Understanding the “F” Code in Giant Angoras

Tammy Vaughn
11 minutes ago
3 min read

***Dahlia, my precious Chestnut Giant Angora trying to tell me she’s a F’n something... What???***

Curious about what F1, F2, F3, and F4 mean in the world of Giant Angoras? You're not alone! Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just starting to explore color genetics, this guide breaks down the “F” Code in a clear and simple way. Learn how generations are tracked, what makes a rabbit purebred, and why this knowledge matters when working toward ARBA-registrable colored Giants. Let’s dive in and decode the fuzz!

Yes, there’s a quiz at the end! Everyone who completes the quiz will receive a special prize in the mail!

Why I Started Exploring Color

As a Giant Angora breeder, I’ve mostly worked with REW (Red-Eyed White) rabbits. In color genetics, that’s pretty straightforward—REW bred to REW produces REW. But when I began dreaming of adding more color to my barn and fiber, I realized quality Colored Giant Angoras were scarce. So I decided to create my own through intentional breeding.

This journey has been full of learning—and a lot of questions about how these crosses are categorized. That’s where understanding the “F” system comes in.

Purebred vs. Crossbred (Hybrid)

A Purebred Giant Angora has only Giant Angoras in its pedigree for four generations.

A Crossbreed (sometimes called a Hybrid) is any Giant Angora that has another breed in its pedigree within those four generations.

Please don’t get hung up on the words "crossbreed" or "hybrid." The key thing to remember is:If there’s another breed in the 4-generation pedigree, it’s not considered purebred.

What’s an F1, F2, F3? Let’s break it down:

F1 = First Generation Cross

An F1 is a purebred Giant Angora crossed with another breed.

Example:

Frank (Giant Angora) × Dorothy (German Angora) = F1 babies
George (Giant Angora) × Susie (French Angora) = F1 babies

F2 = Second Generation Cross

An F2 is created by breeding:

F1 back to a purebred Giant Angora
Two F1s together

Example:

Sam (F1, from George/Susie) × Greta (F1, from Frank/Dorothy) = F2
Sam × Charming (purebred Giant) = F2
George (purebred Giant) × Greta (F1) = F2

F3 = Third Generation Cross

An F3 is the result of breeding:

an F2 to another F2
an F2 to a purebred Giant Angora

Example:

Kevin (F2) × Princess (F2) = F3
Kevin × Charming (purebred Giant) = F3
Frank × Princess = F3

F4 = Considered Purebred

An F4 has four generations of Giant Angoras in its pedigree. That means no other breeds in the last four generations. These are considered purebred and can be evaluated for ARBA registration.

Example:

Neil (F3) × Fran (F3) = F4 / Purebred

Why Does This Matter?

To be ARBA-registered, a Giant Angora must:

Be a purebred (F4 or beyond)
Conform to the Standard of Perfection for the breed

Great news! Both REW (Red-Eyed White) and Chestnut Giant Angoras are now eligible for ARBA registration! More colors are in the works, with breeders across the country working hard to bring a rainbow of Giant Angora colors into official recognition.

Our mission? To breed amazing quality Giants—both white and colorful—and help grow a stronger, more diverse future for this fantastic fiber breed.