There is no such thing as the PERFECT Dutch, although there has certainly been some close to perfect ones produced over the century plus years since the breed was developed. In breeding Dutch rabbits two ideally marked specimens mated together does not guarantee well marked offspring. This makes the Dutch rabbit a challenge to breed. Therefore to breed the ideal Harlequin Dutch it has to be considered the ULTIMATE OF CHALLENGES. No two Harlequin Dutch are ever alike, and the contrast of the Black and Orange coloration, coupled with the White markings, make for a very striking animal indeed. The Harlequin Dutch not only comes in the Black and Orange coloration, but also in Blue, Chocolate and Lilac, yet it is the Black and Orange combination that is most striking and has the greatest following. The Harlequin Dutch is by far the most popular Dutch variety for the pet trade, and as with any Dutch, make wonderful pets.

The Harlequin Dutch has not be accepted to the American Rabbit Breeders Association Standard of Perfection as a new variety, although there are efforts to do so.

Working Standard for the Harlequin Dutch by Jill Dobson

HARLEQUIN - The color to be banded or barred pattern of black & orange, (definitions, a band is considered as unbroken circle of marking color, a bar is a semi-circle of marking color, running vertically on a side). The cheeks to be equally divided, one side black, the other orange. One ear is to be black, the other orange (one solid color from tip to base). The black ear is to be on the orange side of the face and the orange ear is to be on the black side of the face. The pattern over the back and belly may be banded, barred or a combination of both without preference. Clean lines are to be stressed, with alternating black and orange color. The ideal body pattern to consist of at least 4 or more alternations of bands and/or bars on each side, beginning at the saddle & undercut. The hind legs & feet to continue alternation of black & orange to the white stop markings. The top & underside of tail to show alternation of orange & black. Eyes - Dark Brown.

Faults - Head & Ears incomplete demarcation, ears the same color, ears which fail to alternate with cheek color pattern. Body excessive brindling of pattern, lacking distinct bars or bands. Poor balance of sides due to plain unmarked side.

Disqualification - An absence of two colors (black & orange) on each section: the head & ears, the body, the belly, the feet & legs and the tail.

Note: The body type of the Harlequin Dutch should be consistent with the current Standard of Perfection. All markings and general disqualifications apply.