English Spot Rabbit

Family: LeporidaeOryctolagus 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 15 Animal Stories on English Spot Rabbit Add Your Animal Story

Jamie - 2013-01-21 My husband and I took our kids and dogs to a park and we found a English Spot bunny too scared to move. We now have him and have given him a wonderful home. I can say that he is very sweet loves to be around us and our 3 kids. He loves to run around with our 2 ferrets and our cats. If anyone is looking into getting a bunny a English Spot is a great one to get. I would love to add another one so Lucky wouldn't be the only one 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

linzi - 2011-05-20 I have a bunny, she is very energetic, but doesn't seem to like jumping. Do you think she is a English spot rabbit??? Charlie Roche - 2011-05-20 The English Spot Rabbits are known for their love of running and jumping. Does she look like an English Spot. Not all spots jump. What did they tell you when you got her? It doesn't make a lot of difference as long as you love her and she loves you. Reply

Dale - 2011-02-21 I've already got a vet appt. but our English Spot is shedding in clumps is this normal? Anonymous - 2011-07-05 Yes, it's normal because all rabbits old fur will fall out and new ones will grow. bryce - 2011-08-28 it's totally normal he is just molting Becca - 2012-05-09 Just make sure to brush him every day during molting and every other day otherwise. They will still shed full time, but molting just means they are preparing for summer or winter. Reply

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