English Spots are recognized in seven varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Gray, Gold, and Tortoise. They have a full arch body type, and when judged, they are let run up and down the show table to show off their racy body type. The English Spot body should be long, well arched, with a full hip and good length of leg. The ideal weight for bucks is 6 lbs.; the ideal weight for does is 7 lbs.
The markings of the English Spot are very unique and attractive. They should be clean and distinct. Markings should include a butterfly (nose), eye circles, cheek spots, ear markings, herringbone (spine), side pattern (chain), leg markings, and tail. The side patterns should be graduated and balanced, in the shape of a comma or a "9" on its side. There should not be stray spots, barred spots, a break in the spine markings, or missing spots. In a normal litter of English Spots, there will be about 25% solid kits called "sports", 25% partially marked kits called "charlies", and 50% correctly marked kits. Only correctly marked kits are showable. Many breeders destroy the unshowable rabbits, use them for meat, or sell them as pets. (I choose to sell them as pets.)
(I love this picture! So cute!)
(With her lovely little winter dewlap!)
(Sorry for the bad pictures! He refused to pose that day!!!!)
