sure that the space that you have for them is big enough to allow them to move around.
Harlequin rabbits are also prone to foot problems so make sure that you regularly check that their feet are clean.Harlequin rabbits are a beautiful looking rabbit and they do make wonderful pets.
With the Harlequin Rabbit being such a big rabbit you need a huge space for them to have, making them less popular with most people as a pet.
However, if you do decide to add one to your family you will have a friend for life. These rabbits make good pets and should be added to any household that has a young child.
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