As of 2017, there were at least 305 breeds of the domestic rabbit in 70 countries around the world.[1] A rabbit breed is a distinct strain created through selective breeding (or occasionally natural selection) for specific characteristics, including size, fur, body type, color, feed conversion ratio, et cetera. Organizations such as the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC) have standards for the desired qualities of their respective recognized breeds. Each rabbit breed is considered to benefit when a reputable breeder strives to emulate the perfect example for the breed, defined by the individual breed standard by which it may be judged.[2] The global diversity of breeds reflects the breadth of the rabbit's unique qualities. Listed below are 191 of the world's modern-day rabbit breeds.
- ^ "Data export: Global Rabbit Breeds by Country". DAD-IS (Domestic Animal Diversity Information System). FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 21 November 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
- ^ Szychulda, Cathy; ARBA Standards Chair. "ARBA Standards Committee". American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2018.