Rabbit Glossary

Rabbit Glossary

This is a glossary of word and terms specific to rabbit and rabbit showing. These are not necessarily the dictionary definition.

Abscess or Boil - A localized area of inflammation caused by an infection under the skin, in a gland, or in a hair follicle. It may produce localized swelling, heat, and redness. It is sometimes characterized by swollen, inflame tissue, where pus gather. A disqualification from competition.

Adult - A mature rabbit of breeding age. For show classification, see senior.

Agouti Pattern - A hair shaft that has three or more bands of color, whit a definite break between each color. It usually has dark slate at the base, whit two or more alternating light or dark bands of color, which is further interspersed with contrasting guard hair.  The head, feet, and ears usually have ticking. Eye circle, belly, under jaws, underside of tail, and triangle are much lighter (may be white in some cases) and do not carry ticking.

Albino - A white rabbit with pink eyes caused by a recessive gene.

Arch - The gentle curvature of the spine, extending from the neck (or shoulder in some breeds) to the rear of the rabbit. This is best observed by viewing the animal in side profile.

Awn Fluff - The soft, crimped, intermediate wool fibers ending with a straight tip. A type of wool fiber describe in the Giant Angora standard.

Awn Hair - The strong, straight, guard hair protruding above the undercoat in the Giant Angora.

Back - The top portion of the shoulders, loin, and hindquarters.

Balance - 

1.Type -- Shape or conformation. An orderly and pleasing arrangement of physical of characteristics, so as to present of harmonious appearance.

2. Marking -- Equal distribution of corresponding marking, such as color divisions of the Harlequin, or equal amounts of color on the cheeks of the Dutch. Equal distribution  of color in the pattern and side marking  of the Checkered Giant, English Spot, and Rhinelander.

Band - An unbroken vertical circle of marking color around the body of the Harlequin.

Banding -  A hair shaft having various colors. Normally associated with an agouti coat.

Bangs - The longer wool appearing at the front base of the ears and top of the head in some wool breeds.

Bar - A semicircle of marking color, running vertically on the sides or body of the Harlequin.

Barred - 

1. Elongated spots which should be round. (As founds in the side markings of the Rhinelander or English Spot, or the cheek spots of the Rhinelander, English Spot, or Checkered Giant.)

2. Light colored streaks or bars on the front or rear feet.

Base Color or Undercolor - The fur color at the base of the fur shaft next to the skin.