The Alaska Rabbit is a gentle, outgoing commercial rabbit breed. The Alaska Rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit breed that can live with older children and other animals. The Alaska Rabbit, despite its name, was bred in Germany to reproduce the plush fur of the Alaskan Fox.
It was a failure and the Alaska Rabbit now has a black, dense coat with black guard hairs, instead of the white desired. Despite these shortcomings, the Alaska Rabbit was beloved for its sweet temperament and beautiful appearance.
Quick facts about the Alaska Rabbit
| Species Name: | Alaska Rabbit |
| Family: | Leporidae |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Engaging and loving |
| Color Form: | Black |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 Years |
| Size: | Medium |
| Diet: | Hay, pellets, vegetables |
| Minimum Hutch Size: | 6′ x 3′ x 4′ x 5ft |
| Hutch Installation: | Hutch, run. Bedding, bowls, toys. |
| Compatibility: | Friendly and easy to deal with |
Alaska Rabbit Overview
The Alaska Rabbit is not from Alaska, despite its name. Max Gotha, a German judge of rabbits, attempted to replicate the Alaskan Fox’s pelt: long, white guard hairs and black fur. To achieve this, Gotha combined the Champagne d’Argent and Dutch, Havana, and Himalayan breeds of rabbit to create a mix. The Alaska Rabbit achieved this goal despite his intentions. It has a black pelt and short black guard hairs. Even though this was not what Gotha wanted, Gotha saw the beauty in the breed and decided to keep it the way it was. This breed would be used to breed the Black Rex Rabbit.
Gotha displayed the Alaskan breed at a rabbit show in the early 20th century because of its beauty. It became a very popular domestic breed, and Gotha brought it to Canada as well as the USA. In the 1970s, it was officially recognized as a breed.
The Black Havana Rabbit was responsible for removing the Alaska Rabbit from the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s (ARBA) registry in the 1980s. Breeders are trying to get it back recognized by ARBA. The Alaska Rabbit is also recognized by the British Rabbit Council and other rabbit organizations.
These are the reasons why this breed was popular at first. It has a gorgeous black coat and is a friendly, easy-going, and lively rabbit. It can live with other animals.
What is the Cost of Alaska Rabbits?
Despite their black coat, the Alaska Rabbit has been disregarded by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. However, they make excellent pets and can be purchased for between $20 and $50.
Local shelters may have examples of the Alaska Rabbit. You can expect to pay $10-50 for adoption.
You will need to pay for the initial setup and hutch, in addition to the cost of purchasing or adopting the rabbit. For the first week, you will need food, bowls, bedding, and toys. The setup costs at least $300, less if you have the required items.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
The Alaska Rabbit is friendly, outgoing, and social. The Alaska Rabbit can be kept with other rabbits and will tolerate them. However, you shouldn’t keep the same sexes in the same hutch unless you plan to breed them. You should not attempt to breed this breed if your time is limited. They love spending time with their owners.
Appearance and Varieties
The Alaska Rabbit has a commercial body type and is a very well-rounded breed. The Alaska Rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit, but it has a strong body and a thickset body. They should be able to sit straightened despite having shorter ears than other breeds.
The coat is the most distinctive feature of the Alaska Rabbit. Original breeders wanted a rabbit with a dark coat and a white undercoat. They ended up with a pure-black breed that had black guard hairs and over hairs. However, the popularity of this design and its beauty led them to keep it.
All parts of the breed must be black. It may have some stray white hairs but not a lot. There should also not be many white spots, stripes or other markings.
How to Care for Alaska Rabbits
You can keep the Alaska Rabbit indoors or outside. If you keep him outdoors, make sure to provide warmth as well as safety. If you keep the rabbit indoors, make sure that he has a safe environment where he can thrive.
Hutch
You will need ample hutch space, indoors and out, for your Alaskan Rabbit. This means that the hutch should be at least 6 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet. This allows the rabbit to stretch out, move and turn freely. Your pet rabbit will be happier if you have more space.
Inside the Hutch
You will need to create a separate sleeping space within the hutch. You will need to provide bedding for the entire hutch. This is basically the substrate that is laid on the floor. It protects your rabbit’s feet when he runs and gives him some space to dig. The bedding is typically made of sawdust and should be approximately 6 inches in depth. To avoid having to replace the entire bedding, you can clean it and place a litter tray in the areas where your rabbit uses them. You will eventually train your rabbit to use the tray to poop and leave the bedding clean.
A straw will be a good option as a blanket. You will need to provide enough straw to allow the rabbit to arrange its belongings.
You can offer a food bowl as well as a water bottle or bowl. A water bowl is preferable because it closely resembles how your rabbit would drink water in nature.
Are Alaska Rabbits compatible with other pets?
Rabbits can be social animals and enjoy being around other rabbits. You should ensure that the different genders are separated, otherwise, you might quickly get overwhelmed by kits.
Some hunting animals may consider rabbits their natural prey. These could include larger terriers. Even cats might be tempted to chase after rabbits, especially if they are moving quickly. It is possible to bring an Alaska Rabbit into your household, but it is best to do so slowly and carefully to avoid any accidents.
How to feed your Alaska Rabbit
A diet of 70% hay is required for the Alaska Rabbit. It should be high-quality hay. This will provide your rabbit with the fiber and calories they need, as well as good dental hygiene. Pellets will make up the remainder of the rabbit’s food. These pellets are made from hay and contain additional vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that are not available in domestic rabbits’ diets. Along with occasional treats, you can also feed your rabbit leafy green vegetables.
Keeping Your Alaska Rabbit Healthy
Although the breed isn’t known to have any breed-specific diseases or conditions, it should be protected from common rabbit ailments. Vaccine against VHD, and myxomatosis, and treat your rabbit for worms, fleas, and other parasites.
Keep an eye on your rabbit’s oral health. Throughout their lives, rabbits’ teeth will continue to grow. You will need to grind their teeth down if they don’t naturally do so. When they gnaw on leafy vegetables and hay, rabbits grind their teeth.
Breeding
You must ensure that you have enough space and the ability to house any kittens you breed before you start breeding rabbits. There are many unwanted rabbits. They don’t fetch much money and are unlikely to make a profit. While a rabbit can have up to 14 kittens per litter, the average litter size for a rabbit is 7. Rabbits can also breed at very young ages.
Are Alaska Rabbits Suitable For You?
The Alaska Rabbit is friendly, outgoing, and social. The Alaska Rabbit has a gorgeous black coat and is considered a large rabbit breed. It will enjoy spending time with its owner, as well as getting along with other rabbits, and possibly even other animals in the home. Although the ARBA does not recognize the breed, they make a great pet and are a welcome addition to any home.
Are Alaska rabbits suitable as pets?
Alaska rabbits are recognized for being calm and gentle creatures. They are not aggressive and have an outgoing demeanor, making them an excellent choice for a family looking for a pet rabbit. These creatures are friendly and kind, and they will love spending time with you.
What kind of rabbit is the friendliest?
With this in mind, the following are the friendliest rabbit breeds that are suitable for every home: Rabbit Harlequin. Rabbit Rex. Wooly Jersey Rabbit. The Dutch Rabbit. Miniature Lop Rabbit. Chinchilla Rabbit is a kind of rabbit. Rabbit from Poland. Rabbit with a Lion’s Head.
What is the most sluggish rabbit?
English Lops are well-known for their laid-back and amiable demeanor being one of the earliest domesticated rabbit breeds. In fact, some rabbits are so laid-back that seasoned bunny keepers consider them lazy.
Is it OK to snuggle a rabbit?
Bunnies are extremely soft, and many will enjoy snuggling with you just as much as you like cuddling with them. When a rabbit feels at ease in their new environment, it may claim you as its own by rubbing its chin on you to indicate its territory. They may even groom you with small bunny licks to demonstrate their affection!
Are rabbits envious of humans?
No matter how many bunnies you have in your home, they must be treated as members of the family. If your rabbit does not feel valued, it will get envious. Jealous of your partner, spouse, or children. Rabbits want attention and will act out if they do not get it
What do Alaska rabbits consume?
Their range extends from western and southern Alaska to the Alaska Peninsula. They are herbivores that eat a variety of leaves and fruits. They forage largely during dawn and night. In the summer, Alaskan hares eat green vegetation, while in the winter, they eat bark and twigs.
What can’t rabbits eat?
Cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, maize, beans, peas, bread, biscuits, sweets, sugar, morning cereals, chocolate, or other garden plants that are poisonous to rabbits should not be fed
What foods do rabbits enjoy?
Bunnies, like humans, like a nice dinner. A balanced diet of hay, veggies, pellets, and freshwater will keep your rabbit healthy and happy.
What is a rabbit’s favorite food?
Radishes with their green tips, bell peppers, leafy greens (basil, cilantro, romaine, frisee, watercress, dandelion greens), pumpkin, and other vegetables are among their favorites. Check out The House Rabbit Society’s rabbit food suggestions on their website for additional information
What kinds of rabbits may be found in Alaska?
The snowshoe hare is well-known across Alaska, and many people love hunting them. Residents of western and southern Alaska, on the other hand, may be familiar with the Alaska hare (Lepus othus), sometimes known as the arctic hare, tundra hare, or jackrabbit.