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| Harlequin |
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| About the Harlequin: |
It is believed that they were the result of crossing a Dutch Tricolor and the common rabbit of France. Thier first recorded exhibition was at the Jardin d'Acclimation in Paris in 1887. Originally there were just three colors - orange, black and white. Then to add to the mix, in 1895 a pair was imported into England whose head and ears were fawn and the body was banded in black and fawn.
The first importation of Japanese into the US was recorded in 1919. Nine years later, the 1928 American Rabbit Assoc. Guidebook (totally separate from the ARBA), noted that the Japanese had no great appeal except as a fancy or exhibition rabbit.
In 1946 the British Rabbit Council revised it's 1942 standard, now referring to the breed as the "Harlequin" with "Japanese" becoming a Variety. This change came about because the name "Japanese" fell into disfavor during WWII. This revised standard also gave first mention of three coat types - normal, Rex and Astrex; new colors, PLUS, it also included the first description of the second Harlequin Variety, The Magpie.
During the 40's there were many Harlequin importations made and work continued on developing the breed. The first guidebook of the newly formed (1973) American Harlequin Rabbit Club was written by Don Capps of California in 1975. It referred to the 3 part and 4 part patterns and in the 1976-1980 standard, the word "Groups" replaced "Varieties"
Harlequins are usually pretty docile, make good mothers and foster kits well but, like everything else, there are always individual exceptions. They're a good breed for all ages because they are relatively easy to handle, and because competing on a national basis is within the grasp of almost anyone.
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| Information Provided By: The American Harlequin Rabbit Club |
| Photo Provided By: The American Harlequin Rabbit Club |
| Official Website: The American Harlequin Rabbit Club |
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