Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
Qualitative: "Steenkonijn" appears to be a regional Dutch/Flemish name rather than an established, standardized domestic rabbit breed. It is not documented under that name in the major rabbit breed standards or registries consulted. Where the term is used locally it may refer to a landrace, a feral/wild rabbit population, or a colloquial name related to habitat or coat appearance. Quantitative: No official breed standard (weight, body type, ear length, show classes) is available under this name. As a point of reference, if the term is being used for the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) typical adult metrics are: body weight ~1.2–2.5 kg and body length ~34–45 cm — this is a conditional reference, not a formal standard for a named domestic breed.
Detailed origin
Qualitative: Reliable historical or breed-registration sources describing an origin for a formal breed called "Steenkonijn" were not located. The name likely stems from a local Dutch-language descriptor (e.g., rabbits associated with rocky terrain, a particular locality, or a traditional farm population). It may therefore represent a vernacular name for local rabbits rather than a created breed with known founders. Quantitative: No documented foundation date, breeder lists, or founding stock records associated with an official "Steenkonijn" breed were found in the consulted standard references (up to 2024).
Detailed description
Qualitative: Because there is no recognized standard for "Steenkonijn," physical and behavioral characteristics are expected to be variable if the term denotes a landrace or wild population: coat color and pattern, size, ear carriage and temperament depend on local genetics and environment. If the term refers colloquially to wild rabbits in stony areas, expect leaner body type, strong hindquarters and alert behavior typical of Oryctolagus cuniculus. Quantitative: No formal measurements (weight ranges for show classes, ideal proportions, ear length in cm) exist for a breed named "Steenkonijn." Conditional metrics for wild European rabbits: weight ~1.2–2.5 kg, body length ~34–45 cm, litter size commonly 4–6 kits — use these only if the reference is to wild/feral rabbits, not a recognized domestic breed.