26 Black and White Rabbit Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

The prodigious history of rabbit breeding has produced a fascinating array of color combinations. Sometimes, this has been deliberate: The Havana, Lilac, Thrianta, and Harlequin are just a few examples of rabbits that were specially bred for their colors. When shown professionally, these rabbits are closely scrutinized for the fineness of their coloration.

Other times, the coloring occurs quite by accident or as a result of considerable interbreeding: The Lop, Angora, and Rex families all owe their variety of colors to the breeding necessary to achieve their other desirable characteristics. In these cases, the colors are a fantastic side benefit for prospective pet owners.

Ultimately, coloration is a significant aspect of what makes rabbit types so intriguing. Let’s look at each of the breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association that have both black and white in their coat.¹

The 26 Black & White Rabbit Breeds

1. American Fuzzy Lop

If you’re ever looking for a particular color of rabbit, chances are that the Lop family has it! American Fuzzy Lops in the “pointed white” coloration group can be found with black markings on their noses, feet, and tails. Often weighing less than 4 pounds, they are especially well suited to homes that don’t have much space to accommodate a cage.

2. Blanc de Hotot

With its distinctive “eyeliner” look, the pleasantly robust Blanc de Hotot has a striking black-and-white contrast. One of the rarer breeds of rabbits still in existence today, the Blanc de Hotot, got its start in early 1900s France as a descendant of the now-disused Giant Papillon. Their dense, fine fur is especially luxurious to pet.

3. Britannia Petite

A mini breed with a prominent posture, the black-and-white speckled Britannia Petite is notable as being the only small rabbit (under 4 pounds) with an arch reminiscent of wild hares. Their plucky attitude and vigorous energy make them popular among owners who prefer more active pets.

4. Californian

The medium-sized Californian is one of only a few breeds that is black and white by default. Its pure white body is accented by an almost black nose, feet, tail, and ears. The Californian is nearly twice as large as the breed most similar in appearance, the Himalayan.

5. Checkered Giant

Usually weighing between 11 and 16 pounds, the Checkered Giant is a larger-than-life rabbit with distinctive black-and-white coloration and a high arch. With its raised belly and prominent black markings on the ears, snout, and spine, this big bunny is unmistakable in a lineup.

6. Dutch

These small (but not miniature) rabbits are well-known for their unique coloration, sometimes referred to simply as “Dutch markings.” With a white face and matching white saddle, when found with black as their complementary color, they can appear to be wearing a mask!

7. Dwarf Hotot

Sporting the same black eyeliner as the Blanc de Hotot, these miniaturized versions of the once-popular French rabbit have fared much better in the American market than their larger brethren. Due to their small size, they are sometimes favored as pets in houses with limited space.

8. English Angora

As the smallest of the Angora breeds, the English Angora also carries the distinction of being the most difficult to groom; its hair tends to mat easily. Better for experienced rabbit owners, the English Angora can be seen with a unique black, white, and grey color scheme that is sure to draw admiration from onlookers.

9. English Lop

The largest of the Lop breeds, the English Lop is most easily recognized by its incredibly oversized ears. Look for one in the “pointed white” color group to find a combination of black and white in its coat.

10. English Spot

A stereotypically black and white rabbit, the English Spot sports the lithe body style of a hare. Their distinctive black shoulder markings differentiate them from the Rhinelander and Checkered Giant, two other spotted breeds.

11. French Angora

Among the Angora family, the French Angora may look the most individual and special with a black and white coat. Since it lacks the furry face of other Angoras, the color contrast can be seen more vividly.

12. French Lop

Nearly as large as the English Lop, but without the comically oversized ears, French Lops make excellent house pets. Their wide palette of colors includes a variety of black-and-white combinations.

13. Harlequin

Harlequins are especially prized for their unique color combinations. Look for one in the “magpie group” of colorings to find one whose face will be divided between black and white, resembling its namesake character’s mask.

14. Havana

Although perhaps best known for its all-black coloring, the Havana is also available with a broken black and white coat. Their compact bodies and kindhearted demeanors make them popular house pets.

15. Himalayan

Often recommended as a suitable rabbit for complete novices, the Himalayan is readily available in a sharp black-and-white contrast color scheme. Possessed of an easygoing attitude, they feel at home in just about any environment.

16. Holland Lop

These scrunched-up balls of fluff have a lovely energy about them and are generally regarded as fantastic pets. What they lack in size, they make up for in personality and wide availability of interesting coat patterns.

17. Jersey Wooly

Combining the best of the extra-fluffy Angora family with the manageable coat of the Chinchilla and the tiny stature of the Netherland Dwarf, Jersey Woolies are favorites among pet owners who want a fuzzy breed without as much upkeep. In their black-and-white coloration, they can display stark contrast between the fur on their face and the rest of their coat.

18. Lionhead

Proudly displaying a fluffy mane akin to their namesake, the Lionhead is particularly handsome when found in black and white. Especially prized is when the body and mane are seen in contrasting colors.

19. Mini Lop

Although larger than the Holland Lop, the Mini Lop has many of the same color combinations available to choose from. Look for those in the “broken” or “pointed white” color groups.

20. Mini Rex

With a characteristically rich and velvety coat, the Mini Rex can be found in a variety of color configurations combining black and white. The broken part has been said to resemble the color pattern and texture of a Jersey cow.

21. Netherland Dwarf

Look especially for the “black otter” coloring, a unique black-and-white pattern found almost exclusively in this spunky little breed.

22. Polish

The slight build of the Polish rabbit is most often found in solid colors. Search out a “broken” rabbit for the possibility of a black-and-white coat.

23. Rex

Larger and more robust than its miniature progeny, the Rex has all the same desirable characteristics in its coat. It is one of the very few breeds available in the “black otter” coloring.

24. Satin

Known especially for the luster of their coats, the Satin is the unwitting descendent of a Havana breeding program. It’s commonly seen in black with white accents or vice versa.

25. Satin Angora

This high-maintenance, amazingly soft, and silky breed has the benefit of a distinctive color contrast between its face and coat—perfect for showcasing a black-and-white combination.

26. Silver Marten

The offspring of a Chinchilla and a Tan, the Silver Marten always sports a stylish white accent over the color of its base coat.

Final Thoughts

Purposely or otherwise, plenty of rabbit breeds have been developed to have a black-and-white color scheme. We hope that this guide, informed by the ARBA and Lynn M. Stone’s brilliant book, “Rabbit Breeds: The Pocket Guide to 49 Essential Breeds,” has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect black and white rabbit for your life!

Related Rabbit Color Reads:

• Beautiful Black Rabbit Breeds
• Popular Brown Rabbit Breeds

Featured Image Credit: Ueli Heim, Pixabay