The genetics

Genotype En_ over a black base. The broken gene (En) removes colour in patches. A rabbit with two copies (EnEn) is a "charlie" and carries far less colour, which is a different thing and generally not what a buyer wants.

What a good one looks like

The butterfly across the nose should be complete and symmetrical. Eye circles should be present. Coloured ears. Good coverage across the body, roughly 10 to 50 percent colour.

What to check for

A broken butterfly, meaning the nose marking is split or incomplete. Too little colour, which is usually a charlie. Too much, which reads as a solid rabbit with a white patch.

Is broken black actually rare?

Common as a pattern, but a genuinely well marked broken is not. The pattern is random and you cannot breed for a specific one, which is why a clean butterfly is worth paying attention to.

Common questions

What is a butterfly marking?

The patch of colour across the nose on a broken rabbit, which should look like a butterfly with its wings open. A complete, symmetrical butterfly is the mark of a well-patterned broken. A split or partial one is the most common fault.

What is a charlie Holland Lop?

A rabbit with two copies of the broken gene, which carries far less colour than a normal broken. It is not a fault in health terms and it makes a perfectly good pet, but it is not usually what a buyer is picturing when they ask for a broken.

What it costs

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