Cheat Sheets: Understanding the Broken Pattern Gene in Rabbits

Before we get into the heart of the matter, I need to remind you that the broken pattern is just that: a pattern, not a base color. Broken can overlay on "top" of any other color; a black rabbit with the broken pattern will be a broken black; likewise, an otter-colored rabbit with the broken pattern will be a broken otter. The broken gene merely dictates the extent and pattern of white over the base color.

Now, onto the "cheat sheets" for broken patterns:

CLIFF'S NOTES FOR BROKENS:

If you don't want to worry about Punnett squares or inheritance and just want to know what you will get through breeding, here is a basic rundown:

For these examples, "Broken" indicates a broken-patterned rabbit, "Solid" indicates a non-broken-patterned rabbit, and "Charlie" refers to a minimally-colored broken-patterned rabbit that is genetically homozygous.

Broken + Solid = 50% Broken, 50% Solid.

Broken + Broken = 50% Broken, 25% Solid, 25% Charlie.

Charlie + Solid = 100% Broken. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Charlie + Broken = 50% Broken, 50% Charlie.

Solid + Solid = 100% Solid. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Remember that a TRUE Charlie will NEVER, EVER produce a non-broken rabbit. There ARE some genes (such as Ruby Eyed White or Blue Eyed White) that may hide the broken pattern but the rabbit will still be genetically broken and will produce as such.

Lastly, something to keep in mind is that the percentages listed above are for EACH KIT, not the litter as a whole unless the result is 100% foolproof. This means that each kit in a litter of, say, Broken to Solid mating, has a 50% chance of being Broken. As such actual litter percentages may vary!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to comment below!