Rabbit Color Calculator
Find possible colors for rabbit offspring using gene combinations. Plan your breeding program for specific coat colors.
A locus: Agouti pattern (A) vs Self (a)
B locus: Black (B) vs Chocolate (b)
D locus: Dense (D) vs Dilute (dd)
E locus: Full extension (E) vs no extension (ee)
How do rabbit color genetics work?
Rabbit coat colors are determined by multiple genes followingMendelian inheritance. The main genes are: A (Agouti), B (Black/Chocolate), C (Color), D (Density), and E (Extension). Each gene has dominant and recessive alleles. A dominant allele (uppercase) shows its trait even with one copy, while recessive needs two copies. For example, B (black) is dominant over b (chocolate) - so BB and Bb produce black coats.
What are the most common rabbit colors?
Most common colors and their genotypes: Black (A_B_D_E_), Blue (A_B_ddE_), Chocolate (aaB_D_E_), Lilac (aabbddE_), Black Otter (A_B_C_D_E_enen), Chestnut Agouti (Agati), Opal (A_bbddE_), Fox (A_B_C_D_E ww), and Pointed (any with cchd or cc). Dilutes (dd) make black→blue and chocolate→lilac. Extension gene (ee) removes pigment creating orange/fawn colors.
Can I breed for specific colors?
Yes, by understanding genotypes you can predict offspring. Key rules: To get EE (orange), both parents must carry ee. To get dilute, both parents carry d. To get pointed (smoke/frost), both carry cch or cc. Use Punnett squares for each gene independently then combine. For example, Bb × Bb gives 25% bb (chocolate), 50% Bb (black), 25% BB (black). Always verify parent genotypes through test breeding or known pedigree.
What is "REW" and "Vienna White"?
REW (Ruby-Eyed White) has genotype rr or rErE - this is albinism with red eyes from lack of pigment. Vienna White (VW) has vv - homozygous for Vienna White gene, gives white coat with blue eyes. Both override other color genes. When bred to colored rabbits, carriers (Vv or Rr) produce some white kits. These white rabbits can carry hidden color genes - mating two white REWs or VW can produce colored offspring in the next generation.