Rabbit Color Calculator

The Rabbit Color Calculator predicts offspring coat color probabilities using Mendelian genetics. Select the B and D locus genotypes for both parents to see Black, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac outcome percentages.

892.4K uses Updated · 2026-05-06 Runs locally · zero upload
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How to Use Rabbit Color Calculator

The Rabbit Color Calculator uses Mendelian genetics to predict the probability of each basic coat color in rabbit offspring.

  1. Sire (Father) – Select the B locus and D locus genotype for the male rabbit.
  2. Dam (Mother) – Select the B locus and D locus genotype for the female rabbit.
  3. Review results – The Rabbit Color Calculator shows each possible coat color with its probability percentage.

Each genotype has two alleles. Choose BB if the rabbit is homozygous black (two black alleles), Bb if black but carrying a chocolate gene, or bb for chocolate. Similarly for the D locus: DD for dense homozygous, Dd for dense carrier of dilute, dd for dilute.

Formula & Theory - Rabbit Color Calculator

The Rabbit Color Calculator uses this core formula or rule: The Rabbit Color Calculator applies Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment. Each locus is crossed independently (Punnett Square), then the results are combined.

B Locus (Black vs Chocolate)

CrossBlackChocolate
BB × BB100%0%
BB × Bb100%0%
BB × bb100% (carriers)0%
Bb × Bb75%25%
Bb × bb50%50%
bb × bb0%100%

D Locus (Dense vs Dilute)

The same ratios apply for D × d combinations. Dense is dominant; only dd produces dilute (blue or lilac).

Color Outcomes

B LocusD LocusColor
B_ (BB or Bb)D_ (DD or Dd)Black
bbD_ (DD or Dd)Chocolate
B_ (BB or Bb)ddBlue
bbddLilac

Use Cases for Rabbit Color Calculator

The Rabbit Color Calculator is useful for:

  • Rabbit Breeders – Plan pairings to produce specific coat colors in litters.
  • Show Rabbit Enthusiasts – Understand expected color ratios for breed standard compliance.
  • Genetics Education – Demonstrate Mendelian inheritance and Punnett Squares using a tangible example.
  • Pet Rabbit Owners – Satisfy curiosity about what colors a pair of pet rabbits might produce.

Frequently asked questions about Rabbit Color Calculator

What does the Rabbit Color Calculator calculate?

The Rabbit Color Calculator predicts the probability of each coat color in a rabbit litter based on the B locus (Black vs Chocolate) and D locus (Dense vs Dilute) genotypes of both parents. It uses Mendelian genetics to compute Punnett Square outcomes and shows the percentage chance of Black, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac offspring.

What is the B locus in rabbit genetics?

The B locus controls whether a rabbit produces black or chocolate pigment. The B allele (black) is dominant over the b allele (chocolate), so a rabbit must carry two b alleles (bb) to display chocolate coloration.

What is the D locus in rabbit genetics?

The D locus modifies color intensity. The D allele produces full (dense) color, while the recessive d allele dilutes the pigment. Two copies of d (dd) are needed to express a dilute color — blue (dilute black) or lilac (dilute chocolate).

What are the four base coat colors this calculator models?

The four base colors modeled are: Black (B_ D_), Chocolate (bb D_), Blue (B_ dd), and Lilac (bb dd). Lilac is a diluted chocolate with a pale pinkish-gray appearance.

Can this predict color in any rabbit breed?

The B and D loci are present in most rabbit breeds. However, actual coat color is influenced by many other loci (A locus for agouti, C locus for color extension, E locus for extension, etc.). This calculator models only these two loci and may not accurately predict all colors in highly complex or mixed-breed rabbits.