Rabbit Breed Profiles: The Pearl Grey of Halle

No one can say for sure, how the beautiful Pearl Grey of Halle came into being, but ever since his first appearance this gorgeous bunny has been creating a stir.

The History of the Halle Pearl Grey

Very little is known about the origins of the Halle Pearl Grey rabbit, but what is recorded is that they originally showed up in a little of Havana bunnies, owned by Belgian rabbit breeder, Mr. Vervoort of Halle. According to breed standards, the Havana rabbit breed can be found in black, blue and chocolate. The genetic dilute of chocolate (lilac) occasionally pops up in litters, but it is not an accepted color and, therefore, lilac-colored Havana rabbits are not registerable. Nevertheless, while the breed does have diluted shades, no Havana rabbits are known to carry this soft dove grey coloration that is possessed by the Pearl Grey of Halle. Whatever kind of cross or strange mutation created the first Halle Pearl Greys remains a mystery to this day, and probably always will.

The Halle Pearl Grey and the World

Very few people, outside their native Belgium, have ever seen the Pearl Grey of Halle. Roughly 10 years ago, a few Grey Pearls were brought into the UK by noted rabbit breeder and importer Lew Bevan. Since then, a few breeders have taken up breeding these beautiful soft grey bunnies, but their numbers are still limited. Further complicating the acceptance of this unique breed, there were discrepancies in the breed standards, as listed by Belgian breeders. According to the standard, the Halle Pearl Grey was to have brown eyes - something which is a genetic impossibility for a dilute shade rabbit (dilutes also have a diluted eye color).

Originally classified as a fur breed, the RVRC (Rare Varieties Rabbit Club) recommended that the breed be recognized as a fancy breed, which better suited not only their soft shining coat, but also their smaller size. Today, the Pearl Grey of Halle is found to hold a degree of popularity in European rabbit shows, but she is still not standardized, nor is she accepted or recognized as a breed in the United States.

The Pearl Grey of Halle Breed Description

A small breed of rabbit, the Pearl Grey of Halle weighs between 4 and 5 pounds as a mature senior (adult). They are a compact breed that possesses a graceful arch from the shoulder, rising gently up over well-rounded hindquarters. Closely resembling the Havana rabbit breed in general body type, it is their unusual coloring that sets them apart from what is rumored to be their parent breed.

The Halle Pearl Grey is a timid rabbit, but is generally very well-mannered and described as being laid-back, overall. This, combined with their small size and low-maintenance coat, makes them an ideal rabbit for the small-market breeder or junior exhibitor. Hopefully, when the breed gains more popularity, they will eventually be enjoyed as beautiful and loving pet rabbits as well as unusual and rare show bunnies.

Sources:

http://www.taraxstud.20m.com - Breed description of the Halle Pearl Grey

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/critters/rabbits/havana.php - Breed description of the Havana Rabbit