Description: Blanc De Hotot
The Blanc De Hotot is a striking and distinctive breed of domestic rabbit, originally developed near Hotot-en-Auge in Normandy, France, in the early 20th century. This breed is best known for its pure white coat and unique black 'eyeliner' markings, which give it an elegant and expressive appearance. Blanc De Hotot rabbits were initially bred for both their meat and luxurious fur, but today they are also popular as show animals and cherished pets. They are medium to large in size, generally calm, and can be friendly when properly socialized. With their gentle temperament and relatively low maintenance requirements, Blanc De Hotots can be a suitable choice for experienced and novice rabbit owners alike. However, like all rabbits, they require responsible care, plenty of space, and regular handling to stay healthy and happy.
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Properties
The Blanc De Hotot is a distinctive and relatively rare rabbit breed that originated in France in the early 20th century. It was developed by Eugénie Bernard in the town of Hotot-en-Auge, Normandy, hence the breed's name. The primary intent of the breed was to create a rabbit with high utility for both meat and fur production, offering an animal that was both productive and aesthetically appealing.
Blanc De Hotots are medium to large rabbits, generally weighing between 8 and 11 pounds (3.6-5 kg) when fully grown. Their most striking feature is their white coat, which is dense, of good length, and absolutely pure without any colored hairs. This luxurious fur is complemented by the breed's trademark black eye bands, often described as 'spectacles', which encircle the dark brown eyes. This unique appearance lends the Blanc De Hotot a distinctly elegant and expressive look, easily distinguishing it from other white rabbit breeds.
Body conformation is notable for being well-rounded and compact, with a wide, deep back and powerful hindquarters. The breed has a short neck, and the head is well set with erect, medium-length ears that give the animal an alert aspect. Such physical attributes contribute not only to the breed's striking appearance but also to its utility value, making it suitable for small-scale meat production as well as exhibition.
In terms of temperament, Blanc De Hotots are known for their docile and gentle disposition, which makes them favorable as pets as well as show animals. They adapt well to handling and are generally calm, but like all rabbits, they benefit from a stress-free environment, proper socialization, and sufficient space to move about.
As for health and care, the breed has no unique health issues but does require routine grooming to maintain its plush coat and prevent matting. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet primarily based on hay, fresh water, and suitable vegetables are essential for ensuring their well-being.
Due to their rarity, especially outside Europe, promoting and preserving the Blanc De Hotot is a challenge faced by breeders. Today, efforts are ongoing to sustain their population through careful breeding programs, showing, and rescue efforts. Overall, the Blanc De Hotot is valued for its beauty, utility, and placid nature, making it a treasured breed among rabbit enthusiasts worldwide.
Appearance
The Blanc De Hotot is a distinctive and visually striking rabbit breed, originating in France in the early 20th century. One of its most notable features is the completely white fur, which is dense, short, and lustrous, providing the rabbit with a pristine snow-white appearance. However, the most unique characteristic of this breed is the striking black eye bands or circles that surround each eye, giving the rabbit an appearance often described as if it were wearing eyeliner. These eye bands are the hallmark of the Blanc De Hotot and are clearly defined, approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) wide, and should not extend onto the eyelids themselves according to breed standards.
The body of the Blanc De Hotot is described as commercial-type, being rounded, sturdy, and well-balanced. This compact yet muscular body shape reflects the breed’s original development as both a utility and exhibition rabbit. The shoulders and hindquarters are well-developed and should be smooth and proportional. The back is ideally short and gently rises to the hindquarters, creating a graceful overall silhouette. The breed possesses straight, strong legs and short, tight feet. The head is broad and set close to the body, with females sometimes displaying a slight dewlap, which should not be excessive.
The ears of the Blanc De Hotot are upright, medium in length, and should measure ideally between 4 to 4.75 inches (about 10.2 to 12.1 cm) in adults. The ears are well-furred and rounded at the tips, set close together atop the head, further enhancing the breed's characteristic alert and attractive appearance. The eyes are always dark brown, adding to the contrast with the white fur and black eye bands.
In terms of size, the Blanc De Hotot is generally a medium to large breed, with adults weighing between 8 to 11 pounds (about 3.6 to 5 kg). The coat is rollback type, meaning when stroked against the natural lay, it gently 'rolls back' to its natural position. This breed's overall appearance should be one of elegance, strength, and distinctiveness, making it popular both as a show animal and as a unique pet.
History
The Blanc de Hotot is a rare and distinctive rabbit breed that originated in France during the early 20th century. The history of the breed traces back to 1902 when its development was initiated by Eugénie Bernhard, a French breeder living near Hotot-en-Auge, Normandy. Bernhard sought to create a utility rabbit with excellent meat-producing abilities and a beautiful appearance. Her goal was to combine hardiness, a dense pure white coat, and the unique appearance of black eye bands.
To achieve these characteristics, Bernhard carefully crossbred several rabbit breeds, including the White Vienna, the Flemish Giant, and the white variety of the French Lop. After years of hard work and selective breeding, she succeeded in stabilizing the distinctive features of the Blanc de Hotot, which include a strikingly white body and jet-black ' spectacles'—narrow black bands encircling the eyes, usually 1-3 millimeters in width.
The Blanc de Hotot was officially recognized as a breed in France in 1922. Initially, it gained mild popularity in Europe for its dual-purpose nature, as a show animal and a productive meat rabbit. Following World War II, however, the numbers of Blanc de Hotot rabbits dwindled dramatically as industrial meat breeds and commercial farming practices became more widespread, favoring more rapidly growing rabbits. By the 1960s and 1970s, the breed was nearing extinction in many countries.
Blanc de Hotot rabbits first arrived in the United States in the late 1970s, thanks to the efforts of breeders committed to preserving rare breeds. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) officially recognized the breed in 1979. Since then, the Blanc de Hotot has remained a rare and endangered breed worldwide, with concerted conservation efforts from breeders, organizations, and enthusiasts working to protect its genetic diversity and promote its unique traits.
Today, the Blanc de Hotot is mainly kept for exhibition and as a fancy breed rather than as a commercial meat rabbit. It is prized for its docile temperament, elegant appearance, and historical significance. Conservation organizations such as The Livestock Conservancy in the US classify the Blanc de Hotot as a "threatened" breed, highlighting the ongoing need for dedicated breeding programs and advocacy to ensure its survival for future generations.