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Rabbit Color Calculator

Our other animals calculator computes rabbit color accurately. Enter measurements for results with formulas and error analysis.

Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer

Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer

Formula

Phenotype Probability = (Color Locus Probability) x (Dilution Locus Probability)

Each gene locus is inherited independently (Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment). The probability of a combined phenotype is the product of individual locus probabilities. For Aa x Aa: P(agouti) = 3/4, P(self) = 1/4. For Dd x Dd: P(dense) = 3/4, P(dilute) = 1/4. Combined: P(agouti+dense) = 9/16.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Two Agouti Carriers Crossed

Problem:Both parents are Agouti carriers (Aa) with dense color carriers (Dd). What colors will the litter of 8 produce?

Solution:Agouti cross Aa x Aa: 1/4 AA, 2/4 Aa, 1/4 aa = 75% agouti, 25% self\nDilution cross Dd x Dd: 1/4 DD, 2/4 Dd, 1/4 dd = 75% dense, 25% dilute\nCombined: 9/16 Agouti Dense, 3/16 Agouti Dilute, 3/16 Self Dense, 1/16 Self Dilute\nExpected in 8 kits: 4.5 Chestnut, 1.5 Opal, 1.5 Black, 0.5 Blue

Result:56.25% Chestnut Agouti, 18.75% Opal, 18.75% Black, 6.25% Blue

Example 2: Pure Agouti x Self Black

Problem:Parent 1 is homozygous Agouti (AA, DD). Parent 2 is Self Blue (aa, dd). What will the offspring look like?

Solution:Agouti cross AA x aa: all Aa (100% heterozygous agouti)\nDilution cross DD x dd: all Dd (100% heterozygous dense)\nAll offspring genotype: Aa Dd\nPhenotype: 100% Agouti (Chestnut) — all carrying self and dilute

Result:100% Chestnut Agouti appearance, all carrying hidden self and dilute genes

Frequently Asked Questions

How does rabbit coat color genetics work?

Rabbit coat color is determined by multiple gene loci that interact with each other. The primary loci include the A (agouti) locus, B (brown) locus, C (color) locus, D (dilution) locus, and E (extension) locus. Each locus has dominant and recessive alleles. For example, at the A locus, A (agouti pattern) is dominant over a (self/solid color). At the D locus, D (dense/full color) is dominant over d (dilute). These genes interact to produce the wide variety of rabbit colors seen in breeds like Holland Lops, Mini Rex, and Netherland Dwarfs.

What is a Punnett square and how does it apply to rabbit breeding?

A Punnett square is a grid used to predict the probability of offspring genotypes from a genetic cross. Each parent contributes one allele per gene locus to their offspring. By mapping all possible combinations, breeders can calculate the expected ratios of different colors in a litter. For a monohybrid cross (one gene), the Punnett square is 2x2 with 4 outcomes. For two genes considered together (dihybrid cross), it becomes 4x4 with 16 outcomes. Rabbit Color Calculator uses dihybrid Punnett square math to combine the agouti and dilution loci simultaneously.

How accurate are genetic predictions for rabbit litter colors?

Genetic predictions give probabilities, not guarantees. For a litter of 6 kits from two Aa parents, the prediction is about 4.5 agouti and 1.5 self. In reality, you might get 5 agouti and 1 self, or even all agouti. The probabilities are most accurate across many litters, not a single one. Each kit independently has a 75% chance of being agouti and 25% chance of being self. Smaller litters show more variation from expected ratios. Additionally, Rabbit Color Calculator models two loci; real rabbit color involves 5+ loci, plus modifiers, so actual colors may involve more nuance than shown here.

References

Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy