CHESTNUT AGOUTI. This color is called Castor in Rex and Copper in Satins. It can be impacted by a number of modifiers which can make the intermediate band take on a rich red hue (desirable) or a more tan/buckskin shade (not as desirable). In this color the width of the intermediate band can change the color quickly. If it is too wide the rabbit looks very reddish if it is to narrow the rabbit looks grayish/black.

excellent rufus color

holding the coat open
to show ring

RING COLOR. In all colors of the Agouti the width
of the bands of color on each hair shaft is very important.
The width of the intermediate band impacts the other shade of the color. The width of the surface band and ticking can block out the undercolor colors or fail to give the desired ticked look to the surface color. Even the
width of the undercolor band can muddy up the color if
itis too wide. The best way to see the band color is to gently blow in to the coat along the top and sides. You
can also take one or two fingers and gently rake open
the fur of the coat.

Blowing into the coat
to show ring

EYE RINGS. The bands of lighter color that surrounds each eye on an Agouti or Tan Pattern rabbit. You may notice that eye bands on Lionheads tend to be very bold and pronounced compared to what we are used to seeing here in the USA. Some Agoutis look like they are wearing spectacles. On the other hand I have seen a number of Otters and Agoutis where the eye bands seem to be missing entirely, these effects are caused by some sort of modifiers not commonly seen in this country

showing darker wool color

Darkening of color in wooled areas, The Lionhead Standard has in a section asking the judges to remember that color and ring in the wool sections of the coat will have a more defused color. It addition you will find that on Agoutis this area will often appear darker most likely due to the widening of the bands and lose of distinct surface ticking in the wooled sections of the coat. Ideally on seniors this would only be in the area of the mane giving them a striking apperance On juniors often any part of the body that carries wool - the flanks, lower rump, mane, triangle, cheeks - are a deeper color as well.

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