Utility July 13, 2026 · 8 Min Read

Rabbit Color Calculator – Guide & Formulas

Predict your rabbit's kit coat color using genetics. Enter parent colors to see possible offspring colors, patterns, and genetic combinations.

Predict possible offspring coat colors by entering the parent rabbits' colors and patterns. A genetics-based tool for rabbit breeders and enthusiasts.

Key Takeaway

Use the free Rabbit Color Calculator to predict your rabbit's kit coat color using genetics. enter parent colors to see possible offspring colors, patterns, and genetic combinations. Get instant results with step-by-step explanations.

How to Use the Rabbit Color Calculator

  1. Select the sire (father) coat color and pattern from the dropdown.
  2. Select the dam (mother) coat color and pattern from the dropdown.
  3. Review the possible offspring colors with probability percentages.
  4. Read the genetics explanation for each color outcome.

The Formula

Rabbit coat color follows Mendelian genetics with multiple gene loci. Key genes: A (Agouti) — A > a(t) > a. B (Black/Brown) — B > b. C (Color) — C > c(ch) > c(h) > c. D (Dilute) — D > d. E (Extension) — E > e. Each parent contributes one allele per locus. The calculator crosses all combinations to predict offspring phenotypes.

Variable Definitions

  • A locus: Agouti gene — controls banding pattern. A (agouti/wild) is dominant to a(t) (tan) which is dominant to a (self/non-agouti)
  • B locus: Black/Brown gene — B (black) is dominant to b (brown/chocolate)
  • C locus: Color gene — C (full color) is dominant to c(ch) (chinchilla), c(h) (Himalayan), and c (albino)
  • D locus: Dilute gene — D (dense) is dominant to d (dilute/diluted color)
  • E locus: Extension gene — E (normal black/brown extension) is dominant to e (orange/fawn)
  • Genotype: The genetic makeup of the rabbit (e.g., AaBbDd)
  • Phenotype: The visible coat color and pattern expressed by the genotype

Crossing a Black Agouti Sire with a Chestnut Dam

Predict offspring colors when crossing two heterozygous rabbits.

  1. Step 1: Sire genotype: Aa Bb Dd Ee (Black Agouti, carrying chocolate, dilute, and orange).
  2. Step 2: Dam genotype: Aa Bb Dd Ee (Chestnut/Agouti, same carrier status).
  3. Step 3: Cross each locus independently using Punnett squares.
  4. Step 4: Possible offspring: Black Agouti (25%), Chestnut (25%), Chocolate Agouti (12.5%), Lilac Agouti (12.5%), Orange (12.5%), Fawn (6.25%), and others.
  5. Step 5: Each kit has roughly equal probability of each color, determined by which alleles it inherits from each parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does rabbit coat color genetics work?

Rabbit coat color is determined by 5 main gene loci (A, B, C, D, E), each with multiple alleles. Each parent contributes one allele per locus. Dominant alleles mask recessive ones. The combination of alleles across all loci determines the visible coat color.

What is the most common rabbit color?

Agouti (wild-type) colors like Chestnut and Orange are the most common in wild rabbits. In domestic rabbits, solid colors (Black, White, Blue) and broken patterns are very popular. The exact frequency depends on breed and breeding population.

Can two white rabbits produce colored kits?

Yes! If both white rabbits carry the recessive color gene (genotype cc × cc won't work, but Cc × Cc will), 25% of kits can be colored. However, two albino (cc) rabbits will only produce albino offspring since both can only pass the c allele.

What is the dilute gene in rabbits?

The dilute gene (d) lightens the base coat color. Black (BB DD) becomes Blue (BB dd). Chocolate (bb DD) becomes Lilac (bb dd). Orange (ee DD) becomes Fawn (ee dd). Dilute is recessive, so both parents must carry it to produce dilute offspring.

How do I know my rabbit's genotype?

Without DNA testing, you can infer genotype by: (1) observing the phenotype, (2) reviewing pedigree/parents' colors, (3) test breeding — breeding to a known genotype and observing offspring. A black rabbit showing no tan markings is likely aa (self).

What is the broken pattern gene?

The broken pattern (En) creates white spotting. EnEn is "Charlie" (mostly white, often health issues). Enen is "Broken" (proper spotting). enen is solid (no white spots). Broken is incompletely dominant — breeders should avoid En × En crosses.

Do rabbit colors change with age?

Some colors develop or change as kits grow. For example, orange rabbits may darken with age. Sable rabbits darken significantly. Himalayan rabbits develop points in cooler temperatures. Some babies are born a different color than their adult coat.

What is the difference between agouti and self rabbits?

Agouti rabbits (A_) have banded hair shafts with lighter rings and usually have a white belly and eye circles. Self rabbits (aa) have solid-colored hair shafts from base to tip with no banding pattern. Agouti is dominant to self.