Thuringer (rabbit)
{{Short description|Breed of rabbit}}
{{expand German|Thüringer (Kaninchenrasse)|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox animal breed
|name = Thuringer
|image = Lapin-chamois-de-thuringe SDA2014.JPG
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|country = Germany
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|use = Meat, fur
|weight = 2.5-4.25 kg (for show rabbits)
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The Thuringer is a breed of rabbit. It was originally known as the Thuringer Chamois due to having fur resembling that of the Chamois.{{cite web |title=Thuringer |url=https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/breeds/rabbits/thuringer/ |website=pets4homes.co.uk |accessdate=21 April 2019}} They can be used for meat and fur, but make docile pets.
History
The Thuringer was developed in the state of Thuringia by David Gärtner, and is thought to be a mix of the Himalayan, the Silver, and the Flemish Giant rabbit breeds. It was first recognised in Germany in 1907, and was later recognised in the Netherlands in 1912.{{cite web |title=Thüringer |url=https://www.omlet.co.uk/breeds/rabbits/th%C3%BCringer |website=omlet.co.uk |accessdate=22 April 2019}} The breed is somewhat rare outside of Europe. It is recognised by the British Rabbit Council[https://thebritishrabbitcouncil.org/Breed%20Standards%20Book%202021.pdf British Rabbit Council: Breed Standards Book N40 - Thuringer] but is not currently recognised by the ARBA.{{cite web |title=Thuringer Rabbit |url=https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/thuringer-rabbit/ |website=petguide.com |accessdate=21 April 2019}}
Appearance
The Thuringer has a well rounded body, with the head set close to it. The muzzle is broad. Furred and well-developed ears of 11–13 cm (4-5 inches) in length. The eye is a chestnut or dark brown colour. Show rabbits have a well developed chest and shoulders. Feet and legs are of medium length.
Fur is dense and silky, of medium length and feels soft when touched. The colour is of a yellow ochre or resembling chamois leather. Guard hairs are a bluish black colour, which is said by the breed standard to 'produce a haze of pale charcoal colour'.