The English Spot Rabbit is one of the oldest rabbit breeds and dates back to the mid-19th century. A medium sized rabbit, they were initially developed as a show rabbit and are known for their wonderful markings that give them their name. Gentle and affectionate, they can make a wonderful pet for many different people, including first-time owners.
Origin
These rabbits were originally developed to be show-rabbits. This very uncommon around the time they were created, when rabbits were usually just bred for meat rather than for showing. The English Spot pattern is caused by the broken gene, but there are lots of rules when it comes to showing this bunny. Therefore, they can be quite difficult to raise as a show-quality rabbit.
The origin of the English Spot rabbit breed is quite unknown, but there are a few theories. Some believe they originated from the Great Lorrainese (now known as the Giant Papillon), while others think they came from the English Butterfly and/or the Checkered Giant.
Regardless of their beginnings, the English Spot arrived in the United States in 1910. They were accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) 12 years later, and soon after the American English Spot Rabbit Club was established.
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.
Wool
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.
You should always respect your English Spot’s personal space, especially when they are new to your home. If they are afraid or frightened, then they might try to bite.
Health
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. We have laid out these main concerns below.
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.
Like all rabbits, they can also suffer from back issues if they are mishandled or accidentally dropped.
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.
