Rabbit With Dalmatian Spots

Rabbit With Dalmatian Spots

More accurately, these are Buns with extremely distinct markings on their entire bodies, kinda like a Dalmatian Dog breed, or a Bengal Cat. There is just no way of mistaking this unique breed of Rabbit. Interestingly, there is another breed with similar appearances to these Buns, with just one huge difference in size. That would be the Checkered Giant Rabbit, one amongst the Giant Rabbit breeds!

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English Spot Rabbit

This is a Rabbit breed developed in Britain during the 19^th century, and even records that date as early as 1838, the English Spot Rabbit was a result of selective breeding, and one of the oldest Fancy breeds in Bunny history. Because of their uncanny similarities in appearance, it was thought that the English Spot Rabbit was derived from the Checkered Giant, a Giant Rabbit breed that weighs at least twice as much as the English Spot on average!

Checkered Giant Rabbit

After gaining popularity as a domestic and show Rabbit, the English Spot was exported to Europe in the 1890s, where the French referred them as “Lapin Papillon Anglais” (Butterly Rabbit) and also English Butterfly. The English Spot was introduced to America during 1910, but it only gained recognition from  ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders’ Association) in 1924. That’s about 12 years later!

What Does An English Spot Rabbit Look Like?

The English Spot is a medium sized Rabbit, the average weight of an adult ranges from 2.7 to 3.5 kilograms. Their bodies are long and arched with a head that is slightly broad, coupled with straight, upright Ears. Rounded hips and slender long legs that are parallel to their bodies. Colour variations include Black, Gold, Grey, Lilac, Blue, Chocolate and Tortoiseshell and Gold. There are 6 distinctive markings to be looked out for in an English Spot Bun;

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1. Fully coloured Ears from base to tip

2. Full circular marking around both Eyes

3. Butterfly shaped marking on nose when Rabbit is viewed from the front

4. A solid, Herring-boned straight line that flows down the spine, from base of Ears to the tail

5. A spot on each cheek, right beneath each Eye

6. Cluster of Spots on both sides of the body and hind legs.

Fun Fact     The elusive “Butterfly” markings of an English Spot caused by the “Broken” gene is difficult to achieve, all new-born litters are roughly 50% broken coloured, 25% are solid colours, and 25% are partially marked. Partially marked Buns have a mustache-like marking on their noses, hence they are referred to as “Charlies” (like Charlie Chaplin ☺)

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English Spot Rabbit Grooming Requirements

English Spot Buns have short, shiny, soft coats that require the usual brushing just for upkeeps. Much like all Rabbit breeds, they do not require water baths, as it is extremely stressful for them. Instead, spot clean areas that are prone to soiling with a damp cloth, and check every week for dirt and wax build-up in their ears. Clean them out with a Vet-approved Ear cleanser.

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Trim their nails whenever necessary so they don’t hurt your Buns while they walk! If you are unsure how to perform these tasks, feel free to consult your trusted Veterinarian or Groomer for advice and demonstrations ☺

English Spot Rabbit Personality

You can expect a friendly, active, curious and playful Bun altogether in an English Spot Rabbit. Being active means they’d require a little more free-roaming time outside of their cages or resting space. Though they get along fairly well with children and other pets, never forget the fact that Rabbits are prey animals by nature, so it takes a little time and effort on your end to help them familiarise with socialising and gaining their trust eventually. Gentleness and patience, dear friends!

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Keeping An English Spot Rabbit In Singapore

Despite their smaller stature as compared to their Giant look-a-likes, the English Spot’s active nature does not only mean they require longer exploring and roaming time, it’s advised that their cages or resting space has adequate room for them to rest with legs outstretched, fit a litter-tray, food and water necessities. Needless to say, the responsibilities of owning a Rabbit would include keeping their potty areas spic and span (nobody likes a filthy loo!)

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A healthy Rabbit diet consists of 70% quality Hay, and 30% combination of Rabbit pellets, leafy greens, and occasional fruits as small treats. Check out our easy guide of Rabbit-safe foods here. Don’t forget to keep those ever-growing teeth in check by providing them with a few Rabbit chew-toys, preferably wooden ones. With lots of patience, love, proper care and diet, an English Spot Rabbit’s average lifespan is 8 years or more!

Adopt, Don’t Shop

While fancy and rare breeds seem elusive and special, most Rabbit breeds are a result of cross-breeding, plus they are all equally intriguing and capable of giving you a ton of love and a rewarding Pet ownership. So what’s stopping you from considering a rescued Bunny from the local groups and shelters? Go on, because you can give them a better life, but be sure you are ready for the commitment, the thought of doing good is not wrong, but adopting on impulse is not being responsible.