Grains of Salt

The Holland Lop world holds very true in being one of the most difficult rabbits to breed.  Not only in a literal sense but also in a show sense and breeder sense.  Truly while talking to a show person once they suggested we pick a different breed because Utah was too difficult to show.  I read forums and sometimes cringe for the youth who dare to ask a question on an ugly rabbit.  On the other end of the spectrum I respect the true breeders and I am tired of seeing really ugly rabbits labeled as a cute Holland Lop.  So as much as the standard requires balance in our lops so does my mind.  I love the input and the forums that are actually there to guide and help.  But sometimes I also have to take things with a grain of salt and find our own way.  Sometimes I have to listen to that inner voice and hope that we make the right choice.  So we have held on to a few animals that did not fit the mold.  I have posted a few examples and I must add that while using these, I am sticking to my guns of being ready to cull hard.  

This little darling was a singleton.  She was so ultra white as a baby that I spent a great many weeks not even knowing what she was.  I was worried she would end up being a blue point.  This was the first baby that was officially Quinnes.  So I prepped her to be ready to get rid of her.  As she entered her uglies I was really impressed with her crown definition.  She also is one of the cleanest sables I have seen and reminds me very much of her grandsire in that aspect.  Her downfall is shoulder length.  So as I am working to eliminate that from our herd, I am taking a huge chance in using her.  She does have nice straight bone and is still a balanced, but large doe.  So we were ready to list her and Quinne was ready to say goodbye and my instincts kept saying to hold on to her.  So we shall.  We'll either learn that you can get something great out of chances, or that my instincts suck.  
Next.... is Nugget.  He is our first brood buck we are keeping.  I have to say, he melts my heart.  He is a big sweetie.  And by big... I mean big.  He is 4 lbs and still growing.  But his head is beautiful to me.  He also has the length that I don't want but I can't quite let him go.  I feel his head can help some of our tighter crowns we have struggled with.  There's always the chance that he just produces large broody stock but we are hoping for a happier outcome.

This is our gorgeous doe Honey.  How about that ear control.  She definitely has a tight crown.  She however has a banging body that made that tight crown worth the gamble.  She has earned one leg the first time on the tables.  She also has an incredible coat and a very snuggly personality.  Her first litter consists of bucks.and they all look incredible.  So pleased we hung onto this girl.