HORN RAPIDS RABBITRY

THE BELGIAN HARE


A Belgian Hare is a rabbit, not a Hare as its name indicates. Unlike a hare, its young are born furless with closed eyes and ears and, although they can mate with a true hare, no young will be produced.

The Belgian Hare is a long and narrow rabbit with a back line showing a continuous arch from the nape of the neck to the tail. A good animal is firm in flesh, alert, and has a nervous disposition. When moving about, it carries its body well above the ground or floor and exhibits graceful movements.

The color of the Belgian Hare is a deep, rich, red of a tan or chestnut shade with brilliant black wavy ticking over its back and hips. Its eyes are large and bold and are surrounded by light circles giving a wild alert expression.

The legs of the Belgian hare are long, slender, straight and have very fine bones.

The ARBA Standards of Perfection call for the ears of the Belgian Hare to be carried erect. This is the position that they would normally assume when in the "on-alert" stance or when excited. However, when resting or relaxed, they are normally carried horizontally across the back.

The show weight of Senior (over 6 mo.) Belgian Hares is more than 6 pounds (2.7 kg) but under 9 pounds (4.1 kg.).

NEXT   The Origins of the Belgian Hare


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