The Blue-Eyed White Bunny: Genetics, Breeds, Care, and What Every Owner Should Know

The blue-eyed white bunny is one of the most visually striking animals in the domestic rabbit world. Its pure white coat and clear blue eyes create a combination that stops people in their tracks. It looks almost impossible — and genetically speaking, it very nearly is.

Blue-eyed white rabbits are rare. They do not occur by chance. They are the product of a specific genetic mechanism that requires precise conditions on both sides of the parentage. Understanding that mechanism, and what it means for the rabbit’s care and health, is what this guide covers in full.

What Is a Blue-Eyed White Rabbit?

A blue-eyed white rabbit — abbreviated BEW by breeders — is a domestic rabbit with a completely white coat and clear, vivid blue eyes. The blue eye color is not a superficial trait. It results from a specific genetic event at a gene locus called the V locus, which controls pigmentation in the fur, skin, and eyes.

BEW rabbits appear across multiple breeds, including Holland Lops, Netherland Dwarfs, Lionheads, Mini Rex, and — importantly for readers of this site — English Angoras, French Angoras, and other Angora varieties. In every case, the underlying genetics are the same. The difference between breeds is only in the body type, coat type, and temperament that the Vienna gene is working on.

For a broader overview of how color genetics work across Angora breeds, see our Angora Rabbit Colors guide.

BEW vs. REW: A Critical Distinction

Many people use the terms blue-eyed white and white rabbit interchangeably. This is incorrect, and the difference matters significantly for anyone buying, breeding, or caring for one of these animals.

There are two distinct types of white rabbits with different eye colors. The first is the ruby-eyed white, abbreviated REW. The REW rabbit is a true albino. Its white coat and pink or ruby eyes result from a double recessive at the C locus — the cc genotype — which eliminates melanin production throughout the body. REW rabbits are recognized across many breeds by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, including as the only recognized white variety for the Giant Angora.

The second type is the blue-eyed white, or BEW. The BEW rabbit is not an albino. It has blue eyes because a small but specific amount of pigment is still present in the eye — enough to scatter short wavelengths of light and produce the appearance of blue. This is the same physical mechanism that makes the human sky appear blue. The BEW’s white coat, however, results from the complete suppression of pigment in the fur.

These two types of white rabbits are produced by entirely different genes at entirely different loci. Crossing a BEW rabbit with a REW rabbit creates genetic complexity and is not recommended in breeding programs. The two lines are best kept separate. According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, BEW and REW are distinct and separately classified color varieties within the breeds that recognize them.

The Genetics Behind Blue Eyes: The Vienna Gene Explained

The gene responsible for the blue-eyed white phenotype is called the Vienna gene, designated by the letter v at the V locus in rabbit color genetics.

Every domestic rabbit carries two alleles at the V locus. A rabbit with two dominant alleles — written VV — develops normal coat color and eye color. A rabbit with one dominant and one recessive allele — written Vv — is called a Vienna carrier or, if its markings are visible, a Vienna marked (VM) rabbit. A Vienna carrier may look entirely normal or may show subtle signs, including white spots, white toenails, a white blaze on the face, or — notably — blue or partly blue eyes on an otherwise colored rabbit.

A rabbit with two recessive alleles — written vv — is the blue-eyed white. The vv genotype causes the Vienna gene to suppress all melanin distribution from the melanocytes that originate in the neural crest — the cell population responsible for most coat and iris pigmentation. Melanin from melanocytes with non-neural-crest origins is not affected, and this residual pigment is what produces the blue eye effect rather than the pink eyes seen in true albinos.

This mechanism is confirmed in peer-reviewed genetics research. According to a study published in Rabbit Genetics (Petrescu-Mag et al., 2019), the Vienna allele at the V locus, in homozygous form (vv), restricts neural-crest-derived melanin while preserving epithelial melanin, producing the characteristic blue iris of the BEW rabbit.

The practical consequence for breeders: To produce a BEW kit, both parents must carry at least one copy of the Vienna gene. Two Vienna carriers (Vv × Vv) produce BEW kits approximately 25% of the time, Vienna carriers or marked rabbits 50% of the time, and non-carrier colored rabbits 25% of the time. Breeding a BEW to a Vienna carrier (vv × Vv) yields BEW kits approximately 50% of the time. Breeding two BEW rabbits (vv × vv) always produces BEW offspring.

The Vienna gene does not appear spontaneously in a breeding line. If there is no documented history of the Vienna gene in a rabbit’s pedigree, that rabbit cannot produce a true BEW kit regardless of its coat color.

Ermine vs. BEW: A Confusion Worth Clearing Up

A common mistake among new rabbit owners and even some breeders is to confuse the BEW with the ermine color. Ermine rabbits have a white or near-white coat and eyes that appear pale blue, particularly in young rabbits.

The key differences are consistent. A true BEW has vivid, clear, sky-blue eyes with no gray, brown, or muted tone — the color is strong and obvious. An ermine’s eyes are blue-gray, often with brown flecks, and frequently darken to gray or brown as the rabbit matures. Ermine rabbits almost always have at least a few darker hairs visible on the nose, face, or ear lacing. Their eye color results from entirely different genetics and is not related to the Vienna gene. If a rabbit presented as BEW has eyes that are not clear, vivid blue, or has any dark hairs on the face, it is most likely ermine rather than a true BEW.

Breeds That Carry the BEW Trait

The Vienna gene must be deliberately introduced into a breeding line. It does not develop on its own. As a result, BEW individuals occur only in breeds where breeders have specifically worked to establish Vienna gene lines.

Angora breeds

BEW English Angoras exist but are extremely rare in the United States. The line was developed by crossing BEW Netherland Dwarf bucks with Ruby-Eyed White English Angora does, then selectively breeding back into English Angora lines over multiple generations to restore proper coat, furnishings, and body type. BEW French Angoras have also been successfully developed using BEW Beveran crosses. BEW Satin Angoras and BEW German or Giant Angoras exist in small numbers from dedicated breeders. The BEW color is an allowable variety for showing in English Angoras under ARBA rules.

For a full guide to the Angora breeds and their characteristics, see our Types of Angora Rabbits guide.

Other breeds

The Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Mini Rex, Lionhead, and Polish rabbit are the breeds most commonly associated with BEW lines in the United States. The Beveren breed — a larger, less common breed — has historically been used as a Vienna gene source in BEW breeding programs for other breeds due to its established and well-developed BEW lines.

Physical Characteristics

A blue-eyed white rabbit’s most immediately striking feature is its eyes. The color is a vivid, clear blue — described consistently by breeders as sky blue or ice blue. The intensity does not fade with age. A true BEW maintains clear blue eyes throughout its life, which is one of the ways it can be distinguished from the ermine, whose pale eye color typically darkens.

The coat is pure white with no yellow tint, gray undertone, or stray colored hairs on the body. Any colored hairs on the face — particularly on the nose — or any off-white tones in the coat suggest the rabbit may be ermine rather than a true BEW.

In Angora BEW rabbits, the wool coat, furnishings, body type, and ear structure are determined by the underlying breed, not by the Vienna gene. A BEW English Angora has the same characteristic full-body wool coverage and compact body type as any other English Angora. The Vienna gene affects only color and eye pigmentation, not coat structure or conformation.

Temperament and Personality

The temperament of a blue-eyed white rabbit is determined by its breed and its individual socialization history — not by its eye color or the Vienna gene. A BEW English Angora has the same gentle, calm temperament associated with the English Angora breed. A BEW Holland Lop has the friendly, relaxed personality typical of the Holland Lop.

Across breeds, BEW rabbits raised with consistent handling and appropriate socialization from a young age are typically gentle, curious, and affectionate. They form bonds with their owners and respond well to calm, predictable handling. Like all rabbits, they dislike being startled, prefer to have their feet supported when held, and show affection through proximity, grooming behaviors, and binkying rather than overt physical interaction.

Health Considerations Specific to BEW Rabbits

The Vienna gene does carry some health implications that prospective owners should understand clearly.

Light sensitivity

The reduced melanin in the iris of a BEW rabbit means its eyes have less natural protection from bright light. BEW rabbits may squint or show discomfort in bright sunlight or intense artificial lighting. Housing them away from direct sunlight and providing shaded resting areas is important. This does not prevent outdoor time, but it does require thoughtful environmental management.

Potential hearing concerns

Research published in Rabbit Genetics (Petrescu-Mag et al., 2019) notes that the Vienna gene’s restriction of neural-crest-derived melanin — the same mechanism that produces the white coat and blue eyes — can affect the melanocytes of the inner ear, which play a role in auditory function. Some BEW rabbits, particularly those from poorly managed breeding lines involving heavy inbreeding or repeated BEW-to-BEW pairings without genetic diversity, may experience partial or full deafness in one or both ears.

It is important to note that this risk exists on a spectrum and is closely associated with breeding practices. Well-managed BEW breeding programs that maintain genetic diversity and avoid repeated BEW-to-BEW pairings significantly reduce this risk. Many BEW rabbits have entirely normal hearing. If you acquire a BEW rabbit, have a veterinarian assess its hearing response as part of an initial health evaluation.

Deaf rabbits can live full, healthy, and happy lives. They rely more heavily on sight and vibration for environmental awareness. Owners of deaf BEW rabbits should approach from the front rather than from behind to avoid startling the animal, and should create a consistent, predictable environment to reduce stress.

Eye irritation and care

BEW rabbits, like all rabbits, can develop eye discharge or irritation. Their lighter eye pigmentation may make early signs of eye issues more noticeable, which is actually an advantage for early detection. Keep the eye area clear of debris, particularly in Angora BEW rabbits, where facial wool can make contact with the eye surface. Trim the facial wool regularly and monitor for any cloudiness, persistent discharge, or redness. Any eye concern that does not resolve within 24 hours warrants a veterinary assessment.

Sun exposure and skin

White-coated rabbits of any variety have less melanin in their skin, making them more susceptible to sunburn with extended direct sun exposure. Provide shade at all times for outdoor housing, and limit direct sun exposure during peak hours — typically 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For general rabbit health guidance, see our Angora Rabbit Health article. For any health concern relating to your specific rabbit, consult a licensed veterinarian. See our disclaimer for the limits of the information we provide.

The House Rabbit Society maintains a state-by-state directory of rabbit-savvy veterinarians across the United States.

Care Requirements

A BEW rabbit’s care requirements are determined by its breed, not by its eye color. A BEW English Angora requires the same care as any other English Angora — regular grooming two to three times per week, unlimited timothy hay, appropriate pellets, a diet free from excessive sugars, and a clean, well-ventilated enclosure with daily free-roam time.

For Angora BEW rabbits specifically, the following care priorities apply:

Grooming: The long wool coat requires consistent attention to prevent matting and reduce the risk of wool block. The full grooming protocol for Angora rabbits is covered in detail in our Angora Rabbit Care Guide.

Eye area maintenance: Keep wool trimmed away from the eye area on English Angoras. Wool that contacts the eyeball causes irritation and can lead to infection.

Environmental lighting: Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight or under bright artificial lighting. A well-lit but not overly bright indoor environment is ideal.

Veterinary check: Schedule a baseline veterinary examination shortly after acquiring any BEW rabbit. Have the vet assess hearing, vision, and general health as part of the initial evaluation.

Diet: Follow the standard Angora rabbit diet — unlimited timothy hay as the foundation, supplemented with high-protein pellets (17% minimum for Angora breeds in full coat), fresh leafy greens introduced gradually, and unlimited fresh water at all times.

Finding a Blue-Eyed White Rabbit in the United States

Genuine BEW rabbits are rare. The Vienna gene must be deliberately maintained in a breeding program over multiple generations, which means the number of breeders working with BEW lines at any given time is small.

The most reliable sources for BEW rabbits in the United States are:

ARBA-registered breeders with documented BEW lines. The American Rabbit Breeders Association maintains a breeder directory at arba.net. Search for breeders working with the specific breed you are interested in and ask directly whether they maintain BEW lines.

ARBA-sanctioned shows: BEW rabbits from active breeding programs occasionally appear at shows. Attending a show is an excellent way to meet breeders, see animals in person, and verify the quality of a breeding program before committing to a purchase.

Specialty rabbit clubs: Breed-specific clubs affiliated with the ARBA — such as the National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club — are good networks for finding breeders working with rare color varieties.

Rabbit rescues and shelters: BEW rabbits occasionally appear in rescue. Always ask about the rabbit’s history, health status, and whether any hearing or vision assessment has been performed.

When evaluating any BEW rabbit for purchase or adoption, confirm the eye color is clear, vivid blue with no gray or brown tones. Ask for pedigree documentation showing the Vienna gene history on both sides. Request a health record. For more detailed guidance on the buying process, see our Where to Buy an Angora Rabbit guide and our How Much Are Angora Rabbits article for the current pricing context.

Is a Blue-Eyed White Rabbit Right for You?

A BEW rabbit is the right choice for owners who understand and are prepared for the following:

The animal’s rarity means it will likely cost more than a standard colored rabbit of the same breed. Pet-quality BEW rabbits typically range from $75 to $200 or more, depending on breed and the breeder’s program. Show-quality BEW rabbits from established lines command significantly higher prices.

The animal requires the same level of care as any rabbit of its breed, which, in the case of Angora BEW rabbits, means a significant commitment to regular grooming and diet management.

The animal may have hearing differences that require adjusted handling practices. This is not a reason to avoid a BEW rabbit, but it is something to understand and plan for before bringing one home.

The animal’s distinctive appearance should not be the primary reason for choosing it. A BEW rabbit is not a novelty item. It is a living animal with the same needs, temperament, and lifespan as any other rabbit of its breed — typically 7 to 12 years with proper care.

Frequently Asked Questions

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have a health concern about your rabbit, consult a licensed veterinarian. See our disclaimer for full details.