Rhinelander Rabbit

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Rhinelander Rabbit

Weight
6.5-10 lb
Lifespan
5-8 years
Body Shape
Full Arch
Best Suited For
Singles, Seniors, House/Apartment, Families with children, First-time owners, Outdoor/ Indoor Rabbits
Temperament
Friendly, alert, gentle, docile
Comparable Breeds
Harlequin Rabbit, Checkered Giant Rabbit
Size
Large
ADVERTISEMENT

Rhinelander Rabbit Breed History/Origin

The Rhinelander Rabbit originated in Grevenbroch, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany by Josef Heinz and was first shown in 1902. To create the breed, Heintz crossed a Japanese buck (known as the Harlequin Rabbit in North America) with a gray-checkered doe. One of the litter’s kits was the first “Rhinelander,” sporting some of the same dual-colored markings we know today. Heintz then crossed the Harlequin with a Checkered Giant doe, which produced a desirable kit. It was with this litter that he decided to continue to breed, thus creating the Rhinelander rabbit, which was accepted as a breed in Germany in 1905.

These rabbits were brought to the United States in 1923 and accepted by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association (ARBA) in 1925. The Rhinelander Rabbit disappeared from American and was only reintroduced in 1972, when Robert Herschbach of California attended a German show and purchased four animals for his rabbitry back home. The ARBA once again recognized the Rhinelander breed in 1975.

The Rhinelander Rabbit has a white base coat that, unlike any other rabbit, is decorated with two different colored markings.

Overall Description

ADVERTISEMENT

This breed has a full-arch body shape and weight anywhere between 6.5-10 lbs. once fully grown. Rhinelander Rabbits have long limbs and the same width from shoulders to hip. It also has long ears, measuring no longer than 4 3/4 inches and falling into a “V” shape.

Coat

The Rhinelander’s fur is soft, short and dense, and does not require much in order to keep it in shape. Owners should brush its coat once every other week during off-season shedding periods to remove any stray hairs. Rabbits have one or two yearly molts – during these times, you should brush your rabbit every week with a slicker brush in order to keep up with shedding. Under no circumstances should you bathe a rabbit, as this causes immense stress and can even lead to death. Instead, simply spot-clean its coat with a damp cloth.

Colors

The Rhinelander rabbit has a white base coat that, unlike any other rabbit, is decorated with two different colored markings. Like the English Spot, this rabbit breed must have colored ears, eye circles and a nose marking that resembles a butterfly, as well as a cheek spot below each eye. In order to be show-worthy, Rhinelanders must also have 2-10 spots on its flanks and hindquarters that are orange/yellow and black or, since 2012, fawn and blue.

Rhinelander rabbits must have colored ears, eye circles and a nose marking that resembles a butterfly.

Care Requirements

Like any rabbit, the Rhinelander’s diet must consist of 70 percent hay in order to stay healthy. The rest of its diet should be comprised of pellets and a select amount of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens. Always do your research before feeding your rabbit anything from your fridge, as some vegetables, leafy greens and fruits can be hazardous to your rabbit’s health.

This rabbit does well in either indoor or outdoor enclosures, however rabbits seem to be healthier overall when indoors (extreme weather conditions can have an impact on your rabbit’s overall health). Outdoor enclosures should be made of wire or wood and should be raised off the ground in order to protect rabbits from the elements, as well as potential predators. Indoor enclosures should be made of wire, and have a solid bottom to hold bedding tjat needs to be spot-cleaned everyday and completely replaced at the end of every week.

Health

ADVERTISEMENT

Rhinelander rabbits are not at-risk for any particular diseases, however there are some health issues that rabbits are susceptible to. Rabbit teeth never stop growing, and a diet high in hay is the only thing that will naturally wear teeth down. If the rabbit’s diet does not consist mainly of hay, the rabbit’s teeth begin to grow into its jaw and/or face and will be extremely painful. A quick trip to the veterinarian (and a long-term solution of changing its diet) will remedy this problem.

Outdoor rabbits that do not have sanitary cages may also develop flystrike. This is a painful condition when flies lay eggs in the rabbit’s coat. In order to prevent this, always spot-clean your rabbit and keep cages in clean condition.

Bucks can be neutered as young as three and a half months old, while does can be spayed at 4-6 months old.

The Rhinelander Rabbit’s docile, patient nature will make for a wonderful first-time pet.

Temperament/Behavior

While not impossible, most rabbits are more challenging to potty train than your average dog or cat. Many rabbit owners have found success in placing several litter boxes across their home. With plenty of patience and rewards, your rabbit will understand the basics of potty training.

In order to be properly socialized, remember to take your Rhinelander Rabbit out of its enclosure for a minimum of four hours per day. Like other pets, rabbits need plenty of time outside of the enclosure to interact with people and other animals. Rhinelanders are ideal family pets for singles, couples, seniors and families with children, as long as kids are taught how to pick up and care for rabbits. The Rhinelander’s docile, patient nature will make for a wonderful first-time pet.

When it comes to toys, each rabbit has its own personal preference. It is all up the owner to figure out what their rabbit prefers to play with.

Photo credit: albc-usa; rabbit_mage/Flickr

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Slovak Cuvac

Also known as the Slovensky Cuvac, the Slovak Cuvac is a large Slovakian breed known for its plush white coat and its livestock guarding abilities.

Maltipom

The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian. A small, cute pooch, the Maltipom is ideal for apartments.

AllPaws App Wants To Help You Find Your Perfect Pet Match

Tinder, Schminder! The new AllPaws app is here to set you up with the pet of your dreams. There are so many pets out there looking for their fur-ever homes.…

Bordernese

The Bordernese is a cross between a purebred Border Collie and Bernese Mountain Dog. This is a popular breed because of its fantastic personality.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Daisy D

Well howdy-do, Miss Daisy D! This adorable flower is our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Daisy D hails is an adult Papillon from San Antonio, Texas.

Eskland

The Eskland is a cross between an American Eskimo and Shetland Sheepdog. They are energetic pooches who always look like they have a smile on their face.

Do You Need to Clean Your Dog's Paws After Walks?

Cleaning your dog''s paws can help prevent them from tracking dirt and germs into your home and can also prevent skin irritation or infections. But do you need to do it after every walk outside? Here''s what you need to know.

Sapsali

The Sapsali (known as the Sapsaree), is native Korean dog. This shaggy dog''s name means ""One that roots out evil spirits,"" believed to keep away ghosts.

French Lop

The French Lop is a large breed of rabbit that makes for a wonderful pet, due to their calm, docile temperament. This rabbit will stick to its human''s side.

Almond Butter Dog Treat Recipe

I bought some new cookie cutters and I couldn’t wait to try them out. And the Almond Butter Dog Treat Recipe was the perfect dough to sink them into. Not onl…

Goffin’s Cockatoo

Goffin''s Cockatoo is treasured for its incredible intelligence as well as entertaining, goofy nature that would charm anyone.

Bootie Call: Bootie-licious Tips For Picking Out Dog Boots

Get your mind out of the gutter! There’s nothing wrong with a little bootie action… when they’re on your dog’s paws. If you want a s…

Pet Nup Provides Security For Pets In Times Of Divorce

Have a pet nuptial plan in place for your pooch if things don’t work out Divorce sucks for everyone involved… unless of course, you’re a l…

Boo! Baby Beef Dog Treat Recipe

I love Halloween! The costumes, the candy, the haunted houses, the candy, the Halloween parties, the candy. I don’t know about you, but I dress Oscar u…

Best Puppy Treats

If you have recently brought a puppy into your home, it’s an exciting time! Especially if this is your first dog. One mistake that new pet owners make is to buy everything and anything that catches their attention, spending far more than needed to meet their new dog’s needs. This often results in piles of dog supplies sitting unused and going to waste. With treats specifically, you may purchase 5 different kinds only to find out later that 4 aren’t recommended for your dog due to the ingredients used, the brand’s recall history, or other factors.If you relate to this, don’t worry. We’ve got yo