Rabbit Breed Profiles: The Blanc De Bouscat

While some are quick to dismiss the Blanc de Bouscat as your standard backyard, plain white bunny, the Blanc de Bouscat is actually a popular breed of rabbit in his native France. Surprisingly, this frosted white bunny was specifically bred for his coloration, his size and his unique coat. Considered a rare breed by the British Rabbit Council, this unique breed is relatively unheard of, outside of his native home.

The Origins of the Blanc de Bouscat

The Blanc de Bouscat, Le Géant blanc du Bouscat or Giant White Bouscat, was first bred by Mr. & Mrs. Dulon back in 1906. Originally known as Herminé, the breed was created by crossing three important breeds - the Argente Champagne, the Flemish Giant and the Angora. The main goal was to develop a large rabbit that had a pristine and beautiful white pelt, which would bring top dollar. Breeding in the Angora stock was an attempt to make the coat longer and more silky. Their breeding attempts were successful, resulting in this gorgeous rabbit.

In 1910, the Blanc de Bouscat made his debut at the Paris rabbit shows and, in 1924, it became the first standard that was accepted by the French Society of Cuniculture (SFC). Today, the Blanc de Bouscat is accepted by rabbit clubs throughout Europe, including the BRC (British Rabbit Council). They are not, however, an accepted breed in the United States.

The Description of a Blanc de Bouscat Bunny

The Blanc de Bouscat is a pure white, or albino, rabbit that owes much of his size and type to his Flemish Giant ancestors. Somewhat long in proportion to his width, this is a lively and robust breed of rabbit with a good amount of bone. For the Bouscat to reach weights of 14-15 pounds or more, is not unheard of for bucks OR does. It's important to note, however, that type should not be discounted in favour of size.

The Blanc de Bouscat should have no pigmentation, whatsoever, making them a pure white rabbit. It's this purity of coat that they were originally bred for - the white pelts bring better prices than colored because they can be dyed. A pelt with a beautiful roll-back quality and silky texture, like the Bouscat, is a definite prize.

The eyes of the Blanc de Bouscat rabbit should be a pale pink and, upon closer inspection, should show the tiny cappilaries in the eye. All of their toenails should be white or clear.

The Blanc de Bouscat as a Pet

The Blanc de Bouscat rabbit can make an excellent pet for the experienced handler or older child. While their lively natures can be a bit much for younger children, they are generally more docile and calm when people adopt them young and then use regular positive reinforcement handling sessions to teach them to enjoy being held and petted. If you like pink-eyed white bunnies, you're sure to be enchanted in no time.

The one downfall of the Blanc de Bouscat as a pet is the fact that they are listed as a rare variety by the British Rabbit Council. This means that, if you have your heart set on adopting one, you may have to travel a distance to find one, or you may have to pay a hefty shipping fee. Additionally, Blanc de Bouscat rabbits may cost a bit more than your more common breeds though, if you're looking for pet-quality only, never be afraid to ask your local rabbit breeder. Quite often, they may have some great rabbits that will make excellent pets, but who aren't what they'd like to put on the show tables. These pet quality bunnies can live long and healthy lives as pet rabbits and often cost considerably less.

Sources:

Personal experience as a long-time rabbit breeder
British Rabbit Council http://www.thebrc.org/standards/N9-Blanc%20de%20Bouscat.pdf - Breed Standard