Podcasts about hotot

From Madame Blanchard’s Rabbitry in France in 1912 to the Peacebunny Cottage... We are the new home for four 9-12 pound rabbits with striking black eyeliner and satin sheen white fur. We are so grateful to partner with experienced breeders of champions to keep these purebred beauties from extinction. Tator Tot is a dwarf Hotot ( not endangered plus with stray splotches called a sport) but a distant relative who is one of our most popular bunny pals. Please visit YouTube channel this week and subscribe. Have a hoppy day!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peacebunnyisland/message

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You can also support by donating through PayPal.com at the link below: Hare of the Rabbit PayPal Thank you for your support, Jeff Hittinger.   Giant Angora Rabbit Breed They say that Angora rabbits are the “Bunnies with a Bonus”. Whatever that bonus is, the Giant Angora still claims the upper hand . It's renowned wool is said to be seven times warmer than the wool of the sheep. Its wool is so valuable because rabbits can produce more than six times of wool per pound of body weight than the sheep, and on top of that, the dietary requirement is 30% less per pound than the sheep. The Giant Angora is the largest of the ARBA recognized Angora breeds. It was originally developed to be an efficient commercial producer that could be sustained on 16-18% protein pellets plus hay, and live in the standard sized, all-wire cages. Giant Angora Rabbit Breed History/Origin For many years, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) only recognized two types of Angoras – the French and the English – because the other types were not different enough to be considered a separate breed. Because ARBA wouldn't allow German Angoras to be shown (their body type was considered too similar to the other Angora breeds), Louise Walsh of Taunton, Massachusetts created a new breed. Louise Walsh of Taunton Massachusetts set her sights on creating a larger breed of Angora that was different from the others. She used German Angoras, French Lops, and Flemish Giants to develop a completely different "commercial" body type. Walsh crossed German Angoras to larger commercial breeds and developed an all-white rabbit that had some ear and head furnishings with exceptional high-quality wool. ARBA officially recognized the Giant Angora in 1988. Its coat includes three types of wool: soft under wool, awn fluff, and awn hair. Due to its large size, the Giant Angora rabbit requires a large enclosure to ensure a comfortable life. Overall Description It is to have a commercial-type body with a very dense coat of wool. The head will be oval in appearance that is broad across the forehead and slightly narrower at the muzzle. The Giant Angora will have forehead tufts (head trimmings) and cheek furnishings. The head trimmings are to be noticeable, however, does are not as heavy in trimmings as the bucks. The ears should be lightly fringed and well tasseled. According to the ARBA Standard of Perfection, bucks should weigh 9 1/2 pounds (4.32 kg) or more. Does should weigh 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or more. There are no upper weight limits. The Giant Angora is also the only breed of angora that is only shown as a ruby-eyed white. The classification of the Giant Angora is different than the other Angora breeds due to the fact it is a 6-class animal. The junior buck and junior doe must be under 6 months of age and have a minimum weight of 4 ¾ pounds. The intermediate buck and intermediate doe are 6–8 months of age. The senior buck and senior doe are 8 months of age or over. The senior buck must weigh at least 9 ½ pounds. The senior doe must weigh at least 10 pounds. With judging the Giant Angoras the majority of the points are based on the wool, which includes density, texture, and length. The points for "general type" include the body type, head, ears, eyes, feet, legs, and tail. Like many other "giant" breeds of rabbits, the Giant Angora grows slowly. A doe usually takes more than a year to reach full maturity (size and weight). A buck can take up to 1.5 years to fully mature (size and weight). Coat Out of the four Angora breeds recognized by the ARBA, the Giant Angora rabbit produces the most wool. The Giant Angora produces more wool than the French, Satin or English Angoras. They have three different kinds of fiber in its wool: soft underwool (gentle waves and shine), awn fluff (crimped with a hooked end) and awn hair (guard hairs which are strong and straight). In order to keep their wool mat-free, be sure to brush it with a bristled brush once every two days or as necessary. If your Giant Angora’s wool gets a little dirty, spot-clean it with a damp towel. Despite being a descendant of the German Angoras, which do not molt, Giant Angoras go through a partial molt. However, their wool needs to be harvested 3-4 times a year by owners using shears or scissors and can produce 1-2 lbs of wool per year. Giant Angora wool is perfect to be dyed and made into clothes such as socks and mittens. The awn type wool exists only in the Giant and German Angora breeds. The Giant Angora has furnishings on the face and ears. Many people confuse the German with the Giant Angora, but it is their body type that differs. The Giant Angora coat contains three fiber types for its texture. The underwool is to be the most dominant over the other two types of hair. It should be medium fine, soft, delicately waved and have a gentle shine. The Awn Fluff has a guard hair tip and is a stronger, wavy wool. The Awn Fluff is found between the Underwool and Awn Hair. The Awn Hair, also known as guard hair, is the third type of fiber. The Awn Hair is a straight, strong hair that protrudes above the wool and must be present and evident. Most Giant Angoras do not fully molt, so breeders eagerly harvest the wool by shearing and hand-spin it into yarn, often mixing it with other animal fiber to give it strength. Then they dye it beautiful colors and knit it into assorted creative and useful garments. Giant Angora wool is perfect to be dyed and made into clothes such as socks and mittens. Today most spinning is done by hobbyists and small farmers. Beginning spinners may find Angora wool a challenge. In the past, commercial wool production was a healthy industry in the United States, but now China produces the most rabbit wool commercially. Colors Like other Angoras, the Giant Angora rabbit comes in a variety of hues from grey to brown to black, and broken colors. However, the only color that is accepted by the ARBA is REW (ruby-eyed white rabbits), also called albino rabbits. A Black color variety of the Giant Angora is in development, but has not been sanctioned by ARBA. Care Requirements Due to its large size, this rabbit requires an equally large enclosure to ensure a lengthy, comfortable life. Should your Giant Angora rabbit be an outdoor rabbit, wood enclosures that are raised from the ground and have a fenced bottom are preferred to keep them safe from the elements as well as predators. Indoor enclosures should have a wire frame and a plastic bottom where pet owners can place bedding. Some rabbit cages also have wire bottoms, however the wire is harsh on your rabbit’s feet. Be sure to spot-clean the bedding every day to give your rabbit a dung-free area to sleep and change the bedding every week or more as needed.  Giant Angora rabbits should always have a few toys to keep them entertained. Diet The Giant Angora was originally developed to be an efficient commercial producer that could be sustained on 16-18% protein pellets plus hay. Now who better that the original breeder for this Breed to speak about food. Evergreen Farm has been on the New England landscape for over 40 years. They are considered experts in the field of Angora Rabbits. Louise Walsh, Founder of Evergreen Farm , is the creator of the largest AMERICAN wool bearing type of rabbit in the world to date. The Giant Angora. So I have notes about feed from Evergreen Farm where the breed was created. "You are better off getting your food from a feed store such as Agway or a feed and garden store. You will find the food much fresher than that which is commercially available in pet stores. Though pet stores have a gift of making their feeds attractive, their turnover of product is much slower than a grain mill store, thus the freshness in the pet store can not usually measure up to that of the feed store. In reading the feed label if it says “forage and grain products” it might mean whatever they can obtain as cheaply as possible. It will give inconsistent ingredients and can give your bunny some digestive problems. Best to stay away from this one. Go for a feed that lists ingredients such as oats, wheat, or barley for energy. Corn is nasty as a primary grain. It makes a bunny fat. . High fiber and low protein feeds seem to work quite well on angora rabbits. I, personally wouldn’t want a protein over 18%. I like high fiber (good roughage to help the rabbit pass ingested hair). In grain stores you might consider a 50 lb bag of feed. It’s the cheapest practical way to purchase and after three months, when you’re still working on the bag, consider freezing the remainder. It won’t hurt it at all and it will maintain it’s freshness. HAY: = EXTREMELY important nutritional resource. Very young bunnies consume hay in their nest as soon as they can nibble a food. It’s an excellent source of fiber, a great diet food for the pudgy bunny. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals and a definite fun food. Best are low protein grass hays, such as timothy or orchard grass. These can be offered to the bunny as free choice (even Weight Watchers would approve. Lots of people gravitate toward alfalfa. It’s not a good idea as its high protein. Remember what I said about protein? NATURALLY DELICIOUS FOODS: You thought I wouldn’t say carrots? Of course, carrots. kale, romaine lettuce, a small slice of apple, dandelion, clover, parsley, blackberry leaves Also any wholesome cereal, . Birdseed, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, oatmeal & cheerios . That should be enough goodies." Health Giant Angora wool is perfect to be dyed and made into clothes such as socks and mittens. The most worrisome health issue a Giant Angora rabbit has to worry about is the possibility of developing wool block. Rabbits are clean creatures and like other animals, enjoy grooming themselves to keep their coat in good condition. Some animals, like cats, regurgitate the fur that they accidentally swallow – rabbits don’t have that ability. Instead, due to a diet that is poor in hay, the wool get stuck in their stomachs and creates sort of a hairball. The rabbit believes their bellies are full and refuses to eat and eventually dies of starvation. Symptoms of wool block include lack of appetite, less droppings and a less active rabbit overall. Should you suspect your rabbit is experiencing wool block, be sure to rush them to your local veterinarian to get the problem sorted. All rabbits are also susceptible to developing overgrown teeth. This problem is also caused to a diet that lacks a proper balance of hay, which is used to slowly grind down their teeth naturally. Overgrown teeth can grow into a rabbit’s jaw and face and be very painful. In order to prevent this, make sure to check your rabbit’s mouth every once in a while to check for overgrown teeth and always make sure they have a proper diet consisting of mostly hay. Care of the Giant Angora's wool coat is not as difficult as the care needed by the English Angora rabbit. However, angoras are susceptible to starvation by wool block, and are more sensitive to temperature changes due to their incredibly thick coats (or during the 1 - 1.5 months immediately following a shearing). Temperament/Behavior Giant Angoras should have as much time outside of their enclosures as possible in order for their individual personalities to really shine. Rabbits who are mostly kept in their enclosures and away from human activity do not have the time to interact with their humans and won’t be able to create a lasting relationship. Whether you decide to keep your Angora indoors or out, make sure they have plenty of room to roam around freely and safely. Indoor rabbits should have the freedom to hop around your rooms and have access to sunlight, while outdoor rabbits should be out of their enclosures a few hours every day to stretch their legs in a fenced yard or run. Giant Angoras are mostly used as fiber animals, meaning they are generally bred to produce wool. However, should you decide to keep this rabbit breed as a pet, be sure to socialize them when they are kits in order to have a well-rounded bunny that does well with smaller children and perhaps even other animals. Rabbits are not easy animals to litter train, however it is possible with lots of patience and rewards when they do the deed in the correct spot. Many owners find having several litter boxes spread across the home is a necessary evil in order for their indoor rabbit not to leave their droppings all over their home. They also find that if their rabbit is prone to doing the deed in one particular corner, they place a litter box in that corner so the rabbit can make the connection and understand that they should be doing their business in the box and not outside the box wherever they please. Evergreen Farm Evergreen Farm has been on the New England landscape for over 40 years. They are considered experts in the field of Angora Rabbits. Louise Walsh, Founder of Evergreen Farm , is the creator of the largest AMERICAN wool bearing type of rabbit in the world to date. The Giant Angora. In the past their facility has housed over 7,000 rabbits at one time. Through their barn doors people from all over the world have passed who have purchased and visited their wooly residents. At the time of the release of this episode they have rabbits available as well as wool products. Clubs The National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club, Inc (NARBC, Inc) was first organized as a specialty club for Angora breeders in 1932 with the AR&CBA (now the ARBA). The NARBC, Inc still remains a chartered National Specialty Club with the ARBA. United Angora Rabbit Breeders Club (UARC) was chartered by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 2007 through the hard work of a handful of dedicated breeders. In February of 2012, the UARC became affiliated with the National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club (NARBC). The UARC is a club for all Angora rabbit fanciers, whether their interests are showing, breeding, or fiber related. A club that is run by its members, for its members, for the promotion of Angoras through shared information, shows, meetings, and instruction in a creative and positive atmosphere. All club communication is done via the internet (email, yahoo group, and Facebook) including a club newsletter (when one is sent out). There is an Appalachian Angora Rabbit Club who have a page on Facebook, but their website seems to redirect to a Slim Korean Fashion Harem children's clothes website. Closing Giant Angora Rabbits are endangered as a breed. According to the Rabbit Geek, In 2006 and 2014, they ranked #2 on the Rare Breeds List, the second-rarest rabbit breed, after the Blanc de Hotot. This breed is for rabbit owners serious about spinning, fiber arts or selling fiber, who have the time & space to handle this gentle giant https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/giant-angora-rabbit/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angora_rabbit https://www.raising-rabbits.com/giant-angora-rabbits.html https://hickoryhillllamas.com/giant-angora-rabbits/ http://www.adoptarabbit.com/breeds/giant-angora/ http://rabbitbreeders.us/giant-angora-rabbits https://angorarabbit.com/cms/articles/angora-rabbit-breeds/giant-angora-rabbit-breed/ https://www.thecapecoop.com/what-breed-angora-rabbit-is-right-for-you/ http://www.evergreenfarm.biz/about_us http://nationalangorarabbitbreeders.com/new/ Rabbit Cures the Dragon King (A Korean Legend) Sep 29, 2002 by Amy Friedman and Meredith Johnson Long ago, in a land beneath the sea, the Dragon King was dying of a mysterious illness. The creatures of the undersea kingdom swam frantically to and fro, circling their king as he lay on his coral throne, wondering what they could do to help. At last the sea horse announced a cure. "The king must eat the liver of a rabbit," he said. "That will cure him." The Dragon King was overjoyed to hear this news, but the others were alarmed. "How will we find a rabbit's liver?" the shark asked the sea urchin. "I've no idea what we should do," wailed the cuttlefish to the cod. "How can we get this medicine to save our king?" moaned the octopus, and he twisted himself up in knots as he wrung his tentacles. But the turtle grinned. "I can fetch a rabbit," he said proudly. "I am the one sea creature who can also live on land." "Then do so at once," commanded the Dragon King, and without a moment's hesitation, the turtle swam toward the surface of the sea. He would find a rabbit, he would. When he arrived on the shore, he was struck by a troubling thought and paused to consider the situation. How would he convince a rabbit to swim beneath the sea with him? And how would he catch a rabbit? He had never actually met a rabbit, but he had seen them bounding through the forest when, on occasion, he sat upon the land sunning himself. As he crawled along the shore, a rabbit happened along. She had heard stories of turtles and was curious. "Hello there, turtle," the rabbit said. "Why hello, rabbit," the startled turtle answered. "I ... I didn't see you there." "Here I am," said the rabbit, "curious to know a turtle. I've never known one, you see." And so they talked for a while, learning about each other's world. Then the rabbit said, "I'd love to see your kingdom someday." "You would?" the turtle asked, surprised. "Why yes," said the rabbit. "You've told me all about the coral castles and the glittering shells. It must be a beautiful place." "Why don't you come with me?" asked the turtle. "I will!" the rabbit replied. "I can hold my breath very well, and I do so wish to see this Dragon King I've heard about." And with that the arrangements were made, and the rabbit hopped on the turtle's back, and splash! into the water they swam. For as long as possible, the turtle swam upon the surface, as he did not want his new friend to hold her breath for too long. The rabbit enjoyed the ride as they swam farther and farther from shore. Back on shore the monkeys let out wails, and the other forest creatures waved to the rabbit. "Don't go underwater," they called, but the rabbit was too excited to listen, and besides, she was enjoying her ride. Finally the turtle knew he would have to dive down toward his kingdom, and now he regretted bringing the rabbit along. How could he allow his new friend to give up her life -- and yet, he had to save the Dragon King. "Hang on," he called to the rabbit as he dived for the deep. Down, down, down they swam, and soon they arrived at the Dragon King's castle. The king was lying on his coral throne, looking very ill. "This is my king," the turtle said to her. And to the king, with some embarrassment, he said, "Your Majesty, this is your rabbit." "'His' rabbit?" the rabbit asked. "What do you mean, friend?" "My king needs a rabbit's liver to save his life," the turtle said sadly. "Does he?" the rabbit asked. The turtle looked down at the ocean floor and a tear dripped from his eye. "We have a problem," the rabbit said. "I've left my liver back in the forest. I'm afraid you'll have to take me home, where I can pick up my liver. Then we will return to give it to your king." "Hurry then," the Dragon King feebly implored. "Go, and return quickly. I'm very weak now." And so the turtle turned around, with the rabbit on his back, and off they swam. When they arrived at the shore, the rabbit quickly hopped off her friend's back. "I'll be right back," she said. She scampered into the forest, where she plucked a persimmon. Tearing open the fruit, she picked out several seeds, and these she wrapped in a leaf. Then she returned to the turtle. "I'm ready," she said, and off they swam, back to the kingdom beneath the sea. "I hereby offer you my liver," said the rabbit to the Dragon King, bowing low. "May you live in good health for many years." She handed the persimmon seeds to the king, who did not recognize them, of course. Under the sea, they had never seen persimmon seeds. Only the turtle understood. The king quickly swallowed the seeds, and a moment later he stood and patted the turtle's head. "I am cured!" he announced, "and as for you, rabbit, you have served our creatures well. We will always honor the rabbit." With that the turtle carried his friend back to shore. They never saw each other again, but they never forgot each other. And only the turtle, of all the undersea creatures, understood how truly wise the rabbit was. https://www.uexpress.com/tell-me-a-story/2002/9/29/rabbit-cures-the-dragon-king-a Abnormality of Incisor Teeth in Rabbits Incisor Malocclusion and Overgrowth in Rabbits A rabbit's teeth usually grow throughout its life, and a high fiber diet, with foods that warrant heavy chewing, are required for proper alignment and functioning, as the coarse foods help to keep the teeth at a manageable length. Occlusion, the fitting together of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws when the mouth is closed, can be hampered by overgrowth of one or more of the teeth, a condition referred to as malocclusion (where the prefix mal- joined with -occlusion refers to the ill-fitting shape of the teeth). If elongation of the cheek teeth occurs, complete closure of the mouth cannot be achieved, and the upper incisor teeth are prevented from coming into contact with the lower incisors, leading to excessive growth of the incisors. The incisor teeth can grow as much as one mm a day if left unopposed by the opposite jaw – the meeting/occlusion of the teeth, along with a diet high in roughage, acts as a natural inhibitor of the tooth's growth. Symptoms and Types Readily visible teeth Excessive drooling Tooth grinding Nasal discharge Food drops out of mouth Preference for softer foods Preference for a water bowl over a sipper bottle Decreased appetite or complete loss of appetite (anorexia) Weight loss Excessive tear production Facial asymmetry or exophthalmos (protrusion of eyeball) Pain (i.e., reluctance to move, depression, lethargy, hiding, hunched posture) Unkempt hair coat due to lack of self grooming Causes There are many factors that can lead to cheek teeth overgrowth. The most significant contributing or exacerbating factor is a diet that contains inadequate amounts of the coarse roughage material that is required for properly grinding the tooth's surface, allowing the incisors to grow into the surrounding soft tissues, damaging the tissue and even leading to secondary bacterial infections in the mouth. Dwarf and lop breeds have been found to be at an increased risk for congenital malocclusion, as they are more prone to skeletal abnormalities. Diagnosis Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your rabbit, differentiating between overgrown incisors and other tumors of the mouth of skull. Visual diagnostics will include skull and face X-rays, and computed tomography (CT) for better viewing of abnormalities. A fine needle aspiration (drawing and analyzing the fluid from swelling) will be taken for laboratory testing. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, complete blood count, urinalysis, and a bacterial culture to determine the exact strain of bacteria so that the appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed. Treatment Treatment, whether outpatient or inpatient, will be based on the severity of the symptoms. Fluids may need to be given if your rabbit is dehydrated, and intravenous nutrition if your rabbit has been suffering from a condition of anorexia. Appropriate antibiotic therapy will be given with caution. This is not the primary choice of treatment. If necessary, surgery may be performed to trim the teeth, extract teeth that cannot be repaired, or drain abscess that have occurred as a result of the malocclusion. In some cases, the intestinal tract may have been affected as well, and surgery may be required to remove solids from the intestine. After you have returned home, monitor your rabbit's appetite and production of feces, and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian immediately, as death may occur due to sudden and severe complications. Living and Management A warm, quiet environment will need to be set aside for your rabbit to recover in, but encourage a return to activity as soon as possible, as activity can greatly enhance recovery. If the rabbit is not too tired, encourage exercise (hopping) for at least 10-15 minutes every 6-8 hours. After the initial treatment, most rabbits will require assisted feeding for 36-48 hours postoperatively. Keep fur around the face clean and dry. It is important that your rabbit continue to eat during and following treatment. Encourage oral fluid intake by offering fresh water, wetting leafy vegetables, or flavoring water with vegetable juice, and offer a large selection of fresh, moistened greens such as cilantro, romaine lettuce, parsley, carrot tops, dandelion greens, spinach, collard greens, and good-quality grass hay. Feed timothy and grass hay instead of alfalfa hay, but also continue to offer your rabbit its usual pelleted diet, as the initial goal is to get the rabbit to eat and to maintain its weight and nutritional status. If your rabbit refuses these foods, you will need to syringe feed a gruel mixture until it can eat again on its own. Unless your veterinarian has specifically advised it, do not feed your rabbit high-carbohydrate, high-fat nutritional supplements. Recurrence is likely, so it is important to provide adequate tough, fibrous foods such as hay and grasses to encourage normal wear of teeth. Lifelong treatment, with periodic teeth trimming, is often required, usually every 1-3 months. This, in turn, will require both an investment in time and money on your part. Euthanasia may be warranted with severe or advanced disease, especially in rabbits that are in constant and/or severe pain, or cannot eat. https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/mouth/c_rb_incisor_malocclusion_overgrowth © Copyrighted

Hotot Outline Today we are going to discuss the The Blanc De Hotot and Dwarf Hotot (pronounced "Oh-Toe" or sometimes "Hoe-Toe").  “Hotot” is correctly pronounced “oh-toe,” but in America you will hear it more often said “hoe-toe.”  These Rabbits are also known as the "Eyes of the Fancy".  It looks like a bunny with eyeliner!”  Many people when they are introduced to this breed, become instant fans.  The Dwarf Hotot is a small rabbit with a round head, short uppity-ears, a sprightly personality and a pure white coat, except for the “eyeliner.”   What could be cuter?    These rabbits are bound to catch not only the eyes of onlookers, but also their hearts. History Credit for the Blanc de Hotot Rabbit is given to Eugenie Bernhard, chatelaine du Calvados, who is the second woman in history to develop a new rabbit breed.  The breed was developed in Hotot-en-Auge, Normandy near the port of Le Havre in northern France.  Bernhard's goal was to perfect a new breed for meat and fur in 1902.  She kept a large rabbitry of Flemish Giants and Géant Papillon Français (Checkered Giants).  She developed the Blanc de Hotot Rabbit breed for the desired black and white coloration on a rabbit appropriate for both fur and meat production.  History Dwarf Rather than simply being a miniature version of the larger Hotot, the Dwarf Hotot is the product of crossing several breeds with the Hotot.  Big size rabbits were appreciated for their saleable commercial value. However, during later years, huge bunnies went out of fashion and people started following dwarf breeds.  The Dwarf Hotot is the product of nearly simultaneous breeding efforts in East and West Germany in the 1970's. These breeders independently bred the same breed, but came together in the late 1970's to cross them.   MY STORY OF THE CHOCOLATE DWARF HOTOT By Nell Warren At the 1995 Texas Rabbit Breeders Assoc. Show, Tex Thomas was judging the Dwarf Hotots & one of Nell's entries was disqualified because the eye bands were chocolate in color & a ruby cast in the eye.  He made the comment that it was very good type with a very good head & ears.  This was the first time that the color had been recognized. This rabbit went home & was subsiquntly sold for snake food because Nell didn’t think that she needed that in her herd. This color started showing up again in her breeding so I thought that God was telling her that she should try working on this. This showed up in a couple of her lines so she decided to breed back chocolate to chocolate out of the different lines. This resulted with a nice litter of chocolates. . Overall Description Body The Blanc de Hotot Rabbit is a large size rabbit.  Usually, the female rabbits are slightly heavier than the males, with the body weight, ranging from 9 lbs to 11 lbs (4.1 kg to 5.0 kg), whereas the males have a body weight between 8 lbs and 10 lbs (3.6 kg and 4.5 kg). The fur of this rabbit breed has a huge number of protector hairs that generate a shine reminiscent of frost.  The breed is known for its lustrous fur, an abundance of guard hairs that gives the fur a frosty white sheen, and the striking black eye bands. Dwarf Dwarf Hotots are one of the cutest breeds of rabbits. They are white as snow, with a snowball shaped body. The Dwarf Hotot is a very small, compact breed, weighing 2.25-3.5 pounds, but with a maximum of 3 pounds for showing. They require a smaller living area than other rabbits, and are easily held in one's hand. Coat The Blanc de Hotot rabbit has soft, rollback fur that is relatively short, except for the extra-long guard hairs that give the rabbit its frosty sheen. It does not need much maintenance in order to keep it in tip-top shape. Dwarf Hotots have rollback coats that should roll back quickly into position when stroked the wrong way.  They need little grooming when not in a molt colors Most Dwarf Hotots that conform to the breed standards are solid white with black around the eyes. However, the ARBA recognizes black and chocolate varieties as well. It is worth noting that when wounded, the white Dwarf Hotot's fur sometimes comes back in black. Blanc de Hotot rabbits are completely white, its eyes are a dark brown and the only marking they should have is a ring around their eyes resembling eyeliner. care Dwarf Hotot Rabbits are best kept indoors to protect them from extreme temperatures, predators, and other outdoor dangers. They should be allowed to roam and exercise, preferably where they can get sunlight and fresh air. Extension hutches, exercise pens or lawn enclosures are recommended for safe outdoor exposure. Blanc De Hotot If kept in a cage, the enclosure should be at least five times the size of the rabbit with plenty of room to stretch and stand upright.  The rabbit enclosure can be indoors or out, weather and temperature permitting. Blanc de Hotots do not do well in extreme heat or cold, so always be aware of outdoor conditions before letting your rabbit spend time outside. diet Dwarf Hotot Rabbits as pets enjoy wet food, carrots, hay or lettuce, dark leaf lettuce is good. (Iceberg lettuce contains too much water and too little fiber to be suitable.) Limit giving them fruit with sugar in it.  Dwarf Hotot Rabbits are herbivorous and their diet will mainly consist of hay, pellets, and vegetables. Hay is very important for both digestive health and dental health.  Grass hays such as timothy, orchard, and oat hay can be fed in unlimited quantities, but alfalfa is high in calories and should only be provided occasionally.  Fresh pellets should also be made available daily – choose a pellet high in fiber and avoid mixes that include other foods like corn, seeds, or dried fruit.  Fruits and starchy vegetables should be limited in the diet, but make great treats! Make sure that all fresh foods are washed thoroughly, and uneaten fresh foods should be removed at the end of the day.  Fresh water should always be available, either from a sipper bottle or in a stable water bowl. Health Dwarf Hotots sometimes have trouble with GI stasis, so a good diet with plenty of hay is needed.  Like other small mammals, the Dwarf Hotot Rabbit can be susceptible to colds and viral infections. Exposure to draft, sudden changes in temperature and stress can lower the rabbit’s resistance to sickness. Rabbits are also vulnerable to conjunctivitis (a bacterial infection of the eyelids caused by smoke, dust, and fumes) and ear mites. Intestinal ailments like coccidiosis (parasites propagated by unsanitary conditions), bloat, and hairball obstructions are also common in rabbits. Dwarf Hotots are susceptible to intestinal blockages caused by ingesting fur, also known as trichobezoars or hairballs. The Blanc de Hotot rabbit is not susceptible to any hereditary diseases, but there are some things owners need to watch for. Overgrown teeth is by far one of the most common problems. Those caring for a rabbit should also check their ears periodically (bi-weekly) for any sign of ear mites, as it is also rather common, especially in outdoor rabbits. Flystrike is also another rabbit issue that occurs when flies lay their eggs in a rabbit’s soiled coat (usually on their bottom). When these eggs hatch, their sole source of protein is your rabbit. Lack of appetite, lethargy and/or sudden yelps of agony can be signs of flystrike. Take your rabbit to a veterinarian if you believe it has flystrike, as it could be deadly. Temperment/behavior The Blanc de Hotot Rabbits are active and strong hardy rabbit breed and they can be easily developed in all wire cages. The female rabbits of this breed are quite good mothers, and the Blanc de Hotot Rabbit have good-size litters. The juvenile rabbits of this breed will grow quite fast.  Their sweet dispositions make Blanc de Hotots great for families looking to have their first pet. Dwarf Hotots usually have a friendly personality, making them a good choice as a pet or show rabbit. Their small size also makes them ideal pets or show rabbits.  The Dwarf Hotot Temperaments can range from outgoing to moody/unstable, but as a rule they are friendly rabbits and well suited to a pet life.  Their affectionate, playful temperament is another quality that makes the Dwarf Hotot an excellent choice for pet owners. Caution as a pet:  Rabbits are a poor choice as a pet for young children. They may be soft and cute, but rabbits are easily stressed and frightened around loud noises and activity, and may bite or kick to get away.  In general, rabbits are physically fragile and easily stressed, and not recommended as pets for young children. uses Rabbits tend to be bred for one of four things: meat, fur, show, or pet use. The Blanc de Hotot rabbit is referred to as an “All-Purpose Rabbit” because it fulfills all four of these purposes.  It is a Multi-purpose rabbit, and It is a fine breed for either meat production or for showing, and they should also make for a great pet!  Even though this is a large breed of rabbit, they are gentle and easily handled. This makes them good for pets or show rabbits as well as meat production. The Dwarf Hotot is strictly a fancy breed.  At 3 pounds max, they are too small to be of commercial value.  Not all the babies in a litter of dwarf Hotots will be showable, some will have colored spots on their body or incomplete eyebands. Club The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) maintains the breed standard for all of the recognized rabbit and cavy breeds for it's international membership.  Recognized breeds are eligible for Registration and Grand Champion recognition. In 2004, additional imports to the US were made from Germany, the Netherlands and England.  The Blanc de Hotot is considered globally endangered, and is listed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy at "threatened" status, meaning they have a global population of less than 1,000 and less than 100 registrations in the US each year.  Though recent imports from Germany to the state of Washington in 2009 and from France to Nova Scotia, Canada in 2013, the Blanc de Hotot is an endangered breed in North America.  The Blanc de Hotot is recognized by the British Rabbit Council  and the American Rabbit Breeders Association.[6] In Britain, the Blanc de Hotot is grouped with other rare rabbit breeds in the Rare Varieties Club.  In the United States, the breeder association is named the Hotot Rabbit Breeders International. The American Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Club (ADHRC) was organized in 1982.  In 1983, the Dwarf Hotot was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), and is one of the more recent breeds to be recognized.  It has never been without a strong following, but also has never been among the most popular breeds.   For many years, the only accepted variety was white with black eyebands.   In the year 2006, chocolate banded Dwarf Hotots were accepted by the ARBA.  The black and chocolate banded bunnies are shown together, but the color must be specified on the registration forms.  Blue-band Dwarf Hotots have also been in development, but are not very near acceptance at this time. This breed is currently not recognized by the British Rabbit Council (BRC). Your continued interest in the Blanc de Hotot keeps this beautiful breed alive and well by encouraging breeders to continue to strive for excellence. The Blanc de Hotot is a beautiful rabbit that has made its way from the hearts of the French to the USA. Breeders work with people across the globe to promote and encourage the production of this breed. The average lifespan of a Rabbit The average lifespan of a rabbit is around 5 to 6 years and in captivity can live up to 8 years. . A rabbit is a long-term commitment with many living more than 10 years – The average lifespan of a Dwarf Hotot is 7 to 10 years, and the litter size for this breed is 2-4 bunnies. Word of the week: Graduate Why the Possum's Tail is Bare retold by Barbara Shining Woman Warren Possum once had a very long bushy tail. He was so proud of it that he combed it out every morning and he always sang about it at the dances. Rabbit used to have a long bushy tail too, but he lost his in the frozen lake. Rabbit was jealous of Possum's tail, so he decided to play a trick on Possum. A great council meeting and dance was to be held; all the animals were invited to attend. It was Rabbit's job to spread the news. Passing Possum's place, he stopped to ask Possum if he intended to come to the dance. Possum said, "Oh, I'll go if I have a special seat. Because I have such a handsome tail I ought to sit where everybody can see me." Rabbit said he would definitely see to it and he would also send someone to comb and dress Possum's tail for the dance. This pleased Possum very much and he said he would be there. Rabbit went straight way to the Cricket who was an expert hair-cutter; he is known by the Cherokee as the "barber". Rabbit told Cricket to go the very next morning and attend to Possum's tail for the dance. Rabbit told Cricket exactly how he wanted Possum's tail fixed, and then Rabbit went on about his mischief. Bright and early the next morning, Cricket went to the Possum's place. He said he had come to get Possum ready for the dance. So Possum stretched himself out on the floor and shut his eyes while Cricket dressed his tail. Cricket combed out the tail and began to wrap a red string all around it to keep the fur smooth until that night. But as he wound the string around Possum's tail, Cricket was clipping off the hair close to the roots and Possum never knew it. When it was time for the dance that night, Possum went to the townhouse where the dance was to be held. Just as Rabbit had promised, the very best seat was saved for Possum. Then Possum sat down and waited for his turn to dance. When his turn came, he loosened the red string from his tail and stepped into the middle of the dance circle. The drummers began to drum and Possum began to sing. As he danced around the Circle, he sang, "See my beautiful tail." Everybody shouted and he danced around the Circle again and sang, "See what a fine color it has." The animals shouted again and he danced around another time, singing, "See how it sweeps the ground." The animals shouted louder than ever, and Possum was delighted. He danced around again and sang, "See how fine the fur is." Everybody was laughing so long and so loud that Possum stopped to see what was the matter. He looked around at the circle of animals and they were all laughing at him. Then he looked down at his beautiful tail. There wasn't a hair left on it; it was completely bare! Possum was so upset and embarrassed that he fell over on the ground in a dead faint...with a slight grin upon his face, as possums do to this very day when taken by surprise. (adapted from "History, Myths and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokee" by James Mooney) http://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/blanc-de-hotot http://www.thenaturetrail.com/rabbit-breeds/dwarf-hotot-rabbit-breed-information/ http://rabbitbreeders.us/dwarf-hotot-rabbits National Specialty Club: www.adhrc.com http://animal-world.com/encyclo/critters/rabbits/DwarfHototRabbit.php http://knowledgebase.lookseek.com/Blanc-de-Hotot-Rabbit.html http://knowledgebase.lookseek.com/Dwarf-Hotot-Rabbit.html http://www.hrbi.org/ http://4-starpetcare.com/getting-to-know-dwarf-hotot-rabbit/ https://rightpet.com/breed-species/small-exotic-mammal/rabbits/dwarf-hotot-rabbit http://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/breedsrabbitblanc-de-hotot/ http://www.pets4homes.co.uk/breeds/rabbits/dwarf-hotot/ http://www.adhrc.com/ http://rabbitbreeders.us/blanc-de-hotot-rabbits  http://www.adhrc.com/linked/choc_band_story.htm http://www.native-languages.org/legends-rabbit.htm http://www.powersource.com/cocinc/articles/possum.htm