Blanc De Hotot and Californian F1 Generation

This is the F1 generation doe we have decided to move ahead with. She is about 12 weeks old in these pictures. Her type is good, the guard hairs are highly visible and the fur is slightly roll back with nice density. After type, fur density and length were major considerations when choosing the CA doe used.

I also like the head and ear proportion on this rabbit. She rounds nicely to the table and has lots of growing to do.

The top view shows how nicely the rump is rounded, and the loin is wide too.

Update: Beveren x Californian cross

This cross was the first step. My goal here was to shorten up the BV shoulder with a very compact CA, and bring along the BV fur.
The result was a big, fast growing Dutch rabbit with a weak shoulder and nice fur. The loin and rear end are just great, with good rise and depth, and rounding nicely to the table.
I'm going to move ahead with this line for a few generations and see how it goes.
The size and fur of the Beveren is tempting, but the mandoline body and blue eyes are a lot of work to get rid of. Mostly the mandoline body.

UPDATE: Blanc de Hotot x Satin Cross

This breeding was a failure, she had the kits out of the nest box and they were lost. She also had a few retained fetuses, which came out with re-breeding induced labor. I am giving her a rest, getting her condition to peak and will breed her again shortly.

UPDATE: Blanc de Hotot x Calafornian Cross

The CA doe X HT buck breeding has produced a couple does with great type and promising fur and markings. I will post a picture in a few days after we decide which doe we are going to move ahead with. They both have great type, but I think maybe one's rise peaks a little early and is just a litter flatter in the rump viewed from above. So, what I do when I'm not sure is put them back and look again the next day!