One of the fun things about Netherlands is all the colors that can be shown. Most of those varieties are shown separately and then in their group, with lots of opportunities to earn legs. Finding an assortment of color in the nestbox is much more interesting.
One of the traps a new breeder can fall into is rushing to obtain lots of different colors and then learning that some can't be bred with others. Well, they can of course, but if trying to raise show rabbits, you must follow some color rules or risk too many unshowable colors in the nestbox. They find themselves breeding color instead of type, and might become frustrated when they don't advance as quickly in the show world. A new breeder should research the varieties they are interested in before making any purchases, and it's always best to start small.
See Color Articles for lists of recognized and unrecognized varieties.
Is there good type available in the variety?
Common varieties are usually more established in type. You need only find a good breeder willing to share their better stock. Rarer varieties are generally behind in type as the color itself limits the options for improvement.
Are there enough other breeders/exhibitors to provide decent competition?
It's very hard to earn legs* with a rare variety. The lack of breeding stock and breeders of that variety can make it difficult to progress in type, and they may not be able to compete with other more common and established varieties. On the other side of the coin, the most common varieties can be overwhelming on the show table, and even harder to beat.
* Legs are often the most exciting thing a new breeder/exhibitor can earn. Of course, winning Best of Breed is the goal, but leg wins let a breeder see that they are going in the right direction with their varieties.
Is it a "stand alone" color, or are there other options for mates?
Some varieties simply must be kept to themselves. Outcrossing (breeding to another color) can be done for type improvement but you often go backwards in color. They can add undesirable recessives to another variety and create problems, both for the breeder and anyone they sell to.
Is it a difficult color? (rarity often tells that story)
This is related to the previous question. Some varieties are very difficult to get correct color and breed out color faults or DQs.
Do you want to do well on the table right away?
This can make or break a new breeder. If they go into a show expecting to win, but don't, they can become discouraged. They spent a fortune on rabbits and assume that means they got the best, but as anyone knows, a breeder won't sell their best. If the breeder is at your shows, you probably won't beat them. You should have realistic expectations, and the will to work with the stock you purchased until you can beat the best. Most of the breeders at the top have worked many years to get there. The quickest way to get there is to limit your varieties to the ones with the best type.
Are you willing to put a little time and effort into a variety?
Some varieties aren't difficult and it's just a matter of acquiring the best starter stock. Others require more effort. You many not be able to find superior stock in a rare variety. It can take years to progress in type. Sometimes, you have to start from scratch and create the variety by acquiring stock carrying the necessary color genes. This can take several generations to get all the parts in one litter.
Are unshowable varieties necessary to produce correct color?
Some varieties need an unshowable color to produce correct color and type imrovement. You need extra room for these.
How much are you willing to pay for stock?
The top breeders command top dollar. You might have to go out of your region to obtain them which can involve transport expenses. You can usually find more reasonable prices in your own region, and local breeders might be more willing to help a newby get started without breaking their bank. However, no breeder sells their best, and you probably won't be able to beat them with the rabbits they sold to you. Although it does happen sometimes that a breeder culls so hard they get beat by their own rabbits.
In Part 2, I'll talk about my observations on which varieties are good or not good for beginners.
