Rabbit Color Genetics Calculator

Rabbit coat color is determined by multiple genes working together. The five major loci are: A (Agouti) controls banding pattern, B (Brown) determines black vs. chocolate pigment, C (Color) controls pigment intensity and albinism, D (Dilution) affects pigment density, and E (Extension) controls how far pigment extends along the hair shaft. Each rabbit inherits two copies of each gene — one from each parent. Dominant alleles mask recessive ones, and complex interactions (epistasis) between loci produce the wide variety of colors we see.

REW (Ruby-Eyed White) is caused by the recessive c allele on the C locus (genotype: cc). This completely blocks all pigment production, resulting in pure white fur with pink/red eyes. BEW (Blue-Eyed White) is caused by the recessive v allele on the Vienna locus (genotype: vv). BEW rabbits also have white coats but with striking blue eyes. REW is more common across many breeds, while BEW is associated with breeds like the Vienna White and certain lines of Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs.

This calculator assumes the most common genotypes for each color. However, many rabbits carry hidden recessive genes that don't affect their own appearance but can appear in offspring. For example, a Black rabbit might carry the recessive dilution gene (d) or chocolate gene (b) without showing it. If both parents carry the same hidden recessive, roughly 25% of kits may express it. For the most accurate predictions, test-breeding or pedigree analysis can help identify what recessives your rabbits carry.

The Broken pattern (white spotting) is controlled by the En (English spotting) locus. It's an incompletely dominant gene: EnEn produces a "Charlie" (mostly white with minimal color, often with health issues), Enen produces the desirable Broken pattern (balanced color and white patches), and enen produces a solid-colored rabbit. Breeding two Brokens (Enen × Enen) typically yields 25% solids, 50% brokens, and 25% Charlies. Responsible breeders often pair a Broken with a Solid to get 50% Brokens and 50% Solids with no Charlies.

The only definitive way is through DNA testing or test breeding. To test for dilution (d), breed your rabbit to a known dilute (e.g., Blue or Lilac). If any dilute kits appear, your rabbit carries the d allele. Similarly, breeding to a chocolate-based rabbit can reveal if your rabbit carries the b allele. Many commercial labs now offer rabbit coat color DNA panels that test for multiple loci at once, providing a complete genetic profile for about $30-$60.

No. The Broken pattern is dominant (En). If both parents are solid (enen), they can only pass on the en allele, so all offspring will be solid (enen). A Broken kit requires at least one parent to contribute the En allele. However, two Brokens can produce solid kits (25% chance), and a Broken × Solid pairing produces approximately 50% Broken and 50% Solid kits.

The Agouti pattern (wild-type) features banded hairs with alternating light and dark segments, plus white belly, eye circles, and ear lacing. It's controlled by the dominant A allele on the A locus. The recessive a allele produces solid (self) coloration. A rabbit needs only one A allele (AA or Aa) to show the agouti pattern. Two self-colored (aa) parents can only produce self-colored kits, while agouti parents can produce self kits if both carry the recessive a allele (Aa × Aa → 25% aa).

Himalayan rabbits (genotype: chch or chc) have a temperature-sensitive albinism — pigment only develops on cooler body parts (ears, nose, tail, feet). When bred to a full-color rabbit (CC or Cch), all kits will be full color but carry the Himalayan gene. Two Himalayans produce 100% Himalayan kits. A Himalayan bred to a REW (cc) produces either Himalayans (if the Himalayan parent gives ch) or REWs (if both give c). The Himalayan gene is on the C locus and is recessive to full color (C) and chinchilla (cchd), but dominant over albino (c).