English Spot Rabbit 101
Channel: Pets Life
Date: 10/03/2021

The English Spot Rabbit is one of the oldest rabbits and dates back to the mid-19th century.

A medium-sized rabbit, they were bred specifically as a show rabbit and are known for their marvelous markings that give them their name. Gentle and affectionate, they will make a great companion for many different people, including first-time owners. If you want to know more about the English Spot Rabbit and see if they might be the bunny for you, keep watching this video.


HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH SPOT RABBIT.

These rabbits were originally developed to be show-rabbits. This was very rare at the time they were made when rabbits were mostly only bred for meat rather than for show. The English Spot pattern is caused by a broken gene, but there are a couple of rules when it comes to showing this rabbit. As a result, they can be very difficult to raise as show-quality rabbits.


BREED ORIGIN.

The origin of the English Spot Rabbit breed is somewhat unknown, although there are a few theories. Some believe that they arose in the Great Lorraine, now known as the Giant Papillon, while others believe that they came from the English Butterfly and, or the Checkered Giant.


APPEARANCE.

The English Spot Rabbit is a medium breed that usually weighs between 5 and 8 lbs. They have a full arch body shape and they are both long and lean. They have round hips and long hind legs that run parallel to their body. Their ears are long and stand vertical on top of their head.

COAT.

Their coat is short and dense and is flyback fur. This means that when the fur is stroked from the opposite direction, it returns to its original position. They do not shed very much and, when they do, you will not really notice it because the hairs are short. Therefore, they do not have very high grooming needs. We will go into more detail about grooming later on.


COLOR.

There are a few different colors recognized by the ARBA for English Spots. These include black, blue, chocolate, gold, gray, lilac, and tortoise. These rabbits are known for their markings and all show-quality English Spots must have markings. The markings include a butterfly marking on their nose, eye circles, cheek spots, colored ears, a chain of spots along each side of the body and a strip of color down their back called a “herringbone”.


TEMPERAMENT.

Because these rabbits are bred to be show-rabbits, the English Spot has one of the best temperaments out there! They are very used to being picked up, held, and petted and so will be very affectionate with their owners and will love to spend time with you.

They’re also extremely laid-back and easy-going, fitting well into any household and going with the flow. The English Spot isn’t overly active, but they have enough energy that they aren’t a boring pet. They will love to spend time with you, especially if there are toys, games, and treats involved. 

Make sure you let your English Spot Rabbit out of their hutch for adequate exercise time every day to keep them entertained. No rabbit wants to be stuck in their hutch all day and this can quickly develop unwanted behaviors.



KNOWN HEALTH ISSUES.

The English Spot Rabbit is not prone to any breed-specific health problems, but they can be prone to many of the same issues that other rabbits can suffer from.

Flystrike. This is when flies lay their eggs on soiled patches of fur and, when their eggs hatch, they begin to eat the rabbit from the inside out. Symptoms include seizures, loss of motion (listlessness), and skin irritations. Always ensure your rabbit’s rear end is clean, especially as they get older.

Malocclusion. This is when the upper and lower teeth are misaligned so that the normal process of chewing doesn’t wear down your rabbit’s teeth. Regular dental checkups are very important. You should also make sure your rabbit eats plenty of hay.

GI Stasis. This is a potentially deadly condition in which the digestive system slows down or stops completely. Symptoms include loss of appetite, small or no fecal pellets, and lethargy. It can be treated if caught quickly.

Ear Mites. This is a common parasite of pet rabbits. You may see your rabbit shaking their head a lot if they are affected. Your vet will be able to treat them.

Regular vet checkups will ensure that you catch any health problems before they become too serious. You should also make sure that you are buying from a reputable breeder. 


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