The genetics

Genotype aa B_ C_ D_ ee. Self, black pigment, but non-extension (ee), which stops the black from spreading across the whole coat and leaves it concentrated at the points.

What a good one looks like

Contrast and blending. The shading should move smoothly from fawn to dark rather than stopping in a hard line. The ears should be genuinely dark, and the body should be a warm orange-fawn rather than a muddy tan.

What to check for

Weak shading, meaning the points are not dark enough to read. Blotchy or uneven transition. A body colour that is too pale, which makes the whole rabbit look washed out.

Is black tort actually rare?

The most common colour in the breed by a distance. It is the default. That is not a criticism, a good tort is a beautiful rabbit, but nobody should be charging you a premium for one.

Common questions

Is black tort the most common Holland Lop colour?

Yes, by a distance. It is the default, and it is the colour most people picture when they picture the breed. That is not a criticism, a good tort is a beautiful rabbit, but nobody should be charging a premium for one.

What makes a good black tort?

Contrast and blending. The shading should move smoothly from a warm fawn body to genuinely dark points rather than stopping in a hard line. A weak tort has points too pale to read and a body colour too washed out to be warm.

What it costs

Every Holland Lop here is $300 to $400 regardless of colour. Full pricing here.