| Size: | Standard |
| Weight: | 10-12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 5-9 Years |
| Type of body: | Commercial |
| Temperament: | Easy-going, good-natured |
| The Best for: | For families with older children, consider homes with outdoor play areas for their family. |
| Similar Breeds | Himalayan, Cinnamon, New Zealand, Standard Chinchilla |
We finally get one rabbit named after its home, out of all the rabbits with names that don’t actually refer to where they came from (New Zealand, Himalayan, and Polish are just a few examples). The Californian is a true California rabbit breed. It was originally developed as a fur- and meat-producing rabbit in the 1920s U.S.
It has been a beloved house pet and occasional show rabbit since then. It doesn’t matter what the breeder intended, but one thing is certain: Californians are loved for their friendly, easygoing nature.
This article will cover the history and origins of the Californian rabbit, and provide you with useful tips and hints if you are considering bringing one into the home.
The History and Origins of the Californian Rabbit Breed
In 1923, the first Californian-bred rabbits were born in Lynnwood, California. George S. West, a New Zealand rabbit breeder who has been around for a while, wanted to create a rabbit that didn’t have the “wooly” characteristics that were so prevalent in his New Zealand White litter.
These wooly rabbits would not be as expensive on the market because they were often made from rabbit fur. West experimented with Standard Chinchilla and Himalayan rabbits to find the right rabbit for him: The Californian.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognized the Californian as an early breed in 1939. It became a popular choice for meat, fur, and as a pet or show animal. The Californian is a respected breed that has been adopted all over the United States.
General Description
Although the Californian is more than twice as large as the Himalayan, it still has the same characteristics: A white coat with dark markings on the ears, nose, feet, and tail.
Californians were originally intended to be meat and fur rabbits. They are plump and stocky with dense, thick fur. They are uncommonly strong and well-muscled for their size, making them one of the strongest breeds.
Nutrition and Health
The Californian is a tough and adaptable breed. To stay healthy, it needs little more than timothyhay and filtered drinking water. This, along with daily exercise and plenty of kibbles, will ensure that your Californian dog is in great physical condition for many years to come.
Grooming
Californians have dense and plush coats that may need more brushing than other domestic breeds. They should be brushed twice per week to maintain their best coat. You’ll need to brush them three times per week during the spring shedding season.
Temperament
The Californian is gentle, kind, and easygoing and is an excellent friend for both humans and animals. Although they make great house pets, it is worth noting that they love to spend time outside. You can help them be happy and healthy by allowing them to explore the outdoors at least once a day.
Last Thoughts on California’s Rabbit Breed
Many times, breeds of rabbits intended for meat and fur end up becoming the most affectionate, loving pets. The Californian is no exception. We highly recommend them for pets because of their unique colors and sweet temperaments.
What breeds are used to create a Californian rabbit?
After five years of breeding, he finally produced a small, chinchilla-colored male by crossing standard Chinchilla rabbits with Himalayan white rabbits. He then crossed this male with some New Zealand white rabbits to increase its size, giving birth to the Californian.
Is it true that all Californian rabbits have red eyes?
The Himalayan, Florida White and Californian are the three recognized rabbit breeds that are albino and always have red eyes.
What is the tiniest rabbit breed?
The Netherland Dwarf is the tiniest domestic rabbit. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) permits a weight range of 1.1″3.5 kg (2.4″7.7 lb), although the British Rabbit Council allows a maximum of 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) (BRC).
What exactly is a Class 6 rabbit?
Rabbits under 6 months are classified as juniors, while rabbits over 6 months are classified as seniors.
Why do Californian rabbits change color?
Just as a rabbit’s fur lightens during the winter, it darkens during the summer. This is due to the melanin in their body reacting to sunshine. A rabbit will shed a substantial amount of fur during its summer molt.
What is an F1 Cali rabbit?
F1 denotes breeding a purebred to another breed. The F1 specimen must have the basic manifestation of the intended breed.
Are California rabbits good pets?
The Californian rabbit is a beautiful breed of rabbit that’s highly versatile. Not only does this white rabbit make a great pet, but it’s also a popular show rabbit, too. These rabbits can be somewhat shy, but when given time to get to know their owners, they can be highly friendly, and ideal as pets.
Do California rabbits bite?
Californians don’t have a high tendency to bite or nip, but it’s worth noting that any rabbit may do so if stressed or afraid. For this reason, it’s important to handle your pet bunny in a way that keeps them feeling safe. Be gentle, and supervise children when petting or playing with the rabbit.
What colors can rabbits breed together?
A rabbit’s fur can consist of two possible pigments dark brown and yellow or else be absent of pigment, meaning the rabbit’s fur will be white. No other combinations are possible, so despite a great variety of rabbit colors and fur patterns, they all result from a combination or lack of these two pigments.
How do you tell if a rabbit is a boy or a girl?
The only sure way to tell if your rabbit is male or female is to examine their genitals. Female rabbits will have a very distinct appearance to their genitals, almost protruding from their body. In female rabbits, there is a v-shaped or mountain-top appearance.