Which rabbit breeds typically exhibit the agouti color pattern?

The agouti color pattern is characterized by a coat in which individual hairs are banded with different colors, typically creating a dark and light pattern that can give the rabbit a mottled appearance. Steel or gray Flemish and Belgian Hares are well-known breeds that exhibit this agouti pattern.

In these breeds, the agouti coloration provides a natural camouflage that is advantageous for surviving in the wild, aligning with their historical presence and breeding. This pattern is integral to the breed standards of Flemish Giants and Belgian Hares, which reflect their lineage and genetic background.

The other breeds listed do not typically display the agouti coloring. Mini Rex and Holland Lop, for example, come in a variety of solid and broken colors that do not conform to the agouti standard. Similarly, Angora and Lionhead rabbits are primarily recognized for their long fur and distinctive fur texture rather than the agouti pattern. The cotton-tail, while a wild rabbit and known for its grayish-brown coat, does not typify the specific agouti pattern seen in the mentioned breeds, focusing instead on environmental adaptation.