Britannia Petite Rabbit Colors and Coat Varieties

Recognized Britannia Petite Colors

The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes several distinct colors for the Britannia Petite. Each color has specific characteristics and standards that breeders strive to achieve. These colors contribute significantly to the breed’s appeal and are carefully considered in judging and breeding programs.

Black

Black Britannia Petites should exhibit a deep, lustrous black color across their entire body. The undercolor, which is the color of the fur closest to the skin, should also be a dark slate blue. Any signs of rustiness or a faded appearance are considered faults.

White

White Britannia Petites are further categorized into two types: Ruby-Eyed White (REW) and Blue-Eyed White (BEW). REWs have pink eyes due to the absence of pigment, while BEWs have striking blue eyes. The coat should be pure white without any staining or discoloration.

Chestnut Agouti

Chestnut Agouti is a banded color pattern. The base of the fur is slate blue, followed by a band of tan, with a black tipping. The overall effect is a rich, reddish-brown color. The belly and the inside of the ears are typically tan.

Black Otter

Black Otter Britannia Petites feature a black top color with tan markings around the eyes, nostrils, jowls, belly, and the inside of the ears. The undercolor should be a dark slate blue. The contrast between the black and tan markings is a key characteristic.

Blue Otter

Blue Otter Britannia Petites feature a blue top color with tan markings around the eyes, nostrils, jowls, belly, and the inside of the ears. The undercolor should be a slate blue. The contrast between the blue and tan markings is a key characteristic.

Sable Marten

Sable Marten Britannia Petites feature a sepia brown top color with silver-white markings around the eyes, nostrils, jowls, belly, and the inside of the ears. The undercolor should be a cream. The contrast between the sepia brown and silver-white markings is a key characteristic.

Coat Characteristics of the Britannia Petite

The Britannia Petite is known for its short, fine, and glossy coat. The coat should be dense and lie close to the body, giving the rabbit a sleek appearance. Proper coat texture and density are essential characteristics of the breed.

Breeders pay close attention to the coat’s quality. The coat should be free from any woolly or harsh hairs. Regular grooming helps maintain the coat’s condition and highlights its natural sheen. A healthy coat is a sign of a well-cared-for rabbit.

The ideal coat length is approximately 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. This length allows the coat to showcase its density and texture without appearing too long or unkempt. Regular handling and observation help breeders assess the coat’s quality.

• Density: The coat should be dense, providing a plush feel.
• Texture: The texture should be fine and smooth, with a glossy sheen.
• Length: The ideal length is between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch.

Genetics of Color in Britannia Petites

Understanding the genetics behind the Britannia Petite’s colors can provide valuable insights for breeders. Color inheritance is determined by various genes, each with different alleles that influence the rabbit’s appearance. These genes interact in complex ways to produce the diverse range of colors seen in the breed.

The ‘A’ series of genes controls the agouti pattern. The dominant ‘A’ allele results in the agouti pattern, while the recessive ‘aa’ allele results in a solid color. The ‘B’ series of genes controls black and chocolate pigmentation. The dominant ‘B’ allele results in black, while the recessive ‘bb’ allele results in chocolate.

The ‘C’ series of genes controls the intensity of pigmentation. The dominant ‘C’ allele allows full color expression, while the recessive ‘c’ alleles can result in various dilutions, such as chinchilla, sable, and Himalayan. The ‘D’ series of genes controls the density of pigmentation. The dominant ‘D’ allele results in full color density, while the recessive ‘dd’ allele dilutes the color, such as blue from black.

The ‘E’ series of genes controls the extension of black pigment. The dominant ‘E’ allele allows black pigment to be expressed throughout the coat, while the recessive ‘e’ allele restricts black pigment, resulting in colors like orange and red. Understanding these genetic interactions is crucial for predicting the colors of offspring in breeding programs.

• A Series: Controls the agouti pattern.
• B Series: Controls black and chocolate pigmentation.
• C Series: Controls the intensity of pigmentation.
• D Series: Controls the density of pigmentation.
• E Series: Controls the extension of black pigment.

Caring for the Britannia Petite’s Coat

Proper care is essential for maintaining the Britannia Petite’s coat in optimal condition. Regular grooming helps remove loose fur, prevent mats, and promote a healthy shine. A balanced diet and a clean living environment also contribute to a healthy coat.

Brushing the rabbit once or twice a week is generally sufficient. During shedding season, more frequent brushing may be necessary to remove the increased amount of loose fur. A soft-bristled brush or a grooming glove is ideal for removing loose fur without irritating the rabbit’s skin.

Bathing is generally not recommended unless the rabbit is heavily soiled. Rabbits are naturally clean animals and typically groom themselves. If a bath is necessary, use a rabbit-safe shampoo and ensure the rabbit is thoroughly dried to prevent chills.

A healthy diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat. Provide unlimited access to fresh hay, along with a balanced diet of pellets and fresh vegetables. A clean living environment free from drafts and dampness also contributes to the rabbit’s overall health and coat condition.