Merle pattern

[doxiemoxie]

Are there any breeds that produce a merle pattern coat? If so can anyone direct me to links or post pics of their own rabbits with merle pattern? Thank you

 

[Mea]

Closest one i can think of would be Harlequin. it is not really desirable... but the color bands sometimes blur.

 

[Alicia G]

I'd go with either Harlequins or Mini rex. Both come in a Merle like color (harlequin) and are quite beautiful. I have seen a handful of Harli Hollands lops, but I don't know if its a recognized color or not.

 

[Ms. Research]

I'd go with either Harlequins or Mini rex. Both come in a Merle like color (harlequin) and are quite beautiful. I have seen a handful of Harli Hollands lops, but I don't know if its a recognized color or not.

Tri-Color I believe is not YET recognized in Holland Lops. I believe they, certain breeders, are working on getting this to be a recognized color.

 

[Alicia G]

Tri-color? The ones I have seen were brown with black and lighter brown mottling, as well as brown with blue mottling, just as a Harlequin looks. The lady called them Harlequins, but I am not familiar with color patterns.

 

[doxiemoxie]

This is what I'm looking for. Not broken (which has rounded spots on white) but definite two color that's not brindled.

 

[CocoNUT]

OOOOh...that's a neat color pattern! Reminds me of those Jelly Belly jelly beans! Coffee bean or hot chocolate with marshmallows!

 

[Ms. Research]

Yes truly a neat pattern. I think the rabbit looks more like a rex so maybe looking at that breed to find that color pattern. Probably could find that color in Netherlands, Holland Lops, Rexes. I believe these breeds have different color variations. Certain breeds like Dutch, Silver Foxes, have a distinct pattern that needs to be accomplished to keep the breed the way it is.

Definitely a neat pattern. Good luck in your search. Let us know if you another one.

 

[crazyturkeydesigns]

This is what I'm looking for. Not broken (which has rounded spots on white) but definite two color that's not brindled.http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/4175_merle_bunny.jpg

I know it's broken, but that picture reminded me of this oddity.
Unfortunately it's not genetically possible (that we know of, anyhow) to get something like that blue/black doe (at least in mini rex). It looks like something similar happened with the above animal, although it does look a little like a sable in molt :/ It's hard to tell.
I think the closest you're going to get to a merle pattern is a harlequin pattern. There's the Harlequin breed and then there's a list of breeds that are known to carry the pattern, like mini rexes and holland lops.
Are you looking to breed or have a pet bun?

 

[doxiemoxie]

That's my boy, "Starbuck," and although I am sure he's out of meat stock he is an unknown (and a craigslist rescue). He has a great personality and I am considering breeding that coat, as well as personality, into a line. I was just trying to see if someone recognized it as something already established. My sister thinks maybe beveren. There is no banding (agouti) in his coat, and the undercoat is white or very light tan.

edit to add: that blue/black broke doe is beautiful! thank you for the link.