These lovely rabbits are next to the largest of the Angora breeds. They can weigh anywhere from a minimum of 7 1/2 pounds to a maximum of 10 1/2 pounds at maturity. The ideal weight is 8 pounds. French angoras are very good wool producers with very little maintenance. They are bred for a dual purpose - they should have an oval shaped body for MEAT purposes and wool for FIBER purposes. Their body consists of firm flesh over a well-nourished strong, sturdy frame. Their wool should be as dense as possible over the entire body, including the stomach. The wool should consist of coarse guard hair, which protrudes above the heavily crimped underwool. The front feet should be clean of wool from the toes to the ankle joint. All toenails should be matched - colored on colored rabbits, white on white rabbits. Ears may be tufted on the tips only, or clean of wool. Hind feet below the hock joint should have a minimum of wool. Wool on these rabbits can reach as much as six inches long or more. A minimum of 2 inches is required, with the ideal length to be 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches.

These rabbits require low maintenance, but are better for fiber purposes if kept groomed on a regular basis to keep the wool as free from webs, mats, or felting. A maintenance program of blowing once or twice a week while in prime wool will keep these rabbits beautiful. The regular maintenance leads to the good personalities of these rabbits. Like all warm-blooded animals, the more they are handled the gentler they become. Normally, clipping these rabbits down 2 to 3 times a year is all that is necessary to keep the wool production at a smooth level of maintenance. These rabbits come in a variety of colors including white, solids, and a broken pattern.

This information provided by Jacque Dumas. Visit the Dumas web site.