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Advice on breeding Harlequins?
Topic Started: Sep 22 2012, 11:22 PM (468 Views)
SomeBunny2Love
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Hopelessly Addicted to the Fuzz
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When I tell other people who raise rabbits that I am planning to get into Harlequins they all tell me things like, "Good luck with that." and "That's a very difficult breed." So I'm looking for advice from others who are experienced in Harlequins...anything I should know BEFORE I get into the breed? I actually already have a buck but haven't found a doe that I like yet. My buck is a black Japanese. One person I spoke with told me that I should NEVER cross colors with Harlequins...black Japanese should only be bred to another black Japanese, etc. Then another told me that as long as I'm not mixing Japanese Harlequins with Magpies it's okay. Which is correct? Is there anything you wish you had known when you started out with this breed?
Amanda, raising Lionheads and Mini Lops since 2012
Brough Burrows Rabbitry
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NeuBunny
Genetics Geek!
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don't do them myself, hopefully someone here does and can give you further advice.

Harlequin is the one rabbit breed that has most of its points on pattern. From a theoretical genetics viewpoint, I would think that mixing colors (even japanese versus magpie) would be OK -- because those are all single dominant-recessive genes. The critical factor is going to be using animals with the best possible pattern -- correct alternation, sharp edges to the patches and nice large even patches. Those things are controlled by modifier genes -- multiple genes that are often co-dominant and difficult to predict exactly how they will interact. Sticking with animals from the same known lines (and line breeding) can be important in getting a set of modifier genes that work well together. So if breeders have traditionally kept the colors separate - such that good magpies and good harlequins are separate lines or black and chocolates are separate lines, then it is probably safer to stay within a group where those modifiers are more likely to be compatible. Example from a breed I know -- in minirex torts and reds are really just a difference in A versus aa. But the modifiers aren't compatible -- crossing torts and reds will likely make the offspring 'smutty' and it will take several generations of line breeding to correct that.

From that theoretical perspective -- for best results I'd recommend you look for a doe that is 'distantly related' (some same great-grandparents or at least same breeder) to your buck.
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Bumper
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POWITH
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Is it the harlequin breed, or harlequin color in Lionheads? Because if it's the breed, I can point you to a couple of people I think you should talk to. :)
--Ellyn
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SomeBunny2Love
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The breed.
Amanda, raising Lionheads and Mini Lops since 2012
Brough Burrows Rabbitry
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GorbyJobRabbits
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Hey, look at you! You chatterbox you. Now you can request a new title! PM the Admin to do so
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I'd stay away lol. I had them for a while, and got out of them because to be blunt no one culled anything, and every show I went to everything was snotting. Gets old fast.


I would shop around and be willing to travel and check out herds and see what is not sick for starters. Then I would look around and see how clean the markings are in their herd. You need a GREAT buck who throws VERY clean markings, and DARK markings. That's the most important. THe pattern will come no matter how ugly the parents pattern is.


Also, buy LARGE animals. Most people havea horrid time having animals of the proper weight. They are way too small. Not enough good body type either.


Most people will keep Magpies to Magpies, and Japs to Japs. I've crossed without issue. To me, it is important to have all 4 colors, treat them as though they are a self. Black, blue, choco, and lilac. The black helps deepen the other colors.


Like I said in your other threa,d you are welcome to PM, and I can give a few good breeders and plenty to stay away from. Harlies are fun, but just depressing when everyone lets them snot.
- Crystal
Amesville, OH

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