Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
The Saint-Nicolas Blue is a regional Belgian rabbit named for the town of Sint‑Niklaas/Saint‑Nicolas. Qualitatively, it is known for a uniform blue (steel to slate) coat, a compact to semi-arched body and a calm, robust temperament well suited to mixed small‑farm keeping and local exhibition. Quantitatively, sources commonly report adult weights in the medium range (broadly about 3–5 kg), a gestation period typical of Oryctolagus cuniculus (approximately 28–31 days), and litter sizes often described around 5–7 kits; however, published breed standards and statistics vary and documentation is limited.
Detailed origin
Qualitatively, the Saint‑Nicolas Blue is associated with breeders around Sint‑Niklaas (East Flanders, Belgium) and appears to be a product of local selection for a stable blue coat and a utility‑oriented conformation. Quantitatively, exact origin dates, founding lines and breeder records are scarce in available literature; most accounts place its development in the late 19th to early 20th century through regional selection rather than a single documented stud, and the breed has historically remained regional rather than widely internationalized.
Detailed description
Qualitatively, the breed shows a well‑filled, firm body with a dense, medium‑short fur presenting an even blue shade (from steel to darker slate), moderately strong bone and medium ears held naturally. Quantitatively, ideal characteristics cited in local descriptions include adult weight roughly 3–5 kg, even colour saturation across the body with minimal ticking, and reproductive parameters consistent with common domestic rabbit breeds (gestation ~28–31 days, average litter around 5–7). Note: precise standard measurements and scoring criteria vary by club and published sources are limited; breeders may follow differing local standards.