The Perlfee rabbit with it's unusual coloration originated in Germany in the early 1900s. There are two notable breeders that created the Perlfee with very similar results. Mr. K. Hoffmans of Dusseldorf used Havana and the Fee De Marbourg breeds to create his new breed which he called Dusseldorfer Perlfee. Hoffmans objective was to produce a coat color that resembled the Siberian squirrel which was is such great demand by the furriers of the time. It should be noted that Mr. K. Hoffmans is also the creator of the Lux rabbit (Lynx) which he created by using the his new Dusseldorfer Perlfee, Fee De Marbourg, Tans and Sable which was officially recognized in Germany in 1922.

Another breeder by the name of Deiniger from Augsburg, Germany crossed Havanas with agouti colored rabbits. Mr. Deiniger named his new breed Augsburger Perlfee. The two different Perlfees creations were eventually combined into one breed simply known today as Perlfee.

The unique feature of this breed is the fact that the tips of the guard hairs are both light and dark grey giving the coat a pearling effect. As you walk around the animal before you, it seems to change colors.

PERLFEE STANDARD (United Kingdom)

TYPE & WEIGHT - Cobby with broad chest and rounded hindquarters. Head well fixed to body of firm flesh with almost invisible neck. Ears strong, well furred and carried erect with rounded tips 10.16 - 12.7 cm (4 - 5 inches). Legs straight, medium boned. Eyes greyish blue with ruby glow. Nails horn colored. Weight kg 2.4 - 3.7 (5 1/2 - 8 lbs).

FUR - Dense with silky smooth appearance and numerous guard hairs.

COLOR:

TOP COLOR - Greyish blue. Three shades permitted, i.e. light, medium and dark, medium shade is preferable. Color extends evenly all over the body. Eye circles, jaw line, chest and insides of legs are much lighter. Small triangle on nape is brownish in color. Belly white with blue/grey under fur with a light brown band between belly color and body color. Tips of guard hairs are light grey and dark grey. This color must be clearly seen and give the fur a blue grey pearly look. The pearling must be as regular as possible covering all parts of the body, head, ears, chest, tail and outside of legs.

UNDER COLOR - Grey blue almost two-thirds of fur length, followed by an intermediate color, brownish in tint. This color is not to be clearly defined or banded, but must shade into other colors.

CONDITION - The exhibit should be in a perfect state of health and bodily condition, free from all soiling, particularly on the feet, ears and genital parts. The coat should reflect the overall good health of the exhibit, which should appear alert and vigorous.

FAULTS - Lacking type or density of fur. Nape triangle too big, traces of rustiness, barred legs, white hairs. Absence of belly under color. Chest and front feet light. Lacking pearling, white patches, white toenails and other color eyes.