10/25/2026
Our rabbitry has moved on from English Angoras. We are focusing our time on breeding the highest quality French and Mini Lops according to the ARBA Breed Standards. However, as we sent our remaining breeder EA's on, we ended up doing a bit of a swap with Reineigh Daze Ranch & Rabbits! They now have our lines down in Tennessee and we've taken on a new breed! A breeding trio of Lilacs - thanks to Reineigh Daze!
According to The Livestock Conservancy's website, Lilacs are a heritage breed currently on the WATCH list. Per the Conservancy's website:
"Lilac rabbits are known to have originated in a number of locations at about the same time, the first breeder is said to be H. Onslow, of Cambridge, England. In 1913, he showed Lilacs for the first time at the famous London exhibition. Miss Mabel Illingworth also crossed her newly developed breed, the Blue Imperial, with the Havana to produce a Lilac in 1913. She called her new creation Essex Lavenders. C.H. Spruty of Gouda, Holland created the Gouda or Gowenaar in 1917, using Havanas and Blue Beverens, but these were of a greater size. In 1922, Professor R.C. Punnet of Cambridge University created what he called the Cambridge Blue using Blue Beverens and Havanas. All three of the British strains were eventually merged and the rabbits of the pinkish dove coloration became known as Lilacs. There are a number of strains of Lilacs but, because of breeders’ preferences, the colors will vary greatly as will the size of the animals."
For now we're focusing on using this heritage breed for its initial purpose, which is to.feed our family. Keep your eye out, our lilacs may appear at shows beyond 4H in the coming years. Side quest initiated. Lilacs!
