At a glance the quick version
Bucks 8-10 lb, does 9-11 lb (ARBA maximum 11 lb); does are usually the heavier sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense rollback fur with long guard hairs
A solid, rounded rabbit with a broad chest, short neck and well-muscled front and back. The pure white coat is short and plush, and its plentiful long guard hairs give it a frosted shine. Its signature feature is a thin black ring around each dark brown eye, like neatly drawn eyeliner.123
Personality what they are like
A friendly, affectionate rabbit that is lively yet good-natured. It is often recommended for families, seniors and people keeping a rabbit for the first time.231
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active and hardy breed that enjoys regular playtime and socialising outside its enclosure.135
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush every two weeks, increasing to once or twice a week during moults. Keep bedding clean to help the white coat stay bright.3
Home where they are happiest
Can live indoors or in a weatherproof, raised outdoor hutch. The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can run, stretch up, hide and play; a hutch alone should only be the sleeping base, joined to a large run or daily free-roam time. Spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly.35
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up the bulk of the diet (around 70 percent or more), with a measured portion of rabbit pellets, a daily handful of fresh leafy greens and vegetables, fruit only as a small treat, and fresh water at all times.35
Company who they like around
Rabbits are sociable animals and the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own; a neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people suits this breed best.5
The story where it all began
Eugénie Bernhard spent about two decades shaping the breed in Normandy, crossing white and marked breeds such as the Vienna White, Papillon and white Flemish Giant until she had a white rabbit with fine black eye rings. It was first shown in Paris in 1920 and recognised in France in 1922, and after the original US imports faded out, a new group of eight rabbits from France in 1978 led to ARBA recognition in 1979.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The black eye bands should be only about 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide, giving the look of fine spectacles.1
- 2
Its long guard hairs give the white coat a frosty sheen.2
- 3
Its first American show appearance after reintroduction was at the New Mexico State Fair in September 1978.1
- 4
The name simply means 'white of Hotot', after the Normandy village where it was created.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised; one variety, white with black eye bands; maximum 11 lb. National club website: hrbi.online.4
- ARBA
- Recognition date 5 March 1979 confirmed.2
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised; grouped with the rare breeds of the Rare Varieties Club.1
- French authorities
- Officially recognised 13 October 1922 after its first showing in Paris in 1920.2
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Conservation Priority List status: Watch.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Blanc de Hotot. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Blanc de Hotot - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, weights, body, eye band width, BRC, first US show
- Blanc de Hotot Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history dates, weights, coat, temperament, conservation status
- Blanc de Hotot Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, temperament, grooming, care
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition 1979, maximum weight, variety, national club
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space, diet and companionship guidance
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.