Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
The name "Swiss Bourguignon Fawn" (Bourguignon Fauve Suisse) denotes a regional, fawn‑coloured rabbit type rather than a widely documented standardized breed. Qualitatively, it is described by local breeders as a robust, calm rabbit with a warm fawn (fauve) coat, suitable both for small‑scale meat production and as a companion. Quantitatively, authoritative data are scarce; available farmer and breeder reports (unverified) suggest an adult weight in the order of 3.5–5.0 kg, an average lifespan of 5–8 years, and a temperament score tending toward placid (low aggression, easy handling). These figures should be treated as approximate estimates rather than official standards.
Detailed origin
The compound name implies a geographic link between Burgundy (Bourgogne) and Switzerland, which suggests a regional landrace or locally selected variety rather than a single, long‑established national breed. In the absence of a confirmed, published breed standard in major rabbit breeder registries available up to mid‑2024, the most plausible origin story is local selection: crossing of local fawn‑coloured stock with Swiss rabbits or lines admired for hardiness and meat conformation, probably during the 19th–20th centuries in backyard or small commercial flocks. Quantitatively, documented population data are not available; breeder networks that keep this type are likely small (dozens to a few hundred breeding animals regionally) rather than thousands.
Detailed description
Morphology: qualitatively the type is described as medium to medium‑heavy with a compact to semi‑commercial body, broad chest and solid bone. Coat: uniform fawn (warm beige to reddish‑brown) often with minimal markings and a dense undercoat for temperate climates. Behaviour and husbandry: generally calm, well suited to outdoor hutches and simple housing; considered a good dam with attentive maternal behaviour. Quantitatively (estimates, not official): adult weight 3.5–5.0 kg; body length approx. 36–45 cm; ear length typically 8–12 cm; litter size commonly 4–8 kits; age at first mating usually 4–6 months. Because these figures are reconstructed from breeder reports and analogous medium‑sized fawn rabbit types, they must be used cautiously until an authoritative breed standard is located.