Every season I take a step back and really look at my goals for my rabbitry. When I first dove into my COD work with the Chestnut Giants, my focus was clear, rings, rings, and more rings. I wanted great ring definition and rich color, while still building up body type and protecting the integrity of the wool, proper structure, proper furnishings, and zero DQs. That was the priority, and it needed to be. But as I look back now and see the progress we have made in coloring, I can feel my goals shifting just a bit.

 

Now I want to bring that wool density back up, really dial in that proper Giant Angora structure, and maintain that signature look, those just right ear tassels and furnishings. Not overdone like an English Angora, but balanced and correct. I want those wooly front feet too, and more often than not they show up right alongside those ear furnishings. It all ties together.

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And let’s not forget, they are called Giants for a reason. I expect them to make minimum senior weight by eight months old. Waiting until a year or more to hit 10 pounds just does not cut it. Now there are always a few exceptions. Those special ones that might shine in other areas can absolutely earn themselves a cozy life up on the top cages as beautiful wool producers. But overall, the breeding program keeps moving forward, always pushing toward better quality, better balance, and a truer Giant Angora.

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Now a little cautionary note as I go through and write these evaluations, things change. Juniors can be a bit deceiving. Just about every baby looks like it has great color early on, and while all of them will lighten some with time, a few will wash out more than we want. I am always aiming for that rich, dark chestnut with strong, defined rings. Personally, I lean toward high rufus. I love seeing that bold orange band, and I am a big fan of clean, light cream bellies as a sign of good, clean genetics. But again, what you see today is not always what you will have tomorrow.

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The same goes for everything else. A youngster might have just fair furnishings and then bloom later as a teenager or adult. Another might look a little gangly early on, then fill out, eat well, and turn into a really nice Giant type. So these notes are truly a snapshot in time, me keeping myself honest and tracking what I am seeing in the moment.

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At the end of the day, this system is really for me and mine. But if you are following along with my notes or reading my rabbit descriptions and have questions, do not hesitate to reach out. And if anything, I encourage you to create your own system too, something that helps you stay consistent and keeps your program moving forward.

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If you are following along with my rabbit descriptions or learning alongside me, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what I am seeing and working toward. We all develop our own eye over time, and I truly believe there is value in creating a system that keeps you consistent and honest in your program.

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If you ever have questions about my notes, abbreviations, or what I am seeing in a particular rabbit, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to chat rabbits.

If you would like to go deeper, learn more, or connect with other Angora lovers, come join us inside my community or explore the resources inside the Angora Artisan Academy.