The Blanc de Hotot, or White Hotot, was developed in 1902 in France by Eugenie Bernhard. Known for its white coat with striking black eye bands, the breed has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. They need mostly hay in their diet, and three hours of exercise daily. With a gentle and friendly temperament, these rabbits bond well with owners. Breeding practices emphasize ideal eye band width and lustrous fur, using imports and maintaining genetic diversity. The breed was imported to the U.S. in 1978 and recognized by ARBA in 1979. Discover more about this unique breed's care and breeding.
Breed History
The Blanc De Hotot rabbit breed was developed in 1902 by Eugenie Bernhard in Hotot-en-Auge, Normandy, France. Bernhard achieved this by crossing Papillon with White Vienna and White Flemish Giant rabbits.
Nearly disappearing during World War II, the breed was imported to the U.S. by Bob Whitman in 1978 and recognized by ARBA in 1979.
Recent imports aim to increase genetic diversity.
Physical Characteristics
With a lineage rooted in meticulous breeding efforts, Blanc De Hotot rabbits exhibit striking physical characteristics that distinguish them from other breeds. These large rabbits feature a white coat with black eye bands, a commercial body shape, and medium-length erect ears. Their soft fur has a frosty sheen and requires bi-weekly grooming. Known for their docile temperament, they can live for 7 to 10 years.
| Characteristic | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | White with black eye bands | Distinctive appearance |
| Fur | Soft with a frosty sheen | Requires bi-weekly grooming |
| Lifespan | 7 to 10 years | With proper care |
Care Guidelines
Proper care of Blanc De Hotot rabbits involves a balanced diet, regular vet checkups, adequate grooming, and sufficient exercise.
A balanced diet includes 70% hay and 30% leafy greens, pellets, fruits, and vegetables. Routine vet checkups and grooming sessions are essential for their well-being.
Socialization and housing recommendations, like the Aivituvin Rabbit Hutch, along with three hours of exercise time daily, guarantee excellent rabbit care.
Temperament
Understanding the temperament of Blanc De Hotot rabbits is paramount for ensuring their overall well-being and fostering a harmonious relationship with their owners. Known for their sweet, friendly, and docile nature, these rabbits thrive with proper socialization and handling. They form strong bonds and can be trained to be well-behaved companions.
Despite being easily startled, they enjoy attention and petting when approached gently.
Breeding Practices
Breeding practices for Blanc De Hotot rabbits prioritize the selection of individuals with ideal eye band width and lustrous fur, ensuring adherence to both ARBA and European standards.
Efforts to improve the gene pool and body type include:
- Imports from Germany and England
- Rigid selection processes
- Support through endangered breed programs and microgrants
These practices aim to maintain breed standards and promote genetic diversity.