Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
The Blanc de Vendée is a domestic rabbit breed originating from the Vendée region of western France. It is characterised by a pure white coat, a robust, meat‑type conformation and is commonly kept for meat production and local shows. Typical adult weight is generally reported in the range of about 3.5–5.0 kg (values indicative and influenced by breeding lines and feeding), with a medium‑to‑large, compact body and upright ears.
Detailed origin
The Blanc de Vendée was developed by rural breeders in the Vendée area with the objective of obtaining a productive, hardy white rabbit suited to local conditions and meat production. Selection took place at the local/farm level rather than as a single documented experimental cross; selections emphasised white colour, solid conformation and practical traits (robustness, maternal qualities). The breed became established within regional breeder circles and is recognised in French breeder registries; breeding history is primarily a process of local selection rather than a precisely documented creation from named foundation breeds.
Detailed description
Coat and colour: uniform pure white, short to medium length dense fur suitable for practical husbandry; skin should be unpigmented. Conformation: a meat‑type, muscular and compact body with a broad chest and well‑developed hindquarters. Head and ears: head proportionate to body, ears upright and of medium length. Reproductive and production traits: generally valued for good maternal ability and efficient conversion to meat in local systems. Quantitative indications (typical, not universal): adult weight commonly ~3.5–5.0 kg; body shape compact with a body length roughly in the medium‑large rabbit range; ear length typically medium (indicative values about 10–12 cm). Actual measurements vary with strain, feeding and selection goals.