Line Breeding is the process of breeding “like with like”. That means that the rabbits the line breeder uses all come from the same family line, and have similar all around genetic makeups.

Line Breeding allows the rabbit breeder, professional or hobbyist, to produce a quality line of animals in a relatively short amount of time.

The Dangers of a Line Breeding Program

The biggest problem with line breeding is that it will intensify all of the genes, good or bad. Starting a line breeding program with quality rabbit stock is essential.

Purchasing rabbits from online breeders is becoming more common these days, but before an aspiring rabbit farmer does so, he or she must remember, without seeing the animal in person, and being given the chance to examine them, they cannot be sure that they are going to get what they pay for.

A smart consumer will ask other rabbit breeders for recommendations for a reputable site that they have used successfully.

Take the Time to Educate Yourself

In the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association Handbook, a must read for any aspiring rabbit breeder, there is a standardized chart which clearly lays down the best way to breed a line of related rabbits, and it spans six generations.

The diagram begins with the initially selected buck and doe and moves through all the possible relative to relative breeding combinations.
Genetic weaknesses do occur in line bred rabbits, and it is not out of the question for a breeder to introduce an unrelated animal or two to an established line to attempt to correct specific defects.

Learning the very basics at least about rabbit genetics as they might apply to the selected breed can be very helpful to beginner.