Harlequin Rabbit
Harlequin Rabbit Pet Profile
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 6-8 pounds (3-4 kg) |
| Fur | Short |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Personality | Easy going, fun, active |
| Lifespan | 5-8 years |
| Suitable for | Beginners and experienced owners |
| Origin | France |
| Indoor | Yes |
| Outdoor | Yes |
| Special characteristics | Spots, stripes and markings |
| Similar breeds | Dutch Rabbit, Jamora |
Characteristics
The Harlequin Rabbit looks like it’s been rolling around in paint - it’ so colorful! It’s called the Harlequin because a harlequin usually wears a colorful costume made up of patches.* These rabbits are often called the clowns of the rabbit world - but not just because they’re colorful, also because they have cheerful, funny, lively, even cheeky and mischievous personalities.
The Harlequin Rabbit has orange fur with spots and stripes of different colors all over, either black, blue, chocolate or lilac. There is even another “version”, whereby the rabbit’s base color is white. These are called Magpie Harlequins.
Breeders are always on the look-out for the perfect Harlequin Rabbit. Its face should have two colors, with exactly one half orange and the other black (blue, chocolate or lilac) and the ears the other way around. The paws should also be one of these two colors. Their typical fur markings are also seen on other rabbit breeds, such as the Mini Lop.
Personality
What the curious Harlequin Rabbit loves most of all is spending all day exploring its world. It takes its time inspecting even the smallest corners. Even if it’s already done so before. Something might have changed! These pets are very active, loving to run around and play with toys that challenge their minds. At the same time, they’re very loving and docile. Perfect for a family!
Health and Care
Harlequins need a big run with plenty of space to spend long hours in every day so they can run and hop about. Their fur is easy to groom. Still, these rabbits should be regularly checked for illness.
Appearance
Body
Harlequins are medium-sized rabbits with large heads and stocky bodies.
Ears
Their ears are 11cm to 5 inches (13 cm) long.
Fur
Their fur is medium-length and has a dense undercoat.
Color
There are two kinds of Harlequin Rabbit:
1. Harlequin: orange with black, blue, chocolate or lilac
2. Magpie Harlequin: white with black, blue, chocolate or lilac
The resulting markings may take the form of stripes, bands or patches. “Ideally”, the colors should be rich in contrast, so sharply defined and not blurring into one another. Rabbit owners love their animals just how they are, of course, regardless of whether their markings are 100% perfect or not.
History and Origin
Harlequins were first shown in Paris in 1887. They came from tortoiseshell Dutch Rabbits.
* Harlequin is a French word describing a classic jester-like pantomime character.
