Breeding of Rabbits – Breeds and Their Expansion in the Czech Republic

The breed gene pool of domestic rabbits in the Czech Republic is represented by purebred breeds of rabbits and their hybrids. Their expansion is dependent on the breeding direction. At present, the domestic breeding of rabbits is divided into 5 basic directions – traditional (unorganized) small stud, organized small stud, farm breeding, laboratory breeding and so-called classic “pet” breeding.

While breeders in organized breeding (Czech Breeders Association) are engaged in the breeding of breeds, traditional breeders usually prefer crossbreeds of selected – mostly medium breeds. Rabbit farms are used to breed so-called broiler rabbits – special hybrid combinations bred for fast growth, excellent musculature and good use of granulated feed. Rabbits in laboratory breeds are specific hybrid combinations, predominantly based on New Zealand white rabbits. In pet breeds, where mostly 1 – 2 rabbits are kept, these are mainly dwarf breeds, or they are their hybrids.

Rabbit breeds can be divided according to several criteria.

By yield

Meat breeds

They represent selected medium breeds with production potential. These are breeds of a longer and cylindrical body frame, with good muscles, especially the back of the body, intense growth. These breeds show greater adaptability to different breeding conditions. Medium breeds that currently show good meat potential include Burgundy, Californian, Great Hare, Siamese Great, Great Light Silvery and Czech White. Recently, New Zealand reds are also spreading, while the former popularity of New Zealand whites is gradually declining.

Burgundy rabbit

Fur breeds

They are represented by rex-like breeds (mainly the middle body frame) and more recently also a satin rabbit.

Wool breeds

Represented only by angora. While in the past angora had production potential, now it is only a hobby – for exhibitions.

By origin

According to origin, breeds are divided into domestic and foreign breeds. The domestic breeds include Moravian blue, Czech white, Czech spotted, Czech Solver, chinchilla blue, Great dwarf, Siamese large, Moravian white brown-eyed, Czech red and Czech black-hair. In the Czech Republic, mainly foreign breeds are currently bred.

Rex Dalmatian spotted rabbit

According to size and fur

The main criterion according to which rabbits are divided in the Czech Republic is their size and the fur structure on rabbits.

Large breeds

Due to the late adolescence, these breeds are usually not suitable for intensive meat production in the form of pure-bred breeding. They are mainly bred for exhibitions. The average number of offspring in a litter is usually 10-14. These include the Belgian giant, the German giant spotted, the French ram or the Moravian blue. The average weight is 6-8 kg. The common price of rabbits is CZK 1,000 – 2,000.

Medium breeds

They include popular breeds bred in the Czech Republic. They are fertile breeds (an average of 8 pups), which usually abound with good maternal characteristics. Most breeds have good growth ability. Special categories include meat breeds (see above), which are the most popular with us. The average weight of these breeds is usually 4-5 kg. The usual price of rabbits is between CZK 500 and 800.

Small breeds

They include breeds with a small body frame (3 kg on average), good fertility (6 pups) and faster growth. Despite the small body format, however, they are not as widespread as medium breeds. Many small breeds have an attractive color (silvery small, English spotted, Dutch, etc.). The common price of the rabbits is CZK 400 – 700.

Dutch rabbit

Dwarf breeds

They are basically an interest group of breeds, whose representatives are bred primarily by the younger generation of breeders, whether for exhibitions or in classic pet breeds. Examples include ermine or dwarf colored (ca. 1.2 kg) or the typically somewhat heavier dwarf ram (ca. 1.7 kg). Dwarf breeds have lower fertility (3 offspring on average). The common price of the rabbits is CZK 600 – 1200.

Short-haired breeds

They are sometimes called generally as rex. Thanks to the specific structure of the fur, which grows at a perpendicular angle, their fur has a plush impression. They are divided into medium (approx. 4 kg), small (approx. 2.5 kg) or dwarf (approx. 1.3 kg). They are bred in many colors. Their breeding requires some experience. The common price of the rabbits is CZK 500 – 800.

Long-haired breeds

They are represented only by angora (about 4.5 kg), once a wool breed. Nowadays, angora breeding has decreased significantly and they are bred only as a hobby. Due to the changed hair, the soft undercoats are extended to about 6-8 cm and form a fleece on the animal. The common price of the rabbits is CZK 500 – 1000.

Breeds with a special fur structure

Represented by satin (ca. 3.5 kg) and dwarf satin (ca. 1.2 kg) rabbits. They are somewhat younger breeds in the Czech Republic. Their fur shows an extra shine. They are bred in approximately 15 colors. The common price is CZK 500 – 700.