Rabbit Color Genetics Calculator
Predict rabbit offspring coat colors using the five main gene groups (A, B, C, D, E). Free rabbit color genetics calculator with Punnett squares, probability charts, and genotype breakdowns for rabbit breeders and genetics enthusiasts.
A — Agouti Pattern
B — Black/Brown
C — Color Intensity
D — Dense/Dilute
E — Extension
About This Calculator
The Rabbit Color Genetics Calculator helps rabbit breeders, genetics students, and pet owners predict the possible coat colors of rabbit offspring based on the five main gene groups that control rabbit coat color inheritance. By selecting the known genotypes of the sire (father) and dam (mother) for each gene group (A, B, C, D, E), you can determine the probability of each potential color outcome in the litter.
How Rabbit Color Genetics Works
Rabbit coat color is determined by the interaction of multiple genes, primarily five key gene groups. Each gene group has a specific role: the A gene controls whether the hair shaft has banding (agouti pattern), tan markings, or is solid colored (self); the B gene determines the base color as either black or brown/chocolate; the C gene regulates the intensity and distribution of pigment across the coat; the D gene controls whether the pigment is dense or diluted; and the E gene manages how much dark pigment is extended through the coat. Each parent contributes two alleles (one from each of their own parents) for each gene, and the offspring inherits one allele from each parent. The combination of these alleles determines the offspring's genotype and ultimately its visible coat color.
The calculator performs a Punnett square cross for each gene independently, then combines the probabilities across all five genes to determine the likelihood of each possible coat color. For example, if both parents are heterozygous for the B gene (Bb × Bb), there is a 25% chance of chocolate (bb) offspring. The calculator handles multi-allele genes like A (three alleles) and C (five alleles) using the complete dominance hierarchy to produce accurate results.
Common Rabbit Colors and Their Genotypes
The most common rabbit colors include Chestnut or Agouti (the wild-type color with genotype A_ B_ C_ D_ E_), Black Self (aa B_ C_ D_ E_), Chocolate Self (aa bb C_ D_ E_), Blue Self (aa B_ C_ dd E_), and Lilac Self (aa bb C_ dd E_). Other popular colors include the Tortoiseshell variants (which have the ee genotype limiting dark pigment), Otter patterns (from the a(t) tan pattern allele), and the distinctive Himalayan pattern from specific C gene alleles. The Ruby-Eyed White (REW) occurs when the rabbit is homozygous recessive for the C gene (c/c), preventing all pigment production regardless of the other genes.
Regional Notes
Rabbit color genetics is universal and does not vary by region — the same genes and inheritance patterns apply worldwide. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC) recognize different sets of accepted colors and patterns for each breed, but the underlying genetics remain the same. Breeders in India, the US, and the UK all use the same A, B, C, D, E gene system to predict and document rabbit coat colors. This calculator uses the internationally recognized gene notation system and works identically for breeders worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Rabbit Color genetics calculator work?
The Rabbit Color genetics calculator uses the five main gene groups that determine rabbit coat color: the A gene (agouti pattern), B gene (black/brown base), C gene (color intensity), D gene (dense/dilute), and E gene (extension of dark pigment). You select the known genotypes for the sire (father) and dam (mother) for each gene group, and the calculator performs Punnett square crosses to determine the probability of each possible genotype and color outcome in the offspring.
What are the five main gene groups in rabbit color genetics?
The five main gene groups are: A (Agouti pattern) with alleles A for banded hair shaft, a(t) for tan pattern, and a for self/solid; B (Black/Brown) with B for black and b for brown/chocolate; C (Color intensity) with five alleles from C for full color through c for albino/REW; D (Dense/Dilute) with D for full pigment and d for diluted color; E (Extension) with E for full extension and e for non-extension of dark pigment.
What does the underscore in genotypes like A_ or B_ mean?
In rabbit color genetics, the underscore (_) represents a wildcard for the second allele when the first allele is known to be dominant. For example, A_ means the rabbit has at least one dominant A allele (either AA or Aa). Since the dominant trait is the only one visible, the second allele is unknown from the coat color alone. This notation is used to represent observed phenotypes when the exact genotype is not known.
What is the most common rabbit color?
The most common rabbit color in wild rabbits is Chestnut (Agouti), which has the genotype A_ B_ C_ D_ E_. This is the wild-type coloration that provides natural camouflage. In domestic rabbits, the most popular colors vary by breed, but Black (Self, genotype aa B_ C_ D_ E_) and White (REW, genotype __ cc __ __ __) are very commonly seen across many breeds.
Can two black rabbits produce chocolate offspring?
Yes, two black rabbits can produce chocolate offspring if both carry the recessive chocolate allele (b). A black rabbit with genotype Bb (carrying chocolate) bred to another Bb rabbit has a 25% chance of producing chocolate (bb) offspring. This is because each parent contributes either B or b, and the offspring needs to inherit b from both parents to express chocolate coloration.
What is a Ruby-Eyed White or REW rabbit?
A Ruby-Eyed White (REW) rabbit, also called an albino rabbit, has the genotype c/c for the C gene. The recessive c allele prevents all pigment production, resulting in white fur and red or pink eyes (the red color comes from blood vessels visible through the transparent iris). REW rabbits are common in many breeds and the c allele is the most recessive of the five C gene alleles.
How do I determine my rabbit's genotype?
You can determine your rabbit's approximate genotype by observing its coat color and pattern. A rabbit's visible color tells you the dominant alleles it carries for each gene. To know the full genotype including recessive alleles, you may need to breed the rabbit to a known genotype and observe the offspring colors. Commercial DNA testing services are also available for precise genotype determination.
Is the rabbit color genetics calculator free to use?
Yes, this rabbit color genetics calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. You can share your rabbit breeding scenarios via URL, which saves all gene selections so you can bookmark and share specific genetic crosses with other breeders.