Description: Blue Of Sint-Niklaas
The Blue of Sint-Niklaas is a rare and distinctive domestic rabbit breed that originated in Sint-Niklaas, a city in Belgium. Developed originally for their stunning blue pelts, these rabbits became prominent in the fur industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Blue of Sint-Niklaas is known for its dense, silky, and luxuriant blue-gray fur, which remains its most prized feature. With a large, robust build, these rabbits can weigh up to 5.5 kg (12 lbs) or more and are gentle in temperament, making them suitable as pets, though they are primarily bred for their fur. Unfortunately, due to the decline of the fur trade and competition with other breeds, this rabbit is now considered rare and at risk of extinction. Efforts are being made to preserve its unique genetic characteristics and promote interest among breeders and keepers.
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Properties
The Blue of Sint-Niklaas is a unique rabbit breed originating from Belgium, specifically the region of Sint-Niklaas, situated in East Flanders. Recognized primarily for its distinctive blue-gray coat, this breed stands out among rabbit enthusiasts and breeders alike. The Blue of Sint-Niklaas was developed during the 19th century when fur was an important commodity, and as such, this breed’s plush pelage played a significant role in its regional popularity.
The most defining feature of the Blue of Sint-Niklaas is its dense, silky coat, which displays a uniform slate-blue coloration with no ticking or white hairs. The fur is medium-long, extremely soft to the touch, and was historically prized by the fur trade for its depth of color and texture. The breed is quite substantial in size, with adult males and females typically weighing between 4.5 to 5.5 kilograms (10 to 12 lbs), giving them a strong, robust appearance.
Physically, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas displays a long, well-rounded body with muscular build, broad back, and straight, parallel hind legs. The breed’s head is relatively broad and somewhat prominent, with well-developed cheeks and medium-sized, upright ears covered in the same fine blue-gray fur. The eyes are usually dark and expressive, often complementing the coat color.
Temperamentally, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas is known for being gentle and docile, making it a suitable companion animal for those seeking a calm rabbit breed. However, due to its origins as a fur breed rather than a pet or show animal, it is less common in domestic settings compared to other rabbit breeds.
This breed is relatively rare outside its native region and has, over time, experienced a decline in population due to the reduced demand for rabbit fur and competition from other fur and commercial breeds such as the Argente Bleu and the Blue of Vienna. Present conservation and breed societies in Belgium make efforts to preserve this unique breed.
The Blue of Sint-Niklaas’s low profile in modern times is balanced by its historical significance. Breeders who maintain the breed emphasize maintaining the purity of its coat color, physical robustness, and typical gentle temperament. As a result, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas remains a symbol of Belgian rabbit breeding heritage.
Appearance
The Blue of Sint-Niklaas is a distinctive and striking rabbit breed, endemic to the region of Sint-Niklaas in Belgium. Easily recognizable by its rich blue coloration, this breed exhibits a fine example of selective breeding for both appearance and fur quality. The coat is the most notable feature of the Blue of Sint-Niklaas. It boasts a dense, silky, and plush fur that displays an even blue or slate gray color throughout the body. The blue tone is neither too dark nor too light, but rather a medium shade with a subtle luster, which makes the pelt highly desirable in the fur industry and admired by enthusiasts.
The body of the Blue of Sint-Niklaas is robust and well-proportioned. Rabbits of this breed are medium to large in size, typically weighing around 4.5 to 5.5 kilograms (approximately 10 to 12 pounds) when fully grown. The body shape is elongated but sturdy, with a straight and relatively broad back. Shoulders are well developed, and the hindquarters are strong, allowing for a balanced and symmetrical silhouette. The chest is full and rounded, contributing to the breed's solid appearance.
The head of the Blue of Sint-Niklaas is proportionate to the body; it is broad, with a slightly rounded forehead and well-formed cheeks. The ears are upright, medium-long, and thick at the base, perfectly carried and covered with the same dense blue fur, adding to the harmonious look of the rabbit. The eyes are bold, expressive, and typify a deep blue-grey color, complementing the surrounding fur tone.
The legs are strong and straight, covered in the same fine fur. The feet are well furred, with no feathering or white markings, as pure blue coloring throughout is preferred. There should be no signs of white hairs, spots, or patches anywhere on the rabbit, as uniformity of color is of utmost importance to the breed standard.
Overall, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas radiates an impression of elegance, strength, and refinement. Its combination of luxuriant blue fur, sound conformation, and appealing physical characteristics make it a standout breed among both rabbit fanciers and those interested in high-quality fur production.
History
The Blue of Sint-Niklaas is a highly distinctive breed of domestic rabbit, renowned for its striking blue-grey fur and deep historical roots in Belgium. This rare and beautiful breed traces its origins back to the late 19th century in the city of Sint-Niklaas, in the East Flanders province. The region was historically noted for its vibrant textile industry and, more specifically, for its lucrative fur trade. It was in this context that breeders began to selectively produce rabbits with pelts that would be highly sought after for fashion, particularly in a time before synthetic furs had become widespread.
The breed was developed by crossing native Belgian rabbits with blue-grey breeds imported from France and Germany. The goal was to create a rabbit with dense, luminous fur of a silvery-blue color, ideal for the fur market. By the turn of the 20th century, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas had established itself as the preferred breed for use in luxury garments and accessories. Its rapid popularity was closely tied to the economic fortunes of Sint-Niklaas, which became known across Europe for its rabbit pelts.
However, with the advent of the synthetic fur industry and changing fashion trends in the mid-20th century, the demand for real rabbit fur sharply declined. These changes, combined with competition from other fur breeds such as the Blue Viennese, led to a dramatic drop in Blue of Sint-Niklaas populations. By the late 1900s, the breed was on the brink of extinction, saved only by a handful of dedicated breeders determined to preserve its unique lineage and characteristics.
Today, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas is extremely rare and mainly kept by rabbit enthusiasts and conservation breeders in Belgium and neighboring countries. Efforts are underway to increase awareness of the breed's historical significance and genetic value. As a living piece of Belgian cultural heritage, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas stands as a testament to the region’s historical relationship with animal breeding, fashion, and industry, while also highlighting the challenges rare domestic breeds face in the modern world.