English Spot Rabbit

Family: Leporidae Oryctolagus cuniculusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy: Nathan Hager

  The English Spot Rabbit is prized for its beauty and graceful appearance!

   English Spot rabbits are mid-sized rabbits that are very active. They eat very little compared to most breeds its size. This, along with their love for running and jumping, contributes to the breed's long, slender build.

   The English Spot Rabbot has a generally calm disposition and tolerates other pets very well. When handled starting at a young age, they can make good pets. But they are not the best choice for small children due to their high energy level.

   English Spot does are known for being great mothers. Sometimes they will even raising young rabbits of other breeds in addition to their own litters.

For more information about Rabbits and their care see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Rabbit

Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Lagomorpha Family: Leporidae Genus: Oryctolagus Species: cuniculus

Background:

   The origins of the English Spot are uncertain. It is believed to be a descendent of the English Butterfly, and is known to go back to at least the mid-1800s. The breed was brought to the United States in 1910. Once sporting patches of color, the English Spot was selectively bred to achieve today's spotted pattern.

Description:

   The English Spot's body has a full arch and long, slender limbs that are perfect for running. Its head is well proportioned with the rest of the body, and its ears are fairly long, colored and upright.
   The most important feature in the English Spot is its markings. Only half of the rabbits most litters have the traditional markings, with spots and a stripe down the back. These are the only ones that are featured in shows. The rest of the average litter is split between solid-colored and partially marked rabbits.

Color differences:

   Recognized varieties of the English Spot include black, blue, chocolate, gray, gold, lilac, and tortoise. All of these names refer to the rabbit's spots, as no background color other than white is permissible.

Availability

   English Spots are reasonably easy to find, especially if you aren't looking for show quality. Prices range from $5 for pet quality rabbits to $50 for show and breed stock.

References

Photo contributed by: Nathan Hager of 4 Ever Friends Rabbitry
"English Spot Rabbit", Copyright 2001-2008 Bryntel Technologies
"What Is the English Spot", Copyright American English Spot Rabbit Club
"English Spot FAQ", "English Spots for Sale", Copyright 2002-2008 Stephanie Bartlett
"For Sale", Copyright GloryAcres.net
"List of Rabbit Breeds", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008

Lastest Animal Stories on English Spot Rabbit View all 17 Animal Stories on English Spot Rabbit Add Your Animal Story

John T. - 2011-10-25 Our family inherited an Engilsh Spot rabbit a few months ago. I built a pen for her outside up off the ground about for feet. I built walls on hinges so they can fold down and a solid roof. My question is, should I put in a heat lamp for her because tempature can go down to high 20's to low 30's. Is there anyone out there that can answer my question. I've looked on a lot of websites and no answer yet. Thanks. Charlie Roche - 2011-10-26 Yes, put a heat lamp in. That is cold. You can place the lamp so it doesn't hit the entire area but one end of it so your bunny can move around to a place where the heat from the lamp is comfortable for them. :) - 2014-03-26 I would put a heat lamp in, just in case. My rabbit doesn't seem to be affected by the cold and happily runs about in 20-30 degrees celsius. I let my rabbit spend his evenings inside the house where it's warm. He changes completely when he's inside. He changes from the energetic, curious rabbit to the relaxed, sleepy, affectionate rabbit. It's adorable! Reply

:) - 2014-03-26 I got my English Spot rabbit about 4 months ago and I adore him. We found him in a park and he was already litter trained. His markings are absolutely beautiful and I have no doubt he is a show worthy rabbit but I prefer to have him just as a pet. He's sweet, affectionate, adorable, playful, beautiful, cheeky, loyal and a cunning escape artist. English Spot rabbits make great companions and I recommend getting one. They can be a bit feisty for little kids but 9 years and above would be a good age for kids. English Spots need lots of attention and you don't need to bathe them much because they like to clean themselves. English Spots are the best. I'll love you forever Knuffle Bunny. (my mum named my rabbit before I knew we had him) Reply

Hannah - 2008-08-01 Hi! I'm 13, and even though I don't have one, I love English Spots! They're so pretty, and are supposed to have a good disposition. Thanks a bunch for the information! naomi - 2010-12-10 Haha did you ever get the rabbit? Reply

Anonymous - 2008-12-28 Hi, I got my english spot rabbit free, and I am glad that I found this site because I have now recognised that my rabbit, is a pure breed, with traditional markings. And due to this discovery I am now entering him into my local county's show. so thanks. Reply

Kelly Bullington Koch - 2011-10-20 What would happen if my E-spotted rabbit maitted with a Rex? Charlie Roche - 2011-10-20 Some might look like dad and some might look like mom but most would look like a cross breed between the two. You'd have a very soft, dense coated sorta spotted or patterned baby bunnies. They should be adorable. Becca - 2012-05-09 I would expect 25% Rex, 25% English spots, and 50% mixed. However, you cannot show them even if they are the correct markings, because the ARBA states that your bin must be a pedigree, which means you must be able to trace back your buns history three generations, all the same breed. Lastly, if you ever bred your marked buns, (let's say you wanted to breed your Rex mix) their babies might actually look like an English spot, because they are carriers of their other parents trait. Reply

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