This is
a glossary of words and terms peculiar to rabbits and rabbit keeping. These are
not necessarily the dictionary definitions.
ADULT-
Any fully developed, mature rabbit of
breeding age. For show classification, see senior.
ALBINO-
A white rabbit with a pink eye.
ARCH (ARC)-
The gentle curvature of the spine,
extending from the neck (or shoulders in some breeds) to the rear of the
rabbit. Best observed by viewing the animal in side profile.
AWN FLUFF-
The soft, crimped, intermediate wool
fibers, ending with a straight tip. A type of wool fiber described in the Giant
angora standard.
AWN HAIR-
The strong, straight guard hair
protruding above the undercoat or fleece in Giant Angoras.
BACK-
The top portion of the rabbit’s
shoulders, loin, and hindquarters.
BALANCE-
(1)Type-Shape or conformation. An
orderly and pleasing arrangement of physical characteristics so as to present a
harmonious appearance.
(2)Markings-Equal distribution of
corresponding markings, such as color divisions of the Harlequin, or equal
amounts of color on the cheeks of the Dutch. Equal distribution of color in the
pattern and side markings of the Checkered Giant, English Spot, and
Rhinelander.
BANGS-
The longer wool appearing at the front
base of the ears and top of the head in some wooled breeds.
BANDING-
(1) A hair shaft having various
colors. Normally associated with an agouti coat.
(2)An unbroken vertical circle of
marking color extending around the body of the Harlequin.
BARRED-
(1) Elongated spots, which should be
round. (As found in the side markings of a Rhinelander or English Spot, or the
cheek spots of the Rhinelander, English Spot, or Checkered Giant.)
(2) Light colored streaks or bars on
the front legs.
(3) A semicircle of marking color,
running vertically on the side of the Harlequin.
BASE COLOR-
The fur color next to the skin, under
color.
BELL EARS-
Ears that have large, heavy tips with
a distinctive fall or lop to them.
BELLY-
The abdomen, from the last rib to the
pelvis, containing primarily the organs of digestion.
BELLY COLOR-
the color underneath a rabbit,
extending from the forelegs to the crotch area.
BLAZE-
the white marking found on the head of
Dutch. It covers the nose, whisker bed, and runs along the jaw line. The shape
is that of a wedge, which tapers from the nose to the base of the ears.
BLOOM-
The vitality and finish of a coat in
good condition.
BLEMISH-
Any defect or fault which detracts
from the appearance.
BOILS or ABSCESS-
A localized area of inflammation
caused by an infection under the skin, in a gland, or in a hair follicle. It
may produce localized swelling, heat, and redness.
BOOTS-
The colored markings on the feet and
legs of Himalayan marked rabbits.
BOWED LEGS-
May be applied to the fore or hind
legs. Bent like a bow. Legs curved outwardly or inwardly from the middle.
BREED-
A class of domestic rabbits which
reproduces itself with distinctive characteristics, such as fur, markings,
shape, and size.
BREEDER-
(1) Anyone who raises a breed or
variety of rabbits which complies with the STANDARD OF PERFECTION.
(2) A rabbit used primarily to produce
offspring.
BREEDING CERTIFICATE-
A written certificate, issued by the
owner of a stud buck, showing its pedigree and the date of breeding to a
particular doe. It is issued as proof of the ancestry of the anticipated
litter.
BRINDLING-
(1) The longer tipped guard hairs
carried up the sides of Tans.
(2) An intermixture of two colors
without definite pattern.
BROKEN COAT-
Fur with the guard hairs missing or
broken, which exposes the undercoat. Areas where the coat is affected by molt,
which exposes the undercoat.
BUCK-
An intact male rabbit.
BUCK TEETH-
See wolf teeth.
BULL DOG HEAD-
A short, broad, bold head, with a
definite masculine appearance.
BUTTERFLY-
A nose marking found on some breeds.
The wing portions cover the whisker bed from lip to lip, with the body, or nose
fork, extending up the center of the face.
BUTTING TEETH-
A form of malocclusion, where the
incisors meet evenly, without the upper incisors overlapping the lower incisors
in proper structure. A Disqualification from Competition.
CAKED TEATS or BREASTS-
Engorgement of a doe’s mammary gland
and teat with an abundant milk supply. Inflammation usually indicates mastitis.
CAP-
the marking line where lower ear color
stops and joins head color. Specified in the Checkered Giant.
CARRIAGE-
(1)The manner in which a rabbit
carries itself. The style or characteristic pose of a rabbit.
(2) The style in which a rabbit
carries its ears.
CHAIN-
The arrangement of the spots on an
English Spot, running from the neck to the abdominal area.
CHARLIE-
An extremely lightly marked animal in
marked breeds or Broken Groups. Usually having colored ears, light eye circles,
and a Charlie Chaplin mustache like marking. Usually devoid of back and side
markings.
CHEST-
The front portion of the body, between
the forelegs and the neck.
CHEEKS-
(1)The sides of the face, below the
eyes.
(2) The rounded color head marking
that forms the blaze and carries down along the jaw line of a Dutch.
CHOPPED-
A condition of body type in which
there is an abrupt and sharp vertical fall from the top of the hip to the tail.
Not well filled out and rounded.
CLASSIFICATION-
A system of arranging the judging
within different breeds.
CLEAN-
(1) A term used on French Angora,
Satin Angora, Jersey Wooly, and Fuzzy Lop’s head, ears, feet, and legs,
denoting the presence of normal fur (absence of wool) in those places.
(2) A marking term denoting well
formed markings without congestion or drags.
COBBY-
A short and stocky body type which is
close couple and very compact.
COLD-
An infection localized in the nose.
Usually characterized by repeated sneezing and the discharge of fluid from the
nose. Sometimes accompanied by matted fur on the inside of the front feet. Note:
In judging, the matted fur is only an indication and shall not be considered as
conclusive evidence of a cold.
COMPATIBLE-
In eye color, a normal color that
complements or matches the body color.
CONDITION-
The overall physical state of a rabbit
in relation to health, cleanliness, fur, and grooming.
CONJUNCTIVITIS-
Inflammation of the inner membrane of
the eyelid and sometimes the portion of the membrane that covers the white of
the eye.
COTTONY-
A very fine, soft textured fur or wool
which lacks guard hair.
COW HOCKS-
Hind legs that turn inward at the
hock, causing the toe portion to turn outward from the belly.
CRIMP-
The natural waviness of the fiber in a
wool undercoat.
CROWN-
A strong basal ridge of cartilage at
the top of the head, forming the ear base on some lop eared breeds.
DEAD HAIRS-
Fur which lacks life. Caused by
molting or dead coat.
DEAD TAIL-
A tail which is hard and brittle due
to the loss of circulation.
DENSITY-
The property or quality of thick coat
of fur. The number of fur fibers in a given area.
DEFINITION-
The sharpness and clarity of a color
break on a hair shaft, as in the ring color in Agouti fur.
DEPTH-
Measurement downward from the top line
of the body to the lowest portion of the body.
DEWCLAW-
An extra toe or functionless digit on
the inside of the front legs.
DEWLAP-
A pendulous fold of loose skin which
hangs from the throat. Common in does. It should be in proportion to the total
body size. Not accepted in some breeds.
DISQUALIFICATION or DISQUALIFICATION FROM COMPETITION-
One or more defects, deformities, or
blemishes which render a rabbit ineligible for competition or registration.
DOE-
An intact female rabbit.
DRAGS-
Intrusions of color markings into a
white marking area.
EAR CANKER-
An inflamed, scabby condition, deep
inside the ear. It is caused by an infection of the ear canal by an ear mite.
EAR LACING-
A colored line of fur which outlines
the sides and tips of the ears.
EXTENSION-
(1) Length of leg and limb.
(2) Depth of color carried down a hair
shaft.
EYE COLOR-
The color of the iris. The circle of
color which surrounds the pupil of the eye.
EYE STAIN-
Splotches or streaks of color around
the eyes in Himalayan marked breeds.
FAKING-
Any deliberate change in the
appearance of a rabbit which is done with the intent to deceive.
FEATHERING-
(1) Small colored drag off the top of
the eye circle. Usually associated with English Spot, Rhinelander, or Checkered
Giant.
(2) Any drag in the coloration of a
Dwarf Hotot eye band.
FELTING-
Wool fibers that have become
interwoven during natural growth.
FINE COAT-
A coat of fur too fine in texture,
lacking body. Guard hairs weak and thin in structure. Lacking the proper amount
of guard hairs.
FINISH-
The desired degree of perfection in
condition. Fully prime in coat, color, and flesh.
FLABBY-
The condition of a rabbit when the
skin hangs loosely by its own weight. Not trim, shapely, or firm of flesh.
FLAT COAT-
Fur lying too close to the body. Lacks
spring or body as noted by touch. Usually a fine coat coupled with lack of
density.
FLAT SHOULDERS-
A trait that occurs when the top line
over shoulders is noticeably parallel to the surface of the judging table. A lack
of continuous arch from the neck over the shoulders.
FLEECE-
The wool covering the rabbit,
including all growing fibers. (Not sorted.)
FLYBACK-
A coat of fur which flies back to its
smooth normal position when stroked from the hindquarters to the shoulders.
FOOT-
The portion of the skeleton on which
the rabbit walks or stands. On the foreleg, that portion below the pastern or
ankle. On the rear leg, that portion below the hock.
FOREIGN COLOR-
Any color of fur, nails, or eyes
differing from that called for in the STANDARD OF PERFECTION for the breed or
variety.
FOREHEAD-
The front part of the head between the
eyes and the base of the ears.
FOREQUARTER-
The portion of the body starting with
the neck, back to, and including the last rib.
FRINGES-
The wool appearing on the ears of some
wool breeds. Falls between the tassels and the bangs.
FURNISHINGS-
The tassels, fringes on the ears,
bangs, and the head side trimmings on some wool breeds.
GESTATION-
The length of time between conception
and birth. (Normally 31 days.) The carrying of young.
GLOSSY-
The reflection, luster, or brightness
from a naturally healthy fur. A natural property of fur, sometimes improved by
grooming.
GROUP-
A broader classification than variety,
usually applied to color pattern groupings.
GUARD HAIR-
The longer, coarser projecting hair of
the coat, which offers protection to the undercoat. It furnishes wearing
quality and resilience to the coat.
HERRINGBONE-
The colored spine or dorsal stripe on
the English Spot. A herring bone or serrated edge to the spine marking.
HIND LEG-
Consists of the foot, hock, stifle
(knee), and hip joint.
HINDQUARTERS-
The rear portion or section of the
body, from the last rib. Composed of the loin, hips, hind legs, and rump.
HIP-
The joint that attaches the hind legs
to the trunk of the body.
HOCK-
The pointed portion of the rear leg.
The joint distant to the stifle.
HUMPBACK-
A hump or protrusion on the back,
caused by a deformity of the spine.
INSIDE OF EAR-
The concave portion of the ear.
INTERMEDIATE-
Terminology used in breeds having 6
showroom classes. A rabbit 6 to 8 months of age, or meeting weight requirements
of the breed standard for that age group.
IRIS-
The colored portion of the eye,
surrounding the pupil.
JUNIOR-
A rabbit less than 6 months of age.
KINDLE-
A term used to indicate the birth of
young.
KNEE-
The second joint of the hind leg.
Connects the thigh to the leg. Also known as the stifle.
LACING-
See
Ear Lacing.
LACTATE-
To
nurse. To produce milk.
LAP SPOTS-
Intensification
of belly color in the area of the groin. (Inside the hind legs, on the belly.)
LIGHT TOENAIL-
Toenail
showing some pigmentation but not the full color.
LOIN-
That portion
of the back on each side of the vertebrae from the last rib posterior to the
hip joint.
LOOSE COAT-
Fur
not set tightly in the skin. Slipping and breaking out.
LOPPED EARS-
Pendulous
ears, carried below horizontal rather than upright.
LUSTER-
Brightness
and brilliance of fur.
MALOCCLUSION-
Teeth having
the lower incisors extending in front of the upper incisors or meeting with no
overlap. This condition may be hereditary and may also be known as buck or wolf
teeth.
MANDOLIN-
Having the
appearance of a mandolin laid face down. Body arch starting at the back of the
shoulders rather than the nape of the neck.
MARBLING-
A
mottling of the eye color.
MARKED-
A rabbit,
usually white, which is broken up by an orderly placement of another color(s).
Also includes rabbits which carry the Tan Pattern.
MASK-
Nose and
muzzle color, which usually extends further up the face than a butterfly
marking.
MASSIVE-
Giving
the impression of being large, bulky, heavy, and ponderous.
MASTITIS-
An
inflammation of the mammary glands.
MATTED-
Wool
entangled in a thick mass.
MEALY-
Off colored
stray hairs in a colored pattern, giving the appearance of being powdered or
sprinkled with meal.
MEATY-
The quality of
being able to carry a good portion of meat in proportion to the bone, size, and
type of the rabbit. A noticeably well proportioned meatiness of the
forequarters, back, loin, and hindquarters.
MID SECTION-
That
portion of the body starting with the 6th rib, back tot the rear legs.
MOLT-
The
act of shedding or changing fur.
MOON EYE-
See
Wall Eye.
MUTATION-
The sudden
change of a physical characteristic, caused by an alteration of the genetic
organization. The best known mutations are the Rex and Satin fur structures.
MUZZLE-
The
lower part of the face and nose of the rabbit.
NECK-
(1)That
part of the rabbit connecting the head to the body.
(2)
A wedge shaped marking that is a portion of the collar, behind the ears, on
Dutch.
NOSEFORK-
The
body portion of the butterfly marking.
NOSTRILS-
The
two openings of the nose leading to the internal structures of the head.
OFF COLORED-
A
departure from the desired color of fur, toenails, or eyes. (See Foreign
Color.)
OPEN COAT-
Coat lacking
the ability to return to its natural position when stroked towards the head.
PACKED-
Wool that
becomes compacted or felted.
PARASITE-
Another
organism that lives on, or within, the host animal. Examples are mange, mites,
lice, fleas, protozoa, etc.
PATCH-
A
small section of fur.
PAUNCH-
The
prominent portion of the abdomen.
PEA SPOTS-
Two
spots of marking color at the inside base of the ear in Tan Patterned breeds.
PEARL-
The
intermediate color band of some varieties of rabbits. Off white in color.
PEDIGREE-
A written
chart of the male and female ancestors, showing the date of birth, the parents,
grandparents, and great grandparents. It may contain other information such as
color, weight, etc.
PEGGED TEETH-
Teeth which
only meet and do not achieve the required upper incisor overbite of the lower
incisors. A Disqualification from Competition.
PEG TEETH-
Two small
residual incisors just behind the normal top incisors. May be incorrectly used
to indicate butting teeth.
PELT-
(1) The hide
of the animal after it is removed.
(2) For
judging purposes, the usable portion is defined as that part remaining after
the removal of the head, feet, tail, and legs.
PENCIL LINE-
A
protrusion of fur across the throat and under the chin. Not a dewlap.
PIGEON BREASTED-
A
narrow chest, with a protruding “V” shaped breast bone.
PINCHED HINDQUARTERS-
Hindquarters
tapering towards the tail, giving a pinched appearance.
PLUSH-
Dense,
fine hair, with a very soft feel.
POINTS-
(1) The ears,
tail, nose, front feet, rear feet, and leg markings in Californian, Himalayan,
or Pointed Whites.
(2) A scale of
points, as listed in the Standard, showing the comparative value of each
feature to the ideal.
(3) Points
that an animal receives toward display. Points to be figured by multiplying 6
points for first, 4 points for second, 3 points for third, 2 points for fourth,
and 1 point for fifth, times the number of animals in the class.
POT BELLY-
A
distended condition of the abdominal cavity, usually found in young rabbits.
POOR COAT-
Fur not in
good condition due to molt, stain, ill health, or general poor quality due to
genetic factors.
PRIME-
An
animal which exhibits ideal condition of flesh and coat.
PRIME LINE-
A line of fur
that develops down the middle of the back and rump, signifying a finished coat
condition.
PUREBRED-
A very loose term
used to designate rabbits which closely approximate the requirements of the
standards for their breed, and have done so for a number of generations.
RACY-
Slim,
trim, alert, and hare like in appearance. Long and slender in body and limbs.
RIBS-
The
curved portions of the sides immediately back and under the shoulders.
RING COLOR-
The
color of the intermediate portion of a hair shaft in Agouti Patterned animals.
ROLLBACK-
A gradual
return of the fur to its normal position when stroked from the hindquarters to
the shoulders. Slightly slower return than a fly back coat.
ROMAN NOSE-
A nose whose
bridge is so comparatively high as to form a slightly convex line from the
forehead to nose tip.
RUN-
An
intrusion of white color into a colored marking area on a marked breed.
RUMP-
The
upper, rounded portion of the hindquarters.
SALT AND PEPPER-
A flat
appearance of black and white ticking, as found on Chinchilla, caused by the
lack of contrast and desire waviness in the ticking. This is due to a weakness
of color on the tips of the guard hairs.
SADDLE-
(1) The whole
upper portion of the back, including loin, rump, and hind legs.
(2) A Dutch
marking. The point where the white fur ceases and the colored fur begins, on
the upper part of the body.
SCREW TAIL-
See Wry Tail.
SENIOR-
A rabbit 6
months of age or over in those breeds having 4 showroom classes. A rabbit 8
months of age or over in breeds having 6 showroom classes. An animal having
reached minimum senior breed weight, if allowed in the breed standard.
SHADOW BARS-
Weakness of
color in the fur on either front or hind feet. Appearing in the form of light
colored bars running across the feet and legs.
SHAPE-
The general
conformation of the rabbit’s overall appearance, as shown by body structure.
Synonym for type.
SHEEN-
The principal
feature of the Satin mutation. A bright, natural luster attributed to the
unique structure of the guard hair shaft. Having a glass-like transparent hair
shell with the ability to reflect light. Sometimes used in error to describe
fur condition on a normal fur.
SHOULDER-
That portion
of the body from the neck back through the 5th rib and the upper joint of the
foreleg.
SIDE TRIMMINGS-
Wool
appearing along the side of the head and face on some wool breeds.
SILVERING-
Fur having the
appearance of a silvery gloss or luster. Caused by an abundance of silver white
or silver tipped guard hairs, evenly distributed throughout the fur, so as to
present an overall shiny or silvery appearance.
SLIPPED CROWN-
Placement of
the crown too far forward, or too far back, on the head of some lop breeds,
causing the ear carriage to be misplaced.
SLIPPING COAT-
A
coat of fur that is shedding or molting.
SLOBBERS-
Excessive
salivation creating a wet or extremely moist and unsightly fur around the
mouth, lower jaws, and forelegs.
SMUT-
(1) A dark,
sooty appearing surface color, usually formed by a large number of dark guard
hairs. Found in many rabbits that carry the genetic factor of red.
(2) Pelt stain
found in Himalayans, Californians, and Pointed Whites.
(3) The nose
marking found on Himalayans.
SNIPEY-
An
elongated, narrow head, usually terminating in a pinched muzzle.
SOLID-
A
classification, for judging purposes, within a breed. Generally including all non
Broken animals, as found in Lops.
SORE HOCK-
An
ulceration of the foot pad. Can occur on either hind or front feet.
SPLAYED (SPRADDLED LEGGED)-
A condition
where the rabbit cannot hold the front or back legs under the body. The legs
spread out from the body.
SPOT-
(1) A distinct
and noticeable cluster of foreign colored hairs forming a definite spot.
(2) A foreign
color in the iris or on the surface of the cornea of the eye.
STAPLE LENGTH-
length
of the Angora fiber or wool.
STRAIN-
A genetically
related bloodline possessing distinguishing characteristics such as type,
color, or coat, and the ability to pass the characteristics to the offspring.
SURFACE COLOR-
The
top color of the fur, lying in its normal position.
TASSELS-
The longer wool
on top of the ears of some wool breeds.
TICKING-
Longer guard
hairs, throughout the coat, of a color distinct from the under wool or body
fur.
TINT-
A slight
coloring or dusting of one color on another color. A variation in the intensity
of a color.
TRIANGLE-
The small area
behind the ears, in the shape of a triangle, which is generally lighter in
color than the rest of the coat. A feature of Tan and Agouti Patterned animals.
TUCKED UP-
(1) A
trim appearance, with the flank and belly gathered in closely to form an arch
when the rabbit is in a sitting position.
(2) A posing
failure caused by pushing the hindquarters too far forward.
TYPE-
Denotes the
conformation. The shape or size of a particular part. The general physical
makeup of the rabbit.
UNDER WOOL-
The shortest
wool fiber, lying at the base of the wool coat. The proportion of under wool to
other fibers may be a distinguishing characteristic of some wooled breeds.
UNDERCOLOR-
The
color at the base of the fur shaft or next to the skin.
UNDERCUT-
The belly
marking on a Dutch rabbit. A continuation of the saddle marking to the
underneath side of the rabbit.
UNDERCUT HINDQUARTERS-
Where
the skeletal or muscular structure does not fill the lower hindquarters.
VARIETY-
A
division within a breed or group. Color determines the variety.
VENT DISEASE-
A venereal
disease in rabbits that affects both sexes. Indicated by a scabby, reddened sex
organ, often exuding puss.
WALL EYE (MOON EYE)-
An eye that is
whitish on the surface (cornea) of the eye. Having a milky film over the eye.
WEBBED-
Angora wool
fibers that are in the beginning of felting or matting. A loose tangling of fibers that can usually
be removed by grooming.
WHITE TOENAIL-
A
toenail without pigmentation. Showing only the pink cast of the blood vessel.
WOLF TEETH-
Protruding or
elongated incisors in either the upper and/or lower jaw, caused by
malocclusion. Improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth which prevents
normal wear. Buck teeth.
WRY NECK-
Carriage of the
head to one side at an angular plane, instead of the normal carriage in a
vertical plane.
WRY TAIL-
An abnormal
tail, bent, carried, or twisted permanently to one side. A corkscrew tail with
one or more turns.
YELLOW FAT-
Body
fat that is yellow in color. Not harmful, but undesirable from a sales
standpoint.