Rabbit coat genetics

Prior to domestication, rabbits were all of the agouti or wild-type color pattern, characterized by alternating bands of black and red color on the hair shaft.

Major coat color genes
Most of the genes that affect coat colors on rabbits are located on four pairs of chromosomes. These genes have been categorized into a system referred to as the coat color series and are labeled A to E (agouti, brown, color, dilution, and extension).

A series: Agouti

 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheet: Understanding the A Locus (Agouti, Tan/Otter, Self) in Rabbits

B series: Brown

 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheet: Understanding Recessive Chocolate Inheritance in Rabbits

D series: Dilution

 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheet: Understanding the D Locus (Dilution) in Self Rabbits

Coat pattern genes
Other genes other than the major A to E coat color series exist that also exert pronounced effects on the coat color pattern.

Du series: Dutch

 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheet: Understanding the Dutch Pattern in Rabbits

En series: Broken
Charlies have two En/En genes, normal broken rabbits have En/en genes, while normal solid colored rabbits have en/en genes.


 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheets: Understanding the Broken Pattern Gene in Rabbits
 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheet: Understanding the English Spot Pattern in Rabbits

v series: Vienna

 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheet: Understanding the Vienna Gene in Rabbits (Blue Eyed Whites)

m series: Mane locus

 * Wintertime Rabbitry. (2016). Cheat Sheet: Understanding Mane Genetics in Lionhead Rabbits